Advice for injured workers can be misguided, inaccurate

 Posted on January 13,2015 in Firm News

If you have suffered an on-the-job injury, chances are that you are getting a lot advice and suggestions for what to do next from co-workers, family members or even employers. However, unless the person giving you advice is a medical professional or attorney, you may not be getting the most accurate and helpful information available.

People who suffer work-related injuries can be eligible to pursue workers' compensation in Illinois. However, there are a number of steps that must be taken properly in order for a claim to be successful, and there are times when an injured worker may be misinformed or discouraged from filing a claim. It is for these reasons that workers would be wise to speak directly to an attorney regarding their options for workers' compensation.

Friends and family members may have good intentions when advising you on what to do after an injury, but chances are high that they do not know what the reporting requirements are at your workplace. They also may not understand that medical assessments may have to be completed by specific parties in order to be eligible for workers' compensation.

Other parties including employers may be motivated to keep you from filing a claim and give you advice that minimizes your understanding of your injury and your rights to compensation. A worker may even be given the impression that they could face employment penalties for filing a claim for compensation.

These attempts at advising an injured worker can be misguided, inaccurate and potentially unlawful. Even worse, they can lead to decisions that make it impossible or extremely difficult for a person to ultimately seek compensation.

Rather than juggle all this information that may or may not be accurate or in your best interests, you have the right to speak with an attorney who understands the legal complexities and protections that can come with a workers' compensation claim.

The attorneys at Kanoski Bresney have three decades of experience working with injured workers across central Illinois, and we know how crucial workers' compensation can be if you have been hurt on the job. We can discuss your case with you and help you understand your options and what your next steps might be. For more information on our firm and how you can contact us for a consultation, please visit our website.