Work injuries are largely unavoidable if proper precautions and safety measures are taken. However, that does not mean they don’t happen.

In 1919, Illinois established one of the nation’s first workers’ compensation laws to protect injured workers. Due to the rise of the manufacturing industry and subsequently, the rise in worker’s deaths due to unsafe conditions, regulations were needed. While the mandates and regulations have proven to be a significant factor in increased worker safety, errors are still made which can cause injuries and, in some cases, deaths, of workers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in the United States in 2017. The statistics do not lie – workplace injuries are common.

If you, a friend, or family member was injured while working, it is important to contact an Edwardsville workers’ compensation lawyer. Hiring an Edwardsville injury lawyer may seem like one extra step that you may not need, but what happens when you run into legal issues? What if your employer refuses to pay or your workers’ compensation claim is denied and you are unable to recover the wages you lost while recovering from your injury at home instead of on the job? In this case, a lawyer would be able to help you hold your employer accountable for their negligence.

• Any injuries to an employee that occurs on the employer’s property or at an employer’s event in which the employee is not in an inebriated state.
• Any injuries to an employee that occurs on the employer’s property that results from the employer’s faulty equipment.
• Any injuries to an employee that occurs due to exposure to dangerous workplace conditions.
• Any affliction to preexisting conditions.

An employment law attorney can help guide you through the process of what workers’ compensation covers in terms of your specific case.

• Slip and fall
• Falling from an elevated surface such as a ladder
• Severe cuts and lacerations
• Hearing loss
• Skin damage
• Chemical exposure
• Auto accidents while operating a company vehicle
• Malfunctioning machinery
• Construction accidents such as a piece of equipment or building material falling
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Wrongful death

If you have suffered from an injury, it is imperative you contact 911 or go to an emergency room right away. While some injuries may not seem serious, there may be underlying, internal injuries that you don’t know about. It is better to be checked out and realize everything is okay than to let an injury get worse which could cause life-threatening side effects down the road.

Once you have received medical attention, notify your employer of the accident. This is an important step primarily for a future workers’ compensation claim. If you fail to notify your employer of your injuries and the circumstances, it could prevent you from filing a claim and receiving compensation later.

When you are injured in a workplace accident, you would have suffered from a number of damages.

In law, “damages are monetary compensation for loss or injury caused by the wrongful act of another.”

Recovering damages and holding the individual or organization responsible for your injuries are the main goals of a workers’ compensation lawsuit. Typically, you and your lawyer will discuss your case to determine the amount of damages you have suffered which can include, but not limited to:

• Lost wages and earnings
• Unexpected medical costs
• Inability to participate in the workplace
• Long term consequences of the injury
• Loss of quality of life
• Other unforeseen costs

Occasionally, a workers compensation claim may be denied, but that is not the end of the road. An Edwardsville workers’ compensation lawyer can help you with the appeals process. If you are suffering a work injury, you have a right to receive compensation.

With offices in Illinois and Missouri, TorHoerman Law Firm has years of experience and is well-versed in the area of personal injury litigation. While we cannot erase the accident, we can help you move forward with your life by getting you the compensation you deserve.

An experienced Edwardsville workers’ compensation lawyer can answer any questions you may have. Contact our office for a no-obligation, free consultation from our team of workers’ compensation attorneys. You will be able to instantly determine if you qualify for compensation.