Illinois Lawyer Referrals and Legal Guidance
Springfield Area Workers’ Compensation Cases
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If you are injured on the job in or around Springfield or Sangamon County, your case will be handled by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. The Commission’s office in Springfield deals with workers injured in Springfield, and workers who are injured elsewhere but work out of Sangamon County. The local hearing site is at 701 South Second Street in Springfield. There is one Arbitrator assigned to hear all work injury claims at this location.
Under Illinois law, you are entitled to benefits for all injuries that happen “out of and in the course of employment.” Basically, if you are hurt while doing something job related, your medical bills will be paid and you can get money to cover some of your lost wages.
Most injuries qualify you for benefits, from a single accident like falling and breaking your leg to a long-term problem such as carpal tunnel from excessive typing. Occupational illnesses, such as disease caused by exposure to chemicals, may be covered as well.
It's important to note that it doesn’t matter who was at fault in your injury. Whether it was your mistake or your employer’s, your benefits are the same. You generally cannot sue your employer for negligence.
In Illinois, the following benefits are available:
- Medical. Your medical bills should be covered 100% as long as they are reasonable and related to your injury.
- Temporary Total Disability. Under these benefits, you get 2/3 of your weekly wage, tax free, while you are temporarily unable to work after an injury. If your doctor approves light duty work but your employer doesn’t have any available, you can get this benefit.
- Permanent Partial Disability. If your injury is permanent, you are entitled to compensation. If you are able to return to some type of work but it pays less, you may be entitled to compensation for this as well.
In Illinois, an employee can choose their doctor for work related injuries. You may go to your regular doctor in Springfield (or wherever is convenient for you), or find a provider you like nearby. It’s up to you. Your employer is not allowed to get involved with choosing who your doctor is. The only exception is that they can request a one-time exam by their doctor, called an Independent Medical Exam (IME).
There are a lot of attorneys who take work-injury cases, but we recommend that you find someone who focuses their practice on these cases. We also recommend finding a lawyer with a track record of success in getting workers their benefits. Work-injury attorneys and firms in Illinois charge a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if you are successful. There is no hourly fee. In our opinion, it makes sense to go with the best lawyer you can find.
There is a limit on attorney fees in Illinois for this type of case – 20% of what you recover. So if you get $30,000 in benefits, you will pay your lawyer up to $6,000. If your lawyer gets you nothing, you pay nothing. There is no limit on what you can recover in an Illinois work-injury case. Every attorney we recommend works on a contingency basis.
When you are injured on the job, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible, in writing. Illinois law requires you to give notice within 45 days of your injury. If you miss this deadline, it could be the end of your case.
In addition, there is an important deadline for filing a claim. You have three years from the date of injury, or if you have received benefits but there is a dispute, you have two years from the date of your last benefits check to file for an adjustment with the Commission.
In Illinois, a workers’ compensation claim is not a lawsuit. You are not suing your employer. Your lawyer will deal directly with the insurance company, similar to dealing with a health insurance company for coverage. However, work-injury cases are more involved than health insurance claims. For this reason, we recommend that you consult with an attorney. These cases can be improved by quick action.
There are a couple of reasons to hire an attorney to see you through the benefits process if you’re hurt at work. First, it can give you peace of mind knowing that someone experienced is looking out for you. Second, if there is a dispute – perhaps your benefits are denied – a good workers’ compensation attorney can help you every step of the way.
If you would like our help in finding the right lawyer for your situation or have any questions please contact us. Our service is like having an attorney in the family.
Accidents in any of the following cities will likely be assigned to a hearing with an Arbitrator at the Springfield Workers’ Compensation Commission:
| Ashland | Capitol | Greenview | New Berlin | Spaulding |
| Athens | Carlinsville South | Illiopolis | Oakford | Springfield |
| Atterberry | Chatham | Jerome | Pawnee | Tallula |
| Auburn | Clear Lake | Kilbourne | Petersburg | Thayer |
| Barclay | Cornland | Leland Grove | Pleasant Plains | Williamsville |
| Berlin | Curran | Loami | Riverton | |
| Bissell | Dawson | Lowder | Rochester | |
| Buckhart | Divernon | Mechanicsburg | Sangamon County | |
| Buffalo | Farmersville | Menard County | Sherman | |
| Cantrall | Glenarm | Middletown | Southern View | |