Every company tries to make safety a priority when it comes to their employees. There can be instances, however, when a worker can be hurt on the job, even with companies taking all available precautions. Whether it’s broken bones, inflammation of a pre-existing condition or illness, or something else, any injury can occur at work.
The good news for employees is that all states have some system to help them deal with work-related injuries. In this article, you can see the rights that employees have plus how a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can help with a potential lawsuit.
What Are A Worker’s Rights in Chicago?
Worker’s compensation laws can serve as a great benefit to an employee, but the details of what it covers differs based on what state you live in. They also cover the types of rights that an injured worker can receive as well as any legal procedures that can be used to verify the rights. Even with the differences between states, all of them carry a number of set rights across the country. These include having the right to:
- File a claim for an injury or illness received on the job in a state industrial or workers compensation court
- Make a visit to a medical facility and receive medical treatment
- Go back to your job if you have clearance to be released to go back to work from your physician
- Collect disability compensation if your injury prevents you from returning to work either permanently or temporarily
- Appeal a decision that was made by a worker’s compensation court, the employer or their insurance company
- Have legal representation during the entirety of the claim process
When it comes to having these rights maintained, the best method for doing so is to notify your employer instantly after the incident has occurred. With most states, there is a requirement for injuries to be reported with a business within a set amount of time, usually the same day or a few days after the accident happened. After this is completed, a claim should be sent to the appropriate court, where the employer and insurance company are all notified of the injury.
In addition, an employee has the right to turn down any specific request or offer received, like an incentive to not file a compensation claim. All states have a law that keeps a business from engaging in harassment or making your job more difficult if the reason for doing so is to get you to not file a claim.
An Employee’s Rights Against Other Parties
If the injury in question took place at work and was because of a third-party, a worker has the right to issue a claim against the party responsible. An example of a third-party can be a delivery truck driver or a company that manufactured a specific piece of equipment that was defective. It should be noted that third-party cases are filed in a civil court instead of a worker’s compensation court. Also, an employee can go for additional personal injury damages that they would not normally get in an average worker’s compensation case.
Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Injury Lawyer
Whenever a worker suffers a work-related injury, they should have knowledge of their rights before they consider a claim. When the time comes to file a suit, having an experienced law firm like the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers can help with every step of the process. We have over 30 years of experience with worker’s compensation and personal injury cases. Get more information today by calling (888) 618-9741 or visit us online