Guidelines on Reporting Workplace Injuries
If you have been injured on the job in Illinois, personal injury lawyers with experience in worker’s compensation cases can help guide you through the legal process. They are skilled in all aspects of reporting the injury and will assist in protecting your rights as stated in the Illinois Workers Compensation Act.
The first step to take after being the victim of a workplace injury is to report it immediately. The law allows more time to do so, yet delays in reporting can increase suspicions. Any suspicion may increase the risk of an employer disputing the case. Generally, you have up to forty five days to report an injury. If the injury was caused by repetitive work activity and not a specific accident, you also have up to forty five days to report the condition from the first day you noticed symptoms. Illinois personal injury lawyers stress that any delay in reporting an injury can result in a loss of all benefits.
Notify a person in position of authority if you have been injured. Possible examples include a supervisor, foreman, safety director, dispatcher, owner, personnel director, company nurse, plan physician, corporate officer, or any member of management. You are allowed by law to give oral notice; however, filling out a written accident report will give you an advantage. You do not want to allow the possibility of your employer denying that you gave oral notice.
Your written notice should include the date and place of the accident, your full name, telephone number, address, Social Security Number, birthday and a description of the incident. It is extremely important to request a copy of your written notice when it is completed and submitted. Keep a file of every communication regarding your injury. This includes the dates and names of any insurance company, case manager or claims adjuster.
If you live in or around the area of Chicago, personal injury attorneys with experience in worker’s compensation cases are available to protect your rights if you have been injured on the job.
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