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Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Belleville, IL

If you’ve been injured at work, it’s essential to understand your rights and options for recovery. Most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, which allows injured employees to access necessary medical care and compensation. Benefits can only be collected through a workers’ compensation claim, not by filing a civil lawsuit against your employer. 

If a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Belleville, IL, will help you explore additional avenues for recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.

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What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation insurance provides financial assistance and medical benefits to employees injured or ill at work. This system supports workers during recovery and protects employers from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

Workers’ compensation covers a range of benefits, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers medical treatments for work-related injuries, including hospital visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
  • Wage Replacement: Provides a percentage of salary to employees unable to work due to injury or illness.
  • Disability Benefits: Offers financial support for individuals with permanent disabilities to cover ongoing medical needs.
  • Death Benefits: Provides financial assistance to dependents of employees who die from work-related incidents.

Workers’ compensation plays a vital role in promoting workplace safety and providing essential support to both employees and employers.

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Process

The workers’ compensation process can be complex and confusing for the average employee. They often encounter roadblocks that cause needless delays and unfair denials of their claims. We understand the struggles of navigating the workers’ compensation system.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Belleville, Illinois, fight to get you the benefits you deserve. For over four decades, we have represented thousands of individuals. Our Belleville law firm has built a successful track record in even the most challenging cases.

Workers' Compensation FAQ

Notable Wins & Settlements

Whatever type of job you have, it is possible to suffer an injury in the workplace. Over the years, we have represented working people from a wide range of industries including:

  • Construction Workers
  • Manufacturing Workers
  • Coal Miners
  • Warehouse Workers
  • Health Care Professionals
  • Heavy Equipment Operators
  • Mechanics
  • Skilled Tradesmen
  • Truck Drivers
  • Office Workers

Contact UsSome of the most common injuries suffered at work include:

  • Joint Injuries such as Shoulder, Knee and Hip injuries
  • Neck and Back Injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Repetitive Trauma Injuries
  • Strains and Sprains
  • Broken Bones
  • Loss of Limbs (Amputation)
  • Burns
  • Electrocution
  • Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Benefits Available In Workers’ Comp. Claims

Workers’ compensation claims are based on the average weekly wage for the injured worker in a particular period before the accident. This time can vary by state and the specific circumstances of your case. Each average weekly wage is different and requires a close examination of your pay. 

Sick or injured employees who qualify for workers’ comp benefits can receive compensation for:

  • Necessary medical care
  • Two-thirds of lost wages
  • Training/rehabilitation required to return to work
  • Settlement for permanent injury

What Factors Are Included in Workers’ Compensation Cases?

Because the calculation significantly impacts the value of your case, attorneys must evaluate all factors and forms of compensation. Factors affecting the average weekly wage may include:

  • Duration of Employment
  • Seasonal Employment, such as Construction
  • Unavailability of work
  • Union Agreements and Benefits
  • Overtime
  • Tips & Commissions
  • Bonuses & Incentive pay
  • Vacation Pay
  • Per Diem Benefits

The formula for calculating the average weekly wage can be complicated and fact-intensive. The attorneys at Nelson & Nelson are recognized throughout Illinois for their understanding and knowledge of this formula.

Learn About Average Weekly Wage Calculation Methods

The formula for calculating the average weekly wage can be complicated and fact-intensive. It is essential to have experienced and dedicated attorneys examine all of these facts. Attorneys at Nelson & Nelson are recognized throughout Illinois for their understanding and knowledge in calculating the average weekly wage. 

Robert Nelson recorded the video below for the Illinois State Bar Association. It describes methods of calculating the Average Weekly Wage. Robert Nelson, David Nelson, and Reed Nelson have all authored chapters on Average Weekly Wage for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Common Misconceptions About Workers’ Compensation

Many employees misunderstand workers’ compensation, which can hinder their ability to receive benefits. For example, some believe it’s only for severe injuries, but minor injuries also qualify. Others fear retaliation from employers for filing claims, but laws protect against such discrimination. Remember, workers’ compensation operates under a no-fault system, allowing you to receive benefits regardless of fault.

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Benefits Available in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Sick or injured employees who qualify for workers’ comp benefits can receive compensation for necessary medical care, two-thirds of lost wages, training/rehabilitation necessary to return to work, and compensation for permanent injury. Compensation is based largely on the average weekly wage for for the injured worker in a particular period of time prior to the accident. This period of time can vary by state and by the particular circumstances of your case. Each average weekly wage is different and requires a close examination of the pay you receive. Because this calculation has such an important impact on the value of your case, it is imperative that your attorney evaluates all factors and forms of compensation you earn. Factors regarding average weekly wage include:

  • Duration of Employment
  • Seasonal Employment such as Construction
  • Unavailability of work
  • Union Agreements and Benefits
  • Overtime
  • Commissions
  • Tips
  • Bonuses and Incentive pay
  • Vacation Pay
  • Per Diem Benefits

The formula for calculating average weekly wage can be complicated and fact intensive. There are a great deal of factors to consider. It is very important to have experienced and dedicated attorneys examining all of these facts. Attorneys at Nelson & Nelson are recognized through the entire state of Illinois for their experience and knowledge in calculating average weekly wage. Robert Nelson recorded the video below for the Illinois State Bar Association, describing methods of calculating Average Weekly Wage. Robert Nelson, David Nelson and Reed Nelson have all authored chapters on Average Weekly Wage for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Third-Party Workplace Injuries in Illinois

Not all injuries that occur in the workplace fall under the workers’ compensation system. If your illness or damage resulted from the negligence or recklessness of a third party, not your employer, you may also have a personal injury claim. This situation occurs frequently in the construction industry. 

A typical construction site has workers laboring alongside self-employed subcontractors or workers from a different company. Suppose an accident was the fault of a third-party subcontractor or general contractor rather than your employer. In that case, you may sue for damages under the state’s personal injury laws.

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Third-Party Workplace Injuries in Illinois

It is important to note that not all injuries that occur in the workplace fall under the workers’ compensation system. If your illness or injury was the result of the negligence or recklessness of a third-party that is not your employer, then you may have a personal injury claim as well. This type of situation occurs regularly in the construction industry. For example, at a typical construction site, you have employees working alongside several subcontractors who are employed by someone else or self-employed. If an accident were the fault of a third-party subcontractor or general contractor rather than the actions of you or your employer, then you may be able to sue for damages under the state’s personal injury laws.

Get the Help You Deserve—Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today!

Workers’ compensation laws are complicated, and insurers routinely deny benefits to injured employees. At Nelson & Nelson, our attorneys work diligently to ensure a smooth and seamless process for you.

If you were injured on the job in the states of Illinois and Missouri, we can help. Our Belleville workers’ compensation attorneys can assist you in filing a workers’ compensation claim. Contact us at (618) 277 5000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Speak with a Skilled Illinois and Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ comp laws are complicated, and injured employees are routinely denied benefits. At Nelson & Nelson, we put our extensive experience to work to ensure a smooth and seamless process, getting you the compensation you need and deserve. If you have suffered an injury or illness at work, contact us today at (618) 277 5000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

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