State workers' compensation systems are in place to ensure benefits for employees that have been injured on the job or "in the course of employment." And filing a claim can be difficult to navigate due to the vast number of ways employees can be injured in the workplace.
Many times we think of the common worker's compensation claim as resulting from a slip and fall or machine operation accident on the job, but the truth is that there are many instances where workers' compensation claims arise from self-injury.
Individuals who injure themselves on the job quite often find themselves eligible for workers' compensation benefits. And that is because by and large, from the employee's standpoint, the worker's comp system is a no-fault system. Employees who are partially at fault, whether due to neglect or impairment have found claims granted nationwide.
The only exception to this rule of thumb has been instances where the employee in question participated in a physical altercation on the job or where they were impaired due to substance abuse.
It's very important to note that when dealing with a workers' compensation claim, you take a very common sense approach, however. Many times claimants don't understand the limits of liability in these situations. And sometimes they don't realize just how much latitude there actually is for a workers' compensation claim.
It is also very important when dealing with a work-related injury to consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney like those at Panio Law Offices.
Not only can our attorneys advise on coverage but they can also uncover possible related personal injury claims from product liability to hazardous conditions, often obtaining damages that go well beyond what standard workers' compensation benefits cover.
It's quite a complicated process and one that requires experience and solid understanding of applicable state code to win the variety of damages that are at play in these cases. From future medical expenses to future earnings, a wide array of damages are possible in any given case. And, of course, each case is different and distinct.
Whether filing a claim or negotiating damages, it's important that you make informed decisions that will support the highest available damage award. Panio Law Office attorneys are practiced workers' compensation lawyers that know how to navigate Illinois workers' comp regulations.
If you have any questions about filing a workers' compensation claim or potential related personal injury damages, call us at (708) 928-8680. We can help.