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Can I Get Permanent Workers' Comp Benefits?
If your work-related injury leaves you unable to return to your previous job or to any kind of meaningful employment, you may be eligible for permanent workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois. These benefits are not automatic and depend on the nature of your injury, your recovery, and how your medical condition affects your ability to work.
As of June 2025, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act continues to provide several categories of permanent benefits, each with its own requirements. To find out more about how our team of Will County, IL workers’ compensation lawyers can help you maximize your benefits, call 815-730-1977.
What Is the Legal Process for a Truck Accident Case in Illinois?
Seeking compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and damaged property is permitted under the at-fault auto accident system in Illinois. While filing a claim is relatively straightforward in some cases, truck accidents present unique considerations that complicate the process. Consider some basic elements of filing a truck accident claim, such as the evidence you need and who will be liable for damages. Then, contact a Kendall County, IL truck accident attorney to learn more about how the laws apply to your case.
What Evidence Is Needed for a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois?
When you file a claim seeking compensation for your losses after a truck accident, you are responsible for providing evidence to prove negligence and damages. Examples of evidence commonly used in truck accident cases include:
What Happens in a Workers' Comp Arbitration Proceeding?
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed, you may find yourself scheduled for an arbitration hearing. This can be an intimidating step, especially if you are dealing with pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about your future. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our diverse legal team of Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers has extensive experience representing injured workers in the face of intimidating employer or insurer attempts to deny claims. We offer free consultations and are committed to helping clients resolve their claims fairly and efficiently — including through arbitration when necessary.
What Is Arbitration in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In Illinois, arbitration is a formal legal proceeding before an arbitrator. An arbitrator is an attorney appointed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). The arbitrator listens to both sides of the dispute and issues a decision based on the evidence and testimony presented.
Can a Motorcycle Passenger Sue for Injuries?
Riding on the back of a motorcycle can be exhilarating — but it also comes with serious risks. When a crash happens, motorcycle passengers are often the most vulnerable people on the road. If you were injured while riding as a passenger, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action — and who should be held responsible.
The short answer is: Yes, sometimes motorcycle crash victims in Illinois can sue for their injuries. In fact, they often have a stronger legal case than the driver. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you determine whether you want to take action.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Passenger’s Injuries?
Under Illinois law, injured passengers can file personal injury claims against any party whose negligence caused the crash. This may include:
- The driver of another vehicle who collided with the motorcycle
When Do I Need an Attorney in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
Workers’ compensation insurance exists to ensure that people who are injured on the job do not have to suffer financially during recovery. However, not all cases are black and white, and unfortunately, employers sometimes take advantage of their employees to diminish their responsibility. This is why knowing your rights is key. If you have questions about your ability to receive or continue receiving workers’ comp insurance payments after a workplace injury, an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the legal options available to you.
Does Every Workers’ Compensation Case Require an Attorney?
Not every work injury requires assistance from a legal representative. Sometimes, you can apply for and receive workers’ comp benefits without struggle. That may be true if your injury was minor, your employer is cooperative and admits that the injury occurred at work, or you missed very few work days because of the injury. Even if your situation is seemingly open and shut, it never hurts to reach out to a lawyer for a free consultation.
The Most Dangerous Motor Vehicle Accidents
Personal injury claims often deal with serious, sometimes life-changing accidents. Of these claims, motor vehicle accidents are some of the most common – and some of the most dangerous. If you or somebody you love has been injured in an auto collision, an Illinois personal injury attorney can help you hold the party at fault liable for damages.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have the skills and resources to help our clients through the process of filing a personal injury claim. Our lawyers will fight for full compensation for your injuries after an auto accident, refusing to accept low settlements from insurance companies and other liable parties.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents carry a higher rate of injury compared to most other vehicle accidents due to the forces involved in a crash. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries to the neck and back, which can result in permanent paralysis. Severe fractures may also result from rollover accidents, where a car is sent into a spin from a collision with a truck.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Illinois?
If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Most employers in Illinois are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation for workplace injuries, regardless of who was at fault. An Illinois workers’ comp attorney can walk you through the process of applying for workers’ comp, advocating for the payment you rightfully deserve.
Knowing what damages you can be paid for in a workers’ comp claim is important. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we will take the time to determine what benefits you qualify for so that you can get maximum compensation. As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, we have secured millions of dollars in hard-fought settlements and rulings for our clients.
Medical Expenses
A workers’ compensation claim can cover the cost of your injuries, including surgeries, physical therapy, and a visit to an urgent care center. In general, workers’ compensation will cover all treatment that is deemed "medically necessary" for your health and well-being. For instance, your employer might cover the cost of surgery for a broken back, plus the cost of pain medication and rehabilitation after the surgery.
Are You Getting The Most Out of Your Personal Injury Claim?
Whether you are dealing with the fallout of a car wreck, a slip-and-fall accident, or a medical malpractice case, recovering from your injuries can be expensive. If you have grounds to file a personal injury claim, getting an accurate estimate for the value of your claim is critical. An Illinois personal injury attorney can give you a full appraisal of your damages to push for maximum compensation.
As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC has the resources and experience to fight for your rights in a personal injury claim. Our attorneys will take the time to learn about your circumstances and investigate your case so that we can effectively advocate for you.
A full personal injury claim should factor in the totality of your damages. When you work with our firm, we will look at every affected area of your life to make sure you are getting the most out of your claim.
My Workers’ Comp Claim Got Denied. What Can I Do?
Workers’ comp is intended as a safety net for injuries on the job. In fact, it is estimated that at least 91 percent of Illinois employees are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. However, there are cases where claims get denied, leaving injured employees out in the cold. If your claim for compensation has been denied, an Illinois workers’ comp attorney can help you take legal action.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our lawyers are ready to assist you after a denied claim. As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, we have the resources to pursue a fair remedy for your damages.
Why Do Claims Get Denied?
What separates personal injury claims from workers’ comp claims is fault. In a workers’ compensation claim, you do not have to prove that anybody else caused your injury to get paid. This means that there are limited grounds on which workers’ comp can be denied.
Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Claims
Getting paid out for an injury caused by another person’s negligence can be a headache. Most people are not familiar with the legal processes that go into filing a personal injury claim, which leaves them open to shady tactics by insurance companies. A skilled Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you overcome the hurdles in your way, providing sound guidance as you file a claim.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have the experience and resources to help you get the compensation you deserve. When you work with our firm, we will devote our full attention to your case, compiling key evidence for your claim.
Waiting Too Long to File
In Illinois, all personal injury claims are bound by a time limit known as the statute of limitations. If you have been hurt due to another person’s careless or reckless actions, you only have two years to take legal action against the liable party. This deadline will come up faster than you may expect, so it is crucial that you file a claim early on before the statute expires.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
