If you get hurt on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, which provides benefits for both medical care and a portion of any lost income. To secure these funds, though, you must file a successful claim. The workers’ compensation lawyers from Skinner & Associates, L.L.C., in Galesburg, IL, assist clients in successfully navigating the claims process. To give you a sense of what’s involved, they answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject. 

Common Concerns About Workers’ Comp

How Can I Secure the Benefits I Deserve?

The most effective way to ensure a favorable outcome is to document everything. For example, before leaving the scene of the accident, take photographs of the conditions that contributed to the incident. Doing so will prevent the insurance adjuster from denying your claim by alleging recklessness. Then, take photos of all visible wounds, and start a journal detailing the symptoms of any internal injuries. 

Should I Visit a Doctor If I Feel Fine?

Following a work accident, it is wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel relatively fine, you could have sustained serious injuries that have latent symptoms. Further, adrenaline can mask painful symptoms. If you do not visit a doctor within a reasonable period, the insurance adjuster will have grounds on which to deny the claim. 

Do I Have to Notify My Employer?

To ensure your case has a legitimate paper trail, notify your employer of the injuries in writing as soon as possible. Even if a supervisor was present when the accident occurred, it is essential to submit notification within 45 days of the incident to maintain the right to collect workers’ compensation. Exceptions apply to occupational illnesses that develop over an extended period. Likewise, employers have 90 days to alert their staff if they believe they were exposed to radiation. 

Do I Have to Hire an Attorney?

Even if your employer is helpful and the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic, it is wise to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. An attorney will ensure your rights are not violated during the claims process and will handle the logistics of the case, so you can focus on recovering. 

If you want to file a claim after getting hurt at work, turn to a workers’ compensation lawyer at Skinner & Associates, L.L.C. Based in Galesburg, IL, this personal injury firm helps accident victims recover the funds they need to put their lives back together. Their areas of expertise include slip and falls, motor-vehicle collisions, and fire claims. To discuss your case with a compassionate workers’ compensation lawyer, visit their website or call (309) 343-9964 today.