An Illinois worker’s actions after being injured in a work-related accident can make the difference between a successful worker’s compensation claim and losing needed compensation for recovery. A small window of time exists where the steps taken are critical to how a claim proceeds. Following these steps will ensure an Illinois work-related accident is documented correctly to secure workers’ compensation for your injuries.

Report the Injury Immediately

When starting a new job, each employee should be informed of the proper reporting procedures for a work-related injury. Your employer should be notified as soon as possible but no later than 45 days, according to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (Sec. 2 Pg. 5). An employee handbook should state who should be notified.

For employees working shift work, departments such as human resources may be unavailable during specific work times. Understanding who to report accidents to before they happen is essential. A written notification is recommended and should include the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Date and time of the incident
• Information about the injuries sustained

Call for Help or Schedule an Appointment

If your injuries require immediate help, call 911 or have a co-worker call. Otherwise, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to see a physician. Speak with the human resources department to ensure any rules about treatment are followed.

A doctor’s visit documents your injuries and establishes the cause of any health-related issues you are experiencing due to the accident. It is essential to inform the doctor that your injuries were sustained at work to create the appropriate connections for billing. Keep all follow-up appointments.

Gather Evidence

Hazardous situations that lead to workplace accidents are often cleared immediately to protect other workers, but collecting evidence that supports the cause of the accident is essential to support your claim. If your injuries are stable, return to where the accident occurred and document any circumstances that contributed to the accident. Gather this information to support your claim and prevent your Illinois workers’ compensation claim from being denied.

• Photographs of any contributing factors, such as large spills, malfunctioning equipment, or trip and fall hazards
• Contact information for witnesses to the accident
• The location of the accident, with date and time
• A personal written account of the accident to retain essential details

Confirm That Reports Are Submitted

A workers’ compensation report should be submitted to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Statutes of limitations apply to filing claims, and the dates should be rigorously followed. Not filing a claim within the designated time frame will result in a claim being dismissed, costing valuable compensation for recovery and financial security if you cannot work.

Speak With a Springfield Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation claims can require tremendous amounts of paperwork, which is often confusing, and under strict time restraints for filing. When a worker is recovering from injuries, focusing on paperwork can be challenging and stressful, preventing an individual from pursuing their recovery successfully. Relationships with an employer may become strained when compensation is sought for injuries, which should never happen.

Injury victims require a team of dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys in Springfield to ensure the proper steps are taken to receive the appropriate benefits from workers’ compensation. Medical expenses are costly, and an employer is responsible for covering the medical costs related to treatment. Holley, Rosen & Beard, LLC offers a free consultation to help you begin claiming workers’ compensation benefits and filing a claim to ensure you receive the compensation you need to treat your injuries and heal.