Hurt On the Job in DuPage County? We Can Help
At Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan, our DuPage County work injury lawyers are always prepared to invest time, resources, and personal attention into every case that we take on. Our team knows how disruptive a work-related injury can be for you and your family. You need access to all available financial benefits. Were you or a family member injured while on the job in DuPage County? We can help. Contact our DuPage County work injury attorney today at (312) 583-9500 for a free, no-obligation case review.
Know the Steps to Take After a Job-Related Injury in DuPage County, Illinois
Were you hurt while on the job in DuPage County? You must take immediate action to secure the full and fair work injury benefits you rightfully deserve. A proactive approach can make a difference.
Here are four steps to take after a job accident in DuPage County, Illinois:
- See a Doctor: All work-related injuries should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. You have the right under Illinois law to see a doctor for a work-related injury in DuPage County without cost. If you do not see a doctor, you cannot get workers’ comp benefits.
- Notify Your Employer: Workers’ comp laws in Illinois put responsibilities on both the employer and the employee. One of the primary duties of the employee is to notify their employer of any workplace accident causing injuries promptly. Be sure to do so.
- File for Workers’ Comp Benefits: You should file for workers’ compensation benefits. Filing for benefits requires completing and submitting all of the proper paperwork. Do not wait to get started. File your workers’ comp claim right away.
- Consult With a Lawyer: Work injury claims are notoriously complex. You do not have to take on the challenges of the claims process all alone. A top-tier DuPage County workers’ comp lawyer can review your case, answer questions, and explain what comes next.
You Have the Right to File for Workers’ Comp Benefits
If you were injured while on the job in DuPage County, you have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits. Virtually all employees in Illinois—including part-time workers and seasonal workers—are covered by the workers’ comp system. Here are some key points to know:
- Fault is Not Required to Bring a Claim: Illinois workers’ compensation follows a no-fault system. You do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.
- Medical and Financial Benefits are Available: If you get hurt at work, workers’ comp can help pay for medical costs, temporary total disability (TTD), and permanent partial disability (PPD). Our DuPage County workers’ comp lawyers can help you seek the maximum benefits.
- Reporting of Your Injuries is Required: For workers in DuPage, it is important to report your injury right away. You should tell your employer as soon as possible. Under Illinois law, you generally have 45 days to alert your employer of the incident.
- You Can Work With Your Doctor: Under Illinois law, an employer cannot make an injured worker choose only their preferred doctor. The workers’ comp regulations in our state allow you to select your qualified medical provider for treatment.
- You Have the Right to Appeal a Denial of Workers’ Comp: Sadly, some injured workers in Oak Lawn face difficulty getting the benefits that they are owed. If you get a denial letter or need help with your claim, our DuPage County workers’ comp lawyers are here to help. We are ready to review your case and build a strong, persuasive appeal.
You May Also Have a Third Party Liability Claim
A workers’ compensation claim is the sole remedy that injured workers in DuPage County have against their employer. However, it is not the only remedy that they have against other non-employer third parties. You can bring a personal injury lawsuit—referred to as a third-party liability claim—against any negligent non-employer whose improper actions or inactions contributed to your work-related accident.
Here is a simple example: If you were hurt at work in DuPage County by a piece of defective equipment, you could potentially file a third-party liability claim against the equipment’s manufacturer—and that claim is separate from your workers’ compensation case against your employer. Other parties that may be named as defendants in third-party liability lawsuits include contractors, subcontractors, property owners, truck companies, and motorists.
A third-party liability claim is a fault-based legal case. In contrast to a workers’ comp claim, you are required to prove that the third-party defendant was negligent and that their negligence played a role in causing your accident. If you bring a successful third-party liability claim in DuPage County, you may be able to recover additional compensation beyond your workers’ comp benefits, including any pain and suffering that you endured.
Why Trust the DuPage Work Injury Lawyer at Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan
Hurt on the job in DuPage County? It is normal to have questions about your rights, responsibilities, and legal options. At Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan, we have the experience you can rely on. We take a proactive approach to work accident claims—with a focus on providing personalized representation to clients. Along with other things, our DuPage County work injury lawyer will:
- Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your case
- Investigate your work injury in DuPage County—gathering relevant evidence
- Handle workers’ comp claims paperwork and any settlement discussions
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to help you get the best possible outcome
Contact Our DuPage Work Injury Attorney Today
At Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan, our DuPage County work injury lawyers are standing by, ready to help. Our firm handles workers’ comp claims, workers’ comp appeals, and third-party liability cases.
Contact us today at (312) 583-9500 for your free case review. We represent injured workers throughout DuPage County, including in Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Carol Stream, and West Chicago.
