Workers' Comp
What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation with Black & Jones for my Worker’s Compensation Claim?
At Black & Jones, we offer a free initial consultation, which is an important first meeting between you and an attorney from our team that you can hire to represent you in your worker’s compensation case. To make sure this meeting is as productive as possible, and avoid delays or rescheduling, come to your consultation prepared with the information the attorney needs to properly evaluate your case.
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Workers' Comp
The Benefits of Workers’ Compensation Settlements
If you are injured at work, no matter how minor of an injury, you may be entitled to recovery. In fact, you are likely entitled to a settlement for the injury. If you have been injured at work, call Black & Jones Attorneys at Law today at (815) 967-9000 for a free consultation.
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Workers' Comp
I Got Hurt at Work. Will I Receive a Settlement?
If you get hurt at work, you are likely entitled to a settlement. When you get hurt at work, you are entitled to three principal benefits. While there may be other benefits you are entitled to, the following are the most common benefits paid.
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Workers' Comp
5 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Approved for Workers’ Compensation
Workers' compensation provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job or have a work-related illness. But this compensation isn’t automatically given to injured workers. A claim must be properly filed and meet qualifications. And unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to make simple, yet costly, mistakes during the claims process.
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Workers' Comp
How Long Will a Workers’ Compensation Case Take?
Suffering a work-related injury or illness can be a challenging experience both physically and emotionally. Workers' compensation serves as a vital safety net, providing financial support and access to medical care. However, many individuals find themselves wondering about the timeline and duration of a workers' compensation case.
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Workers' Comp
When Will I Receive My Workers’ Compensation?
A question the workers’ compensation attorneys at Black & Jones commonly hear is, “when will I receive my benefits?” When you’ve been injured on the job, you want to get back to normal. You want to get the care and compensation you need and move on. As top workers’ rights lawyers in Northern Illinois, this is exactly what our team strives to do.
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Workers' Comp
Will Workers’ Compensation Pay for Surgery?
If an injury you received at work requires surgery, you are likely entitled to compensation. Don’t hesitate to get the medical care you need to address your workplace injury. And be sure to report your injury to your employer right away and reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney to help you file a claim.
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Workers' Comp
How Is Workers’ Compensation Different in Illinois?
When you are injured at work, your rights are governed by state law. Each state has its own law governing the rights and responsibilities of the parties. And while some things are similar across all states, there are many things that are different. Sometimes, you have the option to file your case in more than one state. Therefore, it is important to pick the state which has a law that is most advantageous to you.
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Workers' Comp
3 Tips for Choosing a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Choosing a workers’ compensation attorney can feel like picking a random card from a deck and hiring the attorney whose name appears on the card. Like medical doctors, attorneys often limit their practice to specific areas of the law and if you have not had a work-related injury before, you likely have no need to be acquainted with an attorney that handles that kind of case. And doing a search online can feel like you are bombarded by insincere advertisements. This article is meant to provide some insight and tips for choosing the right attorney for you. It is important that you find an attorney that is experienced, aggressive and that cares about you and your case. So here are three tips for choosing the right attorney.
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Workers' Comp
Black & Jones Wins Permanent and Total Disability Award for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Black & Jones Attorneys at Law recently won permanent and total disability benefits for an injured worker who developed bilateral carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome because of her repetitive work activities. She spent 10 years as a packer on an assembly line, performing highly repetitive work with her hands before developing numbness and tingling in her hands in 2011.
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Workers' Comp
3 Reasons to Avoid Social Media During an Active Claim
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information with the world. From posting updates about our daily lives to sharing our thoughts and opinions, social media has become an integral part of our lives. However, when it comes to an active workers’ compensation case, it is crucial to limit social media presence.
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Workers' Comp
What to Expect at an Independent Medical Examination
If you are injured at work, chances are high that the workers’ compensation insurance company or your employer will eventually require you to attend what is called an independent medical examination (IME). This is more accurately and more fairly called a “Section 12 exam” as it is set pursuant to Section 12 of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
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Workers' Comp
Top Winter Construction Accidents Covered Under Workers’ Compensation
The roads in Northern Illinois, especially during the winter construction season, can be a hazard for construction workers and drivers alike. Cold, snow, ice and other extreme winter conditions can contribute to several types of construction accidents. In addition, with temperatures dropping and snow and ice covering the ground, many people are at risk of suffering injuries while on the job. These injuries can range from minor bruises and sprains to serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma and even death.
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Workers' Comp
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I’m at Fault?
But what if the accident was my fault? This is a very commonly asked question when filing a claim for workers’ compensation. The short answer is yes; it typically doesn’t matter if the incident was your fault. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not eligible for workers’ compensation—especially your employer.
