Mundelein Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Why Hire Our Law Firm for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Experienced workers’ compensation attorney Bogie Martinovich has been helping injured workers in Lake County, Cook County, and McHenry County for more than 30 years. His commitment to his clients and track record of success has earned Bogie a reputation as one of the top workers’ compensation attorneys in the Libertyville area. Whether your workers’ comp claim was denied, your benefits have stopped, or you are unsure about how to proceed with your claim, our law firm can help. Let our legal team worry about your workers’ compensation claim, so you can focus on recovering.

Injured at work? Our law firm can help. Contact experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Bogie Martinovich at (847) 996-1350 for a free consultation.  

Common Workplace Accidents Leading to Workers’ Compensation Claims

Nearly every working environment in Lake County, Illinois has at least some risk of accidents that may result in on the job injuries – from broken bones to chemical burns to traumatic brain injuries. Some workplace accidents occur more often than others, however, resulting in workers’ comp claims. These include, but are not limited to:

Fall Accidents

Various factors in the workplace, from spills or slick floors, to loose handrails or incorrectly built scaffolding, raise the risk for slip and fall accidents among employees. The National Security Council reports that 211,640 workers suffered injuries requiring time off work in 2020 as a result of slips and falls in the workplace. Such accidents commonly lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal trauma. Injured workers who fall from heights or suffer same level falls have a right to workers’ compensation benefits to pay for their medical bills, replace a portion of their lost wages and receive lump sum benefits for any permanency. 

Electrocution

Electricity poses a serious occupational hazard. Libertyville workers who are exposed to electrical currents while performing their job duties may suffer electrical shocks, burns, or electrocution. Those who suffer permanent injuries that limit their ability to perform the duties of their job may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits. In a fatal work injury, the families of workers who suffer electrocution on the job may be eligible to receive death benefits through the deceased’s employer.

Struck by Falling Objects

Struck-by hazards, as they are commonly referred to, result from falling and flying objects in the workplace. These objects may include particles and debris, as well as tools or other, heavier objects. When they come into contact with workers by force, falling objects can cause penetrating, crushing, pinning, and other serious injuries. Employees who suffer workplace injuries caused by falling objects are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help them pay for their financial losses.

First aid support accident at work of worker at garage. Man worker has an accident on the floor in garage site.

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Crashes and Collisions

Auto accidents occurring on the way to or from work are generally not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle crash while performing your job duties, however. If another driver caused your motor vehicle accident in Lake County, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation.

What Is Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated benefit system for employees who suffer workplace injuries and illnesses. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act covers an estimated 91% of employees in the state. Under the Act, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance policies to cover the financial losses that accompany a workplace accident.

People who suffer occupational injuries or illnesses can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits that include medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and wage replacement. This no-fault system was designed to ensure that injured employees had a surefire means of recovering compensation for work-related injuries, but it isn’t as streamlined as it should be. Since your employer’s insurance company is a for-profit company, your well-being takes second place to the insurer’s bottom line. As a result, getting a fair payout for your losses is not automatic.

Without workers’ compensation attorneys to protect your rights, the insurer will likely minimize your injuries, claim they were not work-related, and/or refuse to pay your claim.

$2 Million
Hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian.
$500,000
Defendant negligently placed a door stop at a library that caused a trip and fall.
$500,000
Bicycle rider hit at an intersection.
$500,000
Dog bite to the lip of a child.

Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

Economic damages are a type of compensatory damages that seek to make an accident victim financially whole. An economic damage award takes into account the direct financial consequences a victim suffers as a result of his or her slip and fall injuries. These damages are typically proven with medical bills, wage statements, or receipts.

Economic damages that are commonly available in a slip and fall claim include:

  • Initial medical bills
  • Bills for follow-up care
  • Prescription medication and medical equipment costs
  • Lost wages and future lost wages
  • Long term care or rehabilitative treatment costs

The courts may also consider other financial damages you sustained during the accident, such as lost future earning potential. Additionally, in fatal slip and fall cases, surviving dependents can recover their economic losses such as funeral and burial costs. They are also entitled to compensation for their non-economic damages, including loss of society, companionship, and grief.

Are you getting the runaround after a workplace accident? Call workers’ compensation attorney Bogie Martinovich at (847) 996-1350 for help with your claim.

Clients Testimonials

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Bogie is an outstanding attorney in every way—knowledgeable, diligent, and effective. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

~ Timothy S.

Bogie has handled our corporate legal litigation for more than 20 years, prevailing against some of the largest national law firms. He is very intelligent, knowledgeable, experienced, and helpful. We value his counsel very much and are pleased to have had him advising us for many years. For us, he is 10 stars!

