Crush injuries can lead to severe damages, including long-term rehabilitation and disabilities. Many workers who experience this will have to leave their place of employment and search for something less demanding. The medical bills and lost wages pile up, making it hard for injured people to support their families.
If you sustained a crush injury at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation. However, getting it is not always easy. An experienced Waukegan crush injury lawyer can help you make educated decisions and receive a fair settlement.
A crush injury occurs when a part of the body is subjected to extreme pressure, causing damage to muscles, nerves, bones, and soft tissues. In severe cases, it can lead to such complications as compartment syndrome or even amputation. Common crush injuries in workplaces are:
While many of these situations are the employer’s fault, third-parties may also be responsible. A skilled crush injury lawyer in Waukegan can investigate to identify liable parties and advise the worker on taking the next steps.
In Illinois, all employers must have workers’ compensation insurance. When a crush injury occurs, the employee has to file a claim with the employer’s insurance company or the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission.
Workers’ compensation covers all the medical expenses related to the injury and, if necessary, the following disability. It also covers two-thirds of lost wages. However, this insurance cannot pay the employee for the pain and suffering they endured.
The key to receiving a full payout is filing the claim and providing all the necessary documents on time. In some cases, the employee may face a denial, which can lead to a complex appeal process.
If a third-party is responsible for the crush injury, the employee can file a personal injury lawsuit. This can happen if, for example, the injury occurred because the manufacturer provided faulty machinery. The main advantage of a personal injury claim over a workers’ comp claim is the ability to recover full damages, including full lost wages and pain and suffering. However, to do that, the employee must prove the at-fault party’s negligence.
A qualified Waukegan crush injury lawyer can help gather evidence, prove negligence, and handle negotiations with the insurance company. If necessary, the attorney can also take the case to court.
If you sustained a crush injury in the workplace, you may have several options for recovering damages. An experienced Waukegan crush injury lawyer can help you navigate the case and make educated legal decisions.
At Schlack & Bassmaji, we invest ourselves in the needs of our community and help people in Waukegan get the money they deserve. Call us for a free consultation at any time, in English or in Spanish.