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Workers' Comp
Can I Start a New Job While Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Clients often ask me if they can start a new job or quit working for their current employer if they have a pending workers’ compensation case or are receiving benefits. Before you take that job, you should know how it will affect you and your case.
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Workers' Comp
5 Common Reasons for Workers' Compensation Claim Denials
If you’re wondering whether you have a case, consider having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side to help you through the complicated steps.
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Workers' Comp
How Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Paid Out?
You don’t want to risk not getting paid the benefits you are owed. Get an attorney who can help ensure prompt and reasonable payment.
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Workers' Comp
How Soon Should I Report My Work Injury?
Many people who file workers’ compensation claims are hardworking, loyal and honest employees who simply got in an accident at work, by no fault of their own.
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Workers' Comp
Will a Workers’ Comp Claim Affect My Future Employment?
Illinois law protects employees from retaliation and discrimination for exercising their rights under the IL Workers’ Compensation Act.
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Workers' Comp
Introducing Black & Jones’ Latest Workers’ Compensation Campaign
In a workers’ compensation case, our legal team serves those who are hurt and not able to work—or in pain and in need of medical care—due to an injury at work.
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Workers' Comp
Compassion & Toughness | Workers' Compensation
If you were injured at work, don’t watch the medical bills stack up. We are here to help you put up a fight! At Black & Jones, we offer both compassion & toughness.
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Workers' Comp
What To Do After an Injury at Work
This comprehensive list will provide a step-by-step process of how to act following a workplace incident, remember that you have the power to immediately contact a trusted lawyer to help you file for compensation.
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Workers' Comp
How and Why You Need to Document Workplace Injuries
We know how difficult it can be to sustain an injury or illness from a workplace incident. And, it’s okay if you don’t know everything about Workers’ Compensation yet. In fact, many of those injured are unaware of their rights to recover benefits.
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Workers' Comp
What Injuries Are Not Covered by Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation protects employees by covering medical bills, rehab costs, and any wages lost due to a workplace injury. The insurance policy also offers benefits to an employees’ family if they died due to workplace injury.
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Workers' Comp
Common Workplace Injuries
Today’s workspaces are full of safety hazards—and they’re more common than you think. A work injury can be debilitating and lessen one’s quality of life. Getting injured at work can also be an emotional tightrope, as you try to navigate unfamiliar territory.
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Workers' Comp
Hurt at Work? Let Us Help
It’s tough enough putting in so many hours with little compensation, but getting hurt at work can also be a life-altering injury. Your job, self-esteem, relationship with your family, and financial situation can be impacted after sustaining a serious injury at work.
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Workers' Comp, Police & Fire
Attention Firefighters: Expanded Benefits in Illinois
If you or someone you know is a firefighter, EMT or paramedic and was diagnosed with MRSA or any other bloodborne pathogen, lung or respiratory disease or condition, heart or vascular disease or condition, hypertension, tuberculosis, or cancer resulting in disability, you may be entitled to benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
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Workers' Comp
Black & Jones Is Ready to Fight for You!
When you get hurt at work, you want an attorney who will be on your side. You want an attorney who will tell you what your rights and responsibilities are. And you want a lawyer who is willing to go to bat for you; someone willing to go to trial and fight.
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Workers' Comp
Everyday Bodily Movements Can Cause Work Related Injuries
Have you ever had an employer say that it is not a work-related injury because you were just standing up or reaching or walking? Unfortunately, when an employer or insurance company says something like that, often employees believe them. Yet it is not necessarily true, and most likely is wrong!
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Workers' Comp
Get Informed: You Have a Limited Time to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Under Illinois law, you must file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within three years of the injury or accident, or within two years of the date, the insurance company or employer last pays a benefit related to the injury or accident.
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Workers' Comp, COVID-19, Videos
What if I get exposed to COVID-19 at work?
A lot of employees are going to be exposed to coronavirus or COVID-19 while working; if that happens, you should contact an attorney. If you test positive and here's why sometimes, if you're exposed, you may have a compensable work comp claim.
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Workers' Comp
A Guide to Settlements in Workers' Compensation Cases
There are a lot of things to watch out for in a settlement that could ultimately harm an injured worker. I will highlight a few of those problems here and what you can do about them.
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Workers' Comp, COVID-19
Emergency Rule to Protect COVID-19 Positive Essential Employees Repealed
In another unprecedented move today, the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission repealed the emergency rule amendment entered April 15, 2020. Recall that Governor Pritzker announced the amendment in his daily briefing, indicating that all frontline workers who test positive for COVID-19 would be entitled to a rebuttable presumption that they contracted the virus at work.
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Workers' Comp, COVID-19
Legal Protection For Our First Responders and Front-Line Essential Workers
Today, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission made the unprecedented move of enacting an emergency amendment to the Rules Governing the Practice before the Commission to help protect our first responders and front line workers.
