Call today for a FREE Consultation! (815) 967-9000
Se habla Español
Workers' Comp, Social Security, Local Representation, Our Team
Looking for guidance on navigating workplace injuries and workers’ compensation in Illinois? In celebration of our 25th anniversary, here are our top 10 most-read blog posts—packed with practical tips, legal insights and answers to the questions we hear most from injured workers.
Too often in life, we don’t stop to say out loud that we are thankful for something. We forget the importance of telling people in our world that we appreciate them. Well, I am stopping and taking a moment to do just that. Rockford, I want to tell you how much I appreciate you!
Veterans, Local Representation
A veteran who served during the Vietnam Era was exposed to herbicide agents, including agent orange. Almost four decades after his service ended in 1969, he was diagnosed with hypertension. As the years went on, he developed other cardiac conditions such as bradycardia, carotid artery stenosis, atrial fibrillation cerebrovascular disorder and more. He finally applied for service-connected compensation for these cardiac issues, but the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied his claim indicating that his conditions were not service connected. Feeling discouraged and ignored by his country, he sought representation with Black & Jones.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Almost every employer in the State of Illinois is required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage if they have even a single employee. Unfortunately, some employers refuse to adhere to this law in attempt to save themselves money. But they do so at the risk of not only their finances but, more importantly, their employees. Black & Jones was contacted by a client who worked at a restaurant. While working, he sustained severe burns to his foot while working in the kitchen. The injuries were so severe that he was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and underwent months of treatment that ultimately left significant scarring. Not only did he incur significant medical bills and visible scarring on his foot, but he also missed time from work when he was unable to be on his feet or wear shoes. When he tried to talk to his employer about covering the cost of the medical bills, he was ignored. So he sought the assistance of our attorneys at Black & Jones!
One of the amazing things about Rockford is the variety of food you provide. Rockford, I delight in your food! Rockford has so many great niche restaurants available that specialize in a variety of cuisines not found at chain establishments. It’s unlikely I could find such a vast array in another town of similar size. Rockford, you are amazing in how you encourage small businesses to open specialty restaurants and show your support day after day for these establishments.
Social Security, Local Representation
This client came to Black & Jones with a scary story. He had suffered almost complete loss of vision in one eye many years before. Since that time, he has had no trouble with vision in his other eye. He had a family, a life and remained a valued employee. His work was rewarding to him and allowed him to travel all over the United States meeting new people, working in diverse environments and seeing the beauty that America holds.
I see your people, your iconic attractions and your adventurous nature. From the start, I have seen your people. Rockfordians are some of the most brilliant, talented and hardworking individuals in the world.
Learning about workers’ compensation can be daunting with all of the legal jargon, especially when you’re recovering from a workplace injury. The right attorney can make a world of difference, ensuring you get the benefits you deserve. However, the wrong choice could leave you frustrated and potentially without the compensation you deserve. At Black & Jones in Rockford, Illinois, we want to help you make the best choice possible. Here are five things to avoid when selecting a workers’ compensation attorney.
In the hustle and bustle of life, where our attention is constantly pulled in every direction, there’s something powerful in closing your eyes, blocking out the incessant noise and just taking time to feel. When I do this, Rockford, I feel you. I sense the entirety of your essence—the good, the bad and everything in between. And what I experience fills me with pride and hope.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
When this client first came to Black & Jones, they had been battling the insurance company for over 9 years. The worker was originally injured when exposed to fumes and gases at work which resulted in emergency room treatment for breathing problems. The condition worsened leading to the need for a double lung transplant. Despite the treatment, the worker succumbed to the condition and passed away leaving a grieving spouse and family behind. The insurance company had denied the case, disputing that there was any exposure at work and disputing that the lung condition was related to any work injury.
Veterans, Local Representation
A veteran contacted us to represent him for service-connected compensation benefits as he felt his previous attorneys were unresponsive and not seeking compensation for all of his conditions. We were happy to take over his claim and get things on track!
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Selecting the right attorney for your workers' compensation case is crucial, but does your attorney have to be in the same state where your injury occurred? Let's explore this question and understand the importance of having a local attorney by your side.
Seeking legal representation can be like deciding where to go out to eat when you have no options in the fridge. You can wait in the backed-up fast food drive-thru where they’ll probably forget your side of fries—or you can stop by the diner just down the street where the server knows your name, your order and always makes sure you have the best possible experience. We don't sell food at Black & Jones, but we serve up a pretty good case when it comes to workers’ compensation hearings. Here are 5 reasons why seeking representation locally can make all the difference.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Workplace accidents can be physically, emotionally and financially devastating. And if that’s not challenging enough, you must navigate the complex landscape that is the workers’ compensation system. This is where the expertise of a local Rockford workers’ compensation attorney becomes invaluable to ensure you have the support you need to get the benefits you deserve.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation, Videos
Tracy and the team listened to Blake's story, began the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim and ended up winning him the compensation he needed to get his life started again.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation, Videos
Watch and listen to how Tracy Jones and her team at Black & Jones listened to her story and helped her start the workers’ compensation process.
Black & Jones loves Rockford—and its people. That’s just a couple of the reasons why we also love serving the hard-working people who call this place home.
Your choice of attorney can greatly impact the outcome of your case, so it’s essential to select a lawyer who aligns with your specific goals and has worked on cases similar to yours. At Black & Jones, we not only know the law, we know the Greater Rockford area and how to best support you with our extended network of professionals.
If an attorney you do not know calls you or shows up at your door, do not talk to them! It may be an attorney for the other party or an insurance company. Or, it may be an unethical attorney trying to get your business.
Don’t accept anything less than a settlement! From attentive to aggressive & everything in between — go with Black & Jones.
Your initial consultation with a personal injury attorney should be a comfortable, informative, free meeting. You shouldn’t leave that meeting feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. You should walk out feeling like you are in capable hands and that someone will fight for you.
How do you know if you need an attorney? When should you get an attorney? Here is some helpful advice on making those determinations.
Local Representation, Videos, Our Team
Meet Attorney Tracy Jones at Black and Jones Attorneys at Law, a Northern Illinois native who grew up in Rochelle, Illinois, now dedicating her career to serving the people of the area.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Illinois case law guides the attorneys and arbitrator what may be awarded at trial by reporting what cases with similar evidence were awarded at trial. So when the client says, “that’s not a good offer,” it is unlikely the client did the legal research to form an accurate picture of what his case is worth.
Wondering how best to decide which law firm to hire for your workers’ compensation claim or Social Security Disability claim? There are four important factors to consider.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Now more than ever, it is important to hire an attorney for your workers’ compensation injury. Governor Rauner wants to reform the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, claiming that Illinois workers are paid too much money for their injuries, too many injuries are compensable, and the medical expenses are too high.
Does the law firm you are thinking about hiring have the abilities to employ legal procedures to your benefit? When used properly, legal procedures are often more effective in getting a client what he needs than the law itself.
Local Representation, Our Team
Often people come to Black & Jones Attorneys at Law after the insurance company has stopped paying for medical care and/or weekly benefits. The individuals are confused because everything the insurance company asked of them they did.