Falls are among the leading causes of work-related injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), slips, trips and falls account for 25 percent of all injuries that cause employees to miss time from work, with the most-common injuries including sprains, strains and tears.
If you are in pain after falling at work, what do you need to know? What do you need to do? How can you make sure you start collecting workers’ compensation benefits as soon as possible?
5 Tips for Maximizing Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Fall in Chicago
1. Document the Cause of Your Fall
While you do not need to be able to prove that someone else was at fault for your injury in order to collect benefits, you do need to be able to prove that your injury is work-related. To do this, you should do your best to document the cause of your injury. If you are still going to work, take photos of the location of the accident where you fell (be aware, however, that you should not be working unless you have been cleared by your doctor). If you slipped on a spill or wet floor, keep any stained or damaged clothing items. Write down everything you remember about why you fell, and record the names of any coworkers who witnessed your accident.
2. See Your Own Doctor
In Illinois, you have the right to see your own doctor for treatment of a work-related injury. If you haven’t already, make an appoint to see your doctor as soon as possible. Tell your doctor that you fell at work, explain how you fell, and describe your symptoms with as much detail as possible.
3. Know Your Rights
Illinois has a “no-fault” workers’ compensation system, and the benefits available to injured workers include coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and partial wage replacement. To ensure that you receive the full benefits to which you are legally-entitled, you need to have a clear understanding of your legal rights. To get started, you can read:
- Benefits Available under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act
- What Injured Workers Need to Know About Illinois’ “No-Fault” Workers’ Compensation System
4. Be Prepared to Fight
Workers’ compensation insurance companies routinely deny workers’ claims for benefits. As a result, you need to be prepared to fight for the benefits you deserve. In addition to knowing your rights, this means familiarizing yourself with the claims process, preparing yourself mentally and getting to know an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
5. Seek Professional Help
From the doctor who treats your fall-related injuries to the attorney who helps you file for benefits, you need to make informed decisions about the professionals you choose to help you. Do your research, ask for references and seek a second opinion if you have any doubts about your doctor’s or attorney’s recommendations.
Jackowiak Law Offices | A Chicago Workers’ Compensation Law Firm
Jackowiak Law Offices is a Chicago workers’ compensation law firm that provides aggressive legal representation for injured workers and their families. If you suffered injuries in a fall at work and would like to speak with an attorney about your claim for benefits, we encourage you to call (312) 795-9595 or contact us online for a complimentary initial consultation.