Recent Blog Posts
Can I Get Workers’ Comp for a Workplace Illness?
Certain jobs put workers at increased risk of developing illnesses. This is especially true if the job involves working in harsh conditions or in proximity to hazardous chemicals. If you develop a serious illness at your place of employment, you may be left unable to work while you recover, threatening your income. Fortunately, workers’ compensation can provide you with a payment for your losses. You can get workers’ comp even if it is not a "visible" injury resulting from a single incident.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our Naperville, IL workers’ compensation attorneys can help you identify the cause of a workplace illness and file a claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. We have recovered millions of dollars in successful claims thanks to our detailed investigations and aggressive advocacy.
What Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Under Illinois law, you can get workers’ compensation for any occupational disease arising "out of and in the course of employment" (820 ILCS 310/1). This essentially means that you can be paid for any sickness or illness that results from performing the regular duties of your job.
What Can I Do After a Collision With a Fatigued Truck Driver?
Truck drivers have a responsibility to stay sharp and alert on the road. If a truck driver experiences a lapse in consciousness even for a second, it could have dire consequences. A Joliet, IL personal injury attorney can help you take legal action after a collision with a fatigued truck driver.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have successfully represented many clients injured in commercial truck accidents, including a $775,000 settlement for a client who was rear-ended by a commercial truck on I-55. Our skilled attorneys will walk you through the claims process, working to secure a full payout for your damages.
Holding Fatigued Truck Drivers Liable for Damages
In Illinois, you can hold a truck driver liable for your damages if you can prove that he or she acted negligently (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). There are multiple ways you can demonstrate that a truck driver was fatigued behind the wheel, such as:
Bicycle Accidents in Joliet: Who Pays When a Driver Is at Fault?
Cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around Joliet, but the reality is that bicyclists remain vulnerable when sharing the road with cars and trucks. Even with designated bike lanes and traffic protections, collisions still occur. The aftermath often leaves injured cyclists asking a crucial question: Who pays when a driver is at fault?
Understanding bicycle accident liability in Joliet requires knowledge of Illinois traffic laws, insurance coverage options, and the legal steps necessary to secure compensation. This guide explores how liability is determined, what compensation may be available, and how a bicycle injury attorney in Joliet can help protect injured riders. With experienced legal support from RCK Law Firm, victims can better navigate the challenges of recovery and the claims process.
Understanding Fault in Bicycle vs. Car Crashes
Fault in a bicycle accident is not always clear-cut. While drivers often bear primary responsibility, cyclists must also follow traffic laws. Liability hinges on who acted negligently and whether that negligence directly caused the crash.
Common Injuries in Joliet Motorcycle Crashes & How a Lawyer Helps
Motorcycles provide a unique sense of freedom, but the reality is that riders face much greater risks on the road compared to drivers of passenger vehicles. In Joliet and throughout Will County, motorcycle crashes often result in devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and life adjustments. Unlike car occupants who benefit from airbags, crumple zones, and seat belts, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact when a collision occurs.
The combination of speed, minimal protection, and distracted drivers on Illinois roads means that motorcycle accident injuries in Joliet are frequently severe. When the unthinkable happens, victims not only deal with physical recovery but also face overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. Understanding the most common injuries and the role of a lawyer in seeking justice is essential for riders and their families.
Understanding the Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to permanent disabilities. The type and severity of an injury often depend on the circumstances of the crash, including the speed, the vehicles involved, and whether the rider was wearing protective gear.
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After a Workplace Injury?
If you have suffered a workplace injury, you should know that you have the right to workers’ compensation to cover your damages. This is an intense, multi-step process that can be overwhelming to handle on your own, and one of the most critical steps is to seek medical treatment after your injury.
Seeking medical treatment is not just beneficial for your workers’ compensation claim, but necessary for a full recovery. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our Naperville, IL workers’ comp lawyers can help you document your medical treatment to support your case. For over 25 years, we have worked to secure major victories for injury victims, including millions of dollars in successful payouts for injured employees.
Can I Be Paid for Medical Expenses Through Workers’ Comp?
