Skip to main content

Professional Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Belleville

Our seasoned attorneys have years of experience representing clients for workers’ comp claims in Illinois and Missouri. The majority of employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp is a “no-fault” system that allows employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses to collect benefits, regardless of who is at fault. 

If you get hurt at work, you can get the medical care you need to recover, plus an amount to compensate you for the effects of the injury. Benefits can only be collected through a workers’ comp claim, not by filing a civil lawsuit against your employer. If a third party’s negligence has contributed to your injury, our workers’ compensation lawyers can help you find an avenue to recovery.

Contact Us

The workers’ compensation process can be complex and confusing for the average employee. They often run into roadblocks that cause needless delays and unfair denials of their claim. At law firms such as Nelson & Nelson, we understand the struggles of navigating the complexities of the workers’ comp system. 

Our skilled attorneys fight hard to ensure you gain access to the benefits you are entitled to. Over the past four decades, we have represented thousands of individuals and established 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

A workers’ compensation claim is based mainly 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, an expert workers’ compensation attorney 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. 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.

WC mobile

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

It is important to note that 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.

WC 2Mobile

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.

Speak with a Skilled Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Illinois and Missouri 

Workers’ comp laws are complicated, and injured employees are routinely denied benefits. At Nelson & Nelson, we put our extensively experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, Il, to work for a smooth and seamless process. If you have been injured on the job and think you have a personal injury case, we can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and receive the benefits you need and deserve. Contact us at (618) 277 5000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

WC 5 mobile

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.

April 21, 2022 in Case Wins, David Nelson, Worker's Compensation

Illinois injured worker obtains $1.25M settlement from third party suit

An electrical lineman was working out of state when an employee of a different company used a track hoe to relocate a large power pole, striking Dave’s client with the…
Read More
October 31, 2019 in Case Wins, Worker's Compensation

Nelson & Nelson Earns $125,000 Workers’ Comp Settlement

In March 2019, Nelson & Nelson partner Nathan Lanter negotiated a settlement for 50 times the amount the client was offered before she hired Lanter to represent her.  When Mr.…
Read More
logo bright red