Seeking Compensation After a Work-Related Accident

 Posted on March 06, 2023 in Work Injuries

Some U.S. industries are inherently more dangerous than others. For example, individuals who work in the logging, commercial fishing, and construction industries are more likely to suffer work-related harm than many others, simply because their job duties often involve embracing a heightened risk of occupational accidents and injuries.

However, anyone can be hurt while they are on the job. Office workers regularly slip and fall, healthcare professionals get attacked with alarming frequency, and agricultural and factory workers often sustain crush-related harm.

Regardless of the type of accident that impacts an individual worker, it is important for them to understand that they may be entitled to one or more types of compensation as a result of their circumstances. If you have sustained occupational injuries as a result of an accident, you may have been led to believe that filing for workers’ compensation is your only option at this time. Depending on the nature of your circumstances, you may be entitled to far more compensation than the workers’ comp system alone will provide.

Workers’ Compensation May Not Be Your Only Option 

If you are eligible to collect workers’ compensation, that is a great starting point, as you do not have to prove fault to secure these benefits. However, workers’ comp only reimburses workers for limited losses resulting from occupational harm. As a result, it is important to explore your other options after sustaining a work-related injury.

For example, you may be entitled to an insurance payout if you were injured in a work-related motor vehicle accident or in an accident that occurred due to a hazardous condition on another’s property. If your harm is both debilitating and permanent, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Additionally, if your harm resulted from a third party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous conduct, you may be in a strong position to file a personal injury lawsuit. Taking action in civil court may be your most lucrative opportunity, depending on the nature of your injuries and the severity of harm that you have suffered.

Note that you may be able to file a lawsuit against an individual, a business, or even a government agency. The only entity that you likely will not be able to name as a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit is your employer. When employers pay into the workers’ comp system, they benefit from certain protections concerning legal liability in the event that their workers are hurt while they are on the job.

Contact a Skilled Cook County Work Injury Lawyer Today to Learn More

As there are potentially multiple opportunities for you to pursue rightful compensation in the wake of sustaining work-related harm – and many of these opportunities are particularly time sensitive – it is important to connect with an attorney as soon as you can. Working with a lawyer will allow you to benefit from their professional experience, detailed knowledge of the law, and ability to handle the “heavy lifting” of your case on your behalf so that you can focus on healing.

The dedicated team of Cook County, IL personal injury lawyers at Barrington Injury Attorneys understand the time-sensitive nature of claims stemming from work-related harm. As a result, we offer free legal consultations to anyone who is interested in learning more about our services.

To start the process of pursuing rightful compensation, please call us at 224-900-HURT or submit a contact form on our website. Once we understand the details of your circumstances, we will provide you with the personalized professional insight that you will need to make informed decisions about your next steps. We look forward to speaking with you. 

Sources:

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-212.htm

https://www.ishn.com/articles/112748-top-25-most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-united-states