In Illinois, workers’ compensation can cover a number of expenses from a workplace injury, including your medical bills. Some of these expenses may include:
How Do You Know Whether a Bicyclist is at Fault for an Accident with a Car?
Bicyclists and drivers share many of the same roads in Illinois, and when they crash, determining who is at fault for the accident can be complicated. While some people assume that the car’s driver is always responsible, that is not actually true. In some accidents, a bicyclist may share some or all of the blame. Understanding what factors courts and insurers will look at can help both bicyclists and drivers protect their rights after a bicycle and car crash.
With decades of experience, the Joliet, IL personal injury attorneys at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC have handled many bicycle accident cases. We have secured millions of dollars in verdicts for injured clients, in large part because we know how fault is assessed when bicyclists are involved. Call 815-730-1977 today.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes in Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Filing a claim for workers’ compensation is a complex, multi-step process. While these claims are intended to protect injured workers, it is all too easy to make mistakes that can end up damaging your claim. To efficiently navigate this process and avoid these common pitfalls, consider working with a DuPage County, IL workers’ compensation attorney.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have helped numerous clients recover compensation through workers’ compensation claims, with settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With our legal knowledge and decades of experience, we can effectively guide you through your claim to ensure that your rights are protected. Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see in workers’ compensation claims.
Waiting Too Long to Report a Workplace Injury
Workers’ compensation claims work on tight timelines. From the moment of the accident, you only have 45 days to report the accident to your employer. If the injury was caused by repetitive stress or exposure to harmful chemicals, you must report it within 45 days of becoming aware of your condition.
What Are The Most Dangerous Kinds of Auto Accidents?
Car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions have the potential to cause serious injury and thousands of dollars in damages. Certain factors can exacerbate the damage caused by a crash, and if you get into a particularly bad accident, you should seek legal representation. A Naperville, IL personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation after a dangerous auto accident, fighting for your right to a full payout.
As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC has the experience and resources to help you file an auto accident claim. We can help you navigate complicated insurance negotiations, protecting your best interests from beginning to end.
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are at much greater risk on the road than any other motorist. Due to the limited protection a bike can offer, a crash frequently carries the possibility of major injuries or death to motorcyclists. This goes double for motorcyclists who do not wear protective equipment like helmets.
The Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Third-Party Claims
If you have been injured while on the job, you may have different ways to get compensation, usually through either workers’ compensation or a third-party claim. Though both involve getting payment for your injuries, these two claims are vastly different. However, they are not mutually exclusive – meaning, you may be able to use them both. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your injury claim, consider working with an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney who also understands personal injury claims.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have the resources and skills to help you investigate a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party claim. In our firm’s history, we have secured millions in successful verdicts for our clients – a testament to our highly effective strategies.
Do I Have to Prove Who Was at Fault in My Claim?
Fault and negligence are a major point of difference between workers’ compensation and third-party claims. Workers’ compensation functions more like a safety net for employees and you can file a claim regardless of who was at fault, including yourself (although you could be denied workers’ comp if an investigation reveals that you were drunk or high at the time of the injury). On the other hand, third-party claims require you to accuse somebody else of wrongdoing.
Steps to Take After a Joliet Car Accident: A Comprehensive Guide
Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, often leaving those involved feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. In the bustling city of Joliet, Illinois, where traffic volumes are high, understanding the appropriate steps to take after an accident is crucial. By following these steps, you can ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and facilitate a smoother recovery process.
Introduction: Significance of Car Accident Protocols in Joliet
Joliet, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location as a transportation hub, witnesses a significant amount of vehicular traffic daily. This traffic, while essential for commerce and daily commuting, increases the likelihood of car accidents. Understanding the necessary steps to take following an accident is vital, not only for legal compliance but also for personal safety and financial protection.
1. Immediate Safety Measures
The first and foremost priority following a car accident is ensuring safety. Move to a safe location if possible, and turn on your vehicle's hazard lights. If the accident is minor and vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic, as per the Illinois State Police recommendations.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
