I got hurt at work! What do I do?


| Jim Coogan

If you have experienced an injury at work, you are going through a difficult time.  The first questions are about medical coverage.  Your employer is obligated under Illinois Law to pay for your work-related medical expenses (including emergency treatment, vocational evaluation, doctors, medicine, hospital stays, surgery expenses, etc.).  However, the question quickly shifts to: what about my paychecks if I miss work?

This is a serious question.  We all have bills to pay.  The vast majority of Americans rely upon that weekly or monthly check to be able to pay the rent, the mortgage, the car payment, and for groceries and food.  Any delay in these payments can adversely affect your family.  We understand that.  And the answer to “what do I do?” is that you should promptly report the injury to your employer.  Promptly ask for medical treatment.  Follow up with your doctors and follow their instructions.  Get and keep copies of accident reports, medical reports, off-work slips and any other papers you get.

The next step is to reach out to an experienced attorney who can discuss your rights under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act and advise you about your claim.  Your employer has insurance for work injuries (they are required to have it, by law).  That means that they have enormous resources at their disposal to investigate and evaluate your claim: including insurance professionals and attorneys experienced with defending work injury cases.  You deserve to have your rights protected by an attorney with experience with the law and the rules of the IWCC.  Do your best to retain all the paperwork that you can and give us a call as soon as you are able so that we can talk about taking the next steps.

If you have experienced an injury at work, you are going through a difficult time.  The first questions are about medical coverage.  Your employer is obligated under Illinois Law to pay for your work-related medical expenses (including emergency treatment, vocational evaluation, doctors, medicine, hospital stays, surgery expenses, etc.).  However, the question quickly shifts to: what about my paychecks if I miss work?

This is a serious question.  We all have bills to pay.  The vast majority of Americans rely upon that weekly or monthly check to be able to pay the rent, the mortgage, the car payment, and for groceries and food.  Any delay in these payments can adversely affect your family.  We understand that.  And the answer to “what do I do?” is that you should promptly report the injury to your employer.  Promptly ask for medical treatment.  Follow up with your doctors and follow their instructions.  Get and keep copies of accident reports, medical reports, off-work slips and any other papers you get.

The next step is to reach out to an experienced attorney who can discuss your rights under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act and advise you about your claim.  Your employer has insurance for work injuries (they are required to have it, by law).  That means that they have enormous resources at their disposal to investigate and evaluate your claim: including insurance professionals and attorneys experienced with defending work injury cases.  You deserve to have your rights protected by an attorney with experience with the law and the rules of the IWCC.  Do your best to retain all the paperwork that you can and give us a call as soon as you are able so that we can talk about taking the next steps.

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    Life has many surprises, some of which are not pleasant and many time almost tragic. My 95 year-old Mother and I were involved in a very serious car accident, in which my car was totaled. We were ambulanced to the hospital in serious condition. Life also presents us with many important decisions, which could be life altering. I contacted Jim Coogan…

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  • Exceptionally Professional

    Life has many surprises, some of which are not pleasant and many time almost tragic. My 95 year-old Mother and I were involved in a very serious car accident, in which my car was totaled. We were ambulanced to the hospital in serious condition. Life also presents us with many important decisions, which could be life altering. I contacted Jim Coogan…

    Geraldine
  • Exceptionally Professional

    Life has many surprises, some of which are not pleasant and many time almost tragic. My 95 year-old Mother and I were involved in a very serious car accident, in which my car was totaled. We were ambulanced to the hospital in serious condition. Life also presents us with many important decisions, which could be life altering. I contacted Jim Coogan…

    Geraldine
Southwest Suburban Office
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