Benefits for Injured Workers
The purpose of workers' compensation is to provide financial compensation and medical care in order to allow injured workers to heal without forcing them into bankruptcy or back to work while still injured. Once treatment is completed, injuries are generally entitled to some measure of permanency compensation. If you have been injured at work, our goal at Cutler & Silverglade is to help you obtain all of the benefits you are entitled to by law. We have been helping injured workers in Indiana and Illinois navigate the complex workers' compensation system for more than 20 years.
The following information reflects workers' compensation benefits generally available in Indiana and Illinois. If you are an injured worker in Illinois, call us for a free initial consultation to learn more about your benefits.
Workers' Compensation Medical Benefits
If you have been injured on the job, you are entitled to free medical care for as long as you are injured. You are also entitled to free prescription medications.
In Indiana, the insurance company has a significant amount of control over who will treat your injury. In Illinois, workers have the choice over their treating doctors. In either State, our lawyers can help you deal with the company doctor to ensure that you receive all of the treatment you need to make the fullest possible recovery. We can help you make the most of the medical treatment you are entitled to receive.
Weekly Wage Benefits
Employers, or the insurance company, often miscalculate weekly disability benefits. We will ensure that you receive all of the weekly benefits that you are entitled to receive. When you are off work after an injury, you are entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If you work a light-duty assignment, you will either be paid your full wage or the insurance company will have to pay two-thirds of the shortfall.
If you are totally disabled and unable to work, workers' compensation may be required to pay two-thirds of your regular pay for the rest of your life, or you can choose to receive a lump sum settlement. Set offs may apply to Social Security disability, so it is very important to discuss these types of claims with one of our lawyers.
Permanent Partial Impairment or Disability and Permanent Total Disability Benefits
When the doctor releases you from care, generally referred to as maximum medical improvement, you are entitled to a financial settlement for any permanent impairment or disability, whether that permanency is partial or total.
Insurance adjusters often undervalue permanent impairment and disability claims, and almost never give consideration to total disability claims unless you are represented by a lawyer. Our lawyers will work to ensure you receive a prompt fair settlement when you have completed all of your medical treatment. We can thoroughly discuss the value of your claim at an appropriate time.
Call Us Now and Get the Help You Need Today
There is no cost to discuss your workers' compensation case with a lawyer at Cutler & Silverglade. We serve injured workers across northern Indiana and Illinois. For your convenience, we offer free telephone consultations with an attorney.