~ Mark R.
It’s not often you’ll find attorneys who make you feel heard and get you great results, but Bogie and Katie always deliver on both fronts. They take the time to walk you through the entire process and make sure to keep your needs as their top priority. I can’t recommend them enough!!
 
 
~ Vendi P.
The case that Bogdan Martinovich worked on lasted for a few years due to Covid at the time. He worked very diligently on the case and kept us informed throughout the whole process with updates. Amazing, informative, and helpful with my first experience with this process!
 
 
~ Angelica S.

What to Do When a Claim is Denied

If your initial claim for workers’ compensation benefits is denied, you still have options to recover the benefits you need. Bogie Martinovich will help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to obtain compensation for your losses. Our law firm will file an appeal with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, and make sure the Illinois workers’ compensation system delivers on the promise to provide you with medical treatment and lost wage benefits.

Injured workers have several stages of appeals available. Ultimately, if you are dissatisfied with those decisions, you may choose to appeal your case before the state’s circuit, appellate, and supreme courts.

Workers' Compensation Attorney Bogdan Martinovich

Common Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers suffer a wide range of injuries on the job, from minor to severe. The onset of some symptoms is immediate, occurring as a result of an accident or incident in the workplace. Other injuries, however, develop over time, and their effects are not immediately noticeable. Some of the most common injuries in workers’ compensation claims handled by Libertyville and Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers include:

Repetitive Motion Disorders

Repetitive stress injuries, such as tendonitis and bursitis, occur due to damage resulting from constant use and repetitive motion. Certain movements or uses may cause microscopic tears in the tissue. Without rest or a break from the cause, the body cannot repair these tears at the rate they are made. This results in inflammation and pain that can affect workers’ ability to perform their work duties, as well as other daily tasks.

Overexertion and Strains

Overexertion injuries and strains commonly rank among the leading causes of work-related injuries that require days away from work for employees. Job duties that frequently contribute to these types of injuries include lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, and walking. When workers develop these soft tissue and musculoskeletal disorders as a result of overexertion in the workplace, they have a right to compensation benefits, including medical care and temporary or permanent disability payments. 

Exposure to Harmful Substances

Exposure to harmful substances in the workplace poses serious physical and health hazards for employees in ranging industries and professions. Contact with substances, including aluminum, asbestos, lead, mercury, pesticides, and acids, may cause ranging health issues. Some of the work injuries and illnesses resulting from harmful substance exposure in the workplace include rashes, burns, and throat and lung injuries. Some substance and chemical hazards can also cause neurological and nerve injuries.  

Broken Bones

Broken bones commonly result from workplace accidents, including slips and falls, and often require medical care and weeks of rest to fully recover. Depending on the location and severity of their injuries, workers who suffer broken bones on the job may struggle to perform their work-related tasks, keeping them from returning to work. Workers’ comp benefits may provide them coverage of their associated medical bills, as well as temporary disability payments. 

Head Injuries

Falls from heights, falling objects and other struck-by injuries are common construction worker accidents that lead to head injuries. Occupational motor vehicle accidents may also cause head injuries for workers. Even minor head trauma takes time to recover from and safely return to the workforce. For some who suffer traumatic brain injuries, they may never return to work in their pre-injury capacities. In such cases, the benefits to which they have entitlement may include vocational rehabilitation to help them obtain the training necessary for a career change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation

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How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

With few exceptions, you must file a workers’ compensation claim within three years of the date your injury occurred, or you contracted an occupational illness, or two years from when you last received compensation for your injury, whichever is later. Failing to file within the allowed timeframe may forfeit your right to workers’ compensation benefits. To make sure your right to compensation is protected, contact a workers’ comp lawyer right away. 

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Can My Employer Retaliate Against Me for Making a Workers’ Comp Claim?

No. Illinois’ workers’ compensation law prohibits employers from harassing, discriminating against, terminating, or refusing to rehire employees because they filed a workers’ compensation claim. While a claim is pending, however, injured workers like you may receive appropriate disciplinary actions with valid cause. 

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When Should I Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

All employees who suffer occupational injuries or illnesses benefit from consulting with workers’ compensation attorneys to discuss their rights, options, and the steps they should take. In more serious cases, such as if your claim gets denied or if your medical issues are keeping you from going back to work, it may benefit you to have a workers’ compensation attorney to advocate on your behalf. It costs nothing to consult with us.

Learn More About Workers’ Compensation

Suffering a workplace injury can be an overwhelming and confusing time. On top of dealing with our physical pain and suffering, and the emotional effects of an accident and serious injury, you may have serious financial concerns. Understanding your rights under workers’ compensation laws, and what to expect from the workers’ compensation insurance system, may help ensure that you receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages. 

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