Workers' Compensation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a special system of law that helps workers who are injured on the job get money to pay for medical expenses and time off work.  It can also compensate workers with permanent injuries after getting hurt at work. 
 
What is a workers’ compensation injury?
Every workers’ compensation injury is different.  Some injuries happen suddenly, like falling off a ladder and breaking your leg.  Some happen when you have to do the same motions over and over every day at work and eventually you get joint damage or other injuries.  If you had a medical problem before you started your job, and your job made your problem worse, this is also a work injury.  Talk to our workers’ compensation attorneys to see how we can help you with your workers’ compensation injury.
 
Why do I need workers’ compensation?
When you get hurt at work, you may be too injured to go back to your job.  Sometimes, you're too hurt to do your old job, and you have to change jobs, but your new job pays less.  You also have medical bills, rent, and other expenses that don’t stop just because you’re hurt.  Even after seeing doctors and getting medical treatment, you may have an injury that will never be 100% better.  That's where Workers' Compensation comes in.  Through workers’ compensation, our attorneys can help you get money to pay for medical expenses, money for your time off work, money you lose working a lower paying job, and money for permanent injuries that won’t get 100% better. 
 
Should I just wait to see if my injury gets better?
If you think you got hurt at work, don't wait to see if the pain goes away.  Tell your employer you got hurt, and contact a workers' compensation attorney.  If you do not tell your employer about your injury when it happens, it can be difficult or even impossible to get money for your injuries.  In workers’ compensation, the deadlines can be very fast.  It is best not to wait more than a month to contact a workers' compensation attorney. 

​How much do you charge to help me with my workers’ comp claim?
We’re a family practice that cares about your family.  We don’t get paid unless we win for you!  We won’t ever send you a bill.  We only get paid from a percentage of what we win for you. 

Won't my employer fire me if I file a workers' comp claim?
No, your employer cannot fire you for filing a workers' compensation claim.  A worker has a legal right to file a claim for injury.  It is illegal to fire an employee for filing a claim. 

But, I like my employer!  I don't want my claim to cost them a lot of money or make them go out of business...
Don't worry about hurting your employer or making them go out of business.  Employers in the state of Illinois are legally required to have workers' compensation insurance.  Payments for your injury should only come from your employer's insurance company, not from your employer.

What if my employer told me that they don't have insurance? Can I still get money for my injury?
Yes, you can still get money for your injury.  Give us a call and we can work out the process together.  It's a bit trickier, but we know how to help you.

Can’t I just sue my employer in court?
Nope.  The Workers’ Compensation Act has a law that says an employee can only seek money for a work-related injury claim through Workers’ Compensation.  There are a few exceptions to this rule.  Please call the Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett at 847-352-6226 or use the contact form below for a call back during normal business hours (M-F 9am-5pm) to find out if your injury claim should be brought through Workers’ Compensation or through the regular court system. 
 
Is my employer covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act?
Probably.  Most employers, with a few exceptions, are covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. If you would like information on whether you employer is covered, call the Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett at 847-352-6226 or use our contact form.

What is the Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Workers’ Compensation Act is the law behind Workers’ Compensation.  The Act is what employers, employees, and attorneys must follow in a Workers’ Compensation case. The Act lays out all the laws that govern a workers’ compensation claim to help workers who are injured on the job get the compensation they need. 

What is the difference between a Workers’ Compensation claim and an ordinary lawsuit?
A Workers’ Compensation claim is not brought in ordinary court. It is brought to the Workers’  Compensation Commission.  The Workers’ Compensation Commission is an administrative agency, which is separate from the court systems.  The Workers’ Compensation Commission only handles claims from injured workers seeking compensation from their employers. 
 
What if I work on a boat or a dock?
If you work on a boat or a dock, your claim will likely be covered under a different type of compensation act than usual injury claims.  Call us at 847-352-6226 or use our contact form below for more information. 

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​Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett, Ltd., 335 West Wise Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193
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Please note that the information on this website is not and cannot be considered legal advice.  The website contains advertising information for the Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett.  Reading this website does not create an attorney-client privilege and the materials you are reading are not legal advice.  Please be advised that the Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett and its attorneys cannot be held liable for any statutes of limitations that run out before you talk to an attorney at the Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett.  You as the reader must be aware that if you do not contact an attorney quickly any claims you have may be barred by law.  To contact an attorney at the Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett in Schaumburg, IL to get legal advice, either use the contact form in the navigation panel or call 847-352-6226.