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Workers' Comp, COVID-19
Workplace Exposure to COVID-19 and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act
While we pray no one reading this gets sick from it, the reality is that there is a good chance you might. And we want to make sure you know your rights ahead of time if you are exposed to it at work.
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Workers' Comp, Videos
Here's To The Workers
Here's to the workers! Attorney Tracy Jones helps builders, drivers, welders with workers' compensation representation.
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Workers' Comp
Why does it take so long for the insurance to approve my treatment?
When you hurt your hand at home, you usually can call your doctor’s office and get into see someone fairly quickly. Then if the doctor recommends a diagnostic test or physical therapy, you can call the place you want it performed and set up the first available appointment.
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Workers' Comp, Police & Fire
First Responders Injured Off The Clock
Yes, first responders are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when they are injured while providing help in their official capacity while off the clock.
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Workers' Comp, Social Security
Losing a Loved One in a Work Place Accident
Unfortunately, no matter how cautious we are, accidents sometimes happen in the workplace. Losing a loved one in a traumatic accident is hard; and the last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay for the funeral and survive financially without them.
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Workers' Comp, Videos
Challenging and Rewarding Work
Raising two kids is challenging and rewarding, much like fighting for the rights of those injured at work. We work hard to provide the tough, responsive and caring legal representation you deserve for your workers’ comp claim.
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Workers' Comp
What happens when the adjuster says your case is not compensable?
Not every injury that happens at work or on the clock is the responsibility of your employer. But just because you are off the employer’s premise or off the clock doesn’t automatically mean that your employer is not responsible for the injury.
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Workers' Comp
Do I need an attorney?
My response is always, “Even if everything is going perfectly right now, you will inevitably need an attorney. Don’t wait to get one until after a problem occurs because then you risk a situation where an attorney cannot fix the harm that has been done.”
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Workers' Comp
Is my case over if the company’s doctor says so?
The answer is NO. Just because the company’s “independent medical doctor” says that you don’t need more treatment or that your condition is not work related, does not mean that your case ends. There are several ways to get around that doctor’s opinion.
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Workers' Comp, Videos
Compassionate and Competitive Workers' Compensation
At Black and Jones, we’re tough when dealing with insurance companies, but we never overlook caring for our clients. We offer compassionate, competitive workers’ compensation representation.
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Workers' Comp
Do you really need an attorney when you get hurt at work?
Most people don’t call an attorney right away when they get hurt. Usually they wait until a problem arises and only then do they call an attorney.
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Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Not All Offers Are Created Equal
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.
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Workers' Comp
Repetitive Work Activity can Lead to Ill-Being
An insidious onset occurs where a person’s condition worsens over time through no apparent cause. The person’s body is simply wearing out.
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Workers' Comp
Open Medical Rights
What to do when your former attorney won’t help get treatment approved after your case has closed.
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Workers' Comp
What If I Cannot Go Back To Work
What happens when a work related injury leaves you with permanent restrictions and your employer cannot accommodate those restrictions? You find yourself without a job, without an income, and very little hope that you will find an employer who is willing to tolerate your restrictions.
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Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Why You Need An Attorney To Navigate Workers' Comp
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.
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Workers' Comp
When Work Comp Denies the Treatment You Need
Have you received a letter from the worker’s compensation insurance carrier telling you that they are denying approval for medical treatment recommended by your doctor? You need to know that their “decision” is not necessarily final.
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Workers' Comp, Videos
Helping You Over the Hurdles of a Workers' Compensation Case
On-the-job injuries can lead to unseen the unseen hurdles of lost wages, untreated injuries and unpaid bills. Don’t go it alone! Black & Jones Attorneys At Law are prepared to assist you in your workers’ compensation case.
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Workers' Comp
Safety Violations and injuries
Unfortunately, when a business is allowing employees to work in an environment or around equipment that is blatantly unsafe, injuries not only are likely to happen, but they can be devastating.
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Workers' Comp
What Determines the Amount of Compensation for an Injury
Often an injured worker will question why he didn’t receive as much in compensation for his injury as a friend of his received for his injury. So why didn’t he receive as much, or more, compensation than his friend did?
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Workers' Comp
Protect Yourself After You've Been Injured
What do you do if you are hurt at work and your boss tells you to say it happened at home so your health insurance pays with a promise that your boss will take care of everything?
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Workers' Comp
Rights of Undocumented Injured Workers
Undocumented workers’ who suffer an injury arising out of and in the course of employment have the rights afforded by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, with a few exceptions.
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Workers' Comp
Workers’ Compensation Preferred Provider Program
Illinois has adopted a Preferred Provider Program for injured workers. This allows the employer and/or its insurance company to set up a preferred provider network.
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