Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Worker

 

If you were hurt on the job in Downtown Chicago, Elgin, or the greater Chicagoland area, you are entitled to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Illinois law requires most employers to provide this coverage, which should include medical care and lost wages when you can’t work.

 

Even with these protections in place, many valid claims are delayed or denied. Insurance carriers often argue that your injury wasn’t work-related, that you missed a reporting deadline, or that you don’t need the treatment your doctor recommends. A denial can feel final, but it doesn’t mean the end of your claim.

 

 

Common Reasons Workers’ Comp Claims Get Denied

 

 

Late Reporting: Illinois law gives you 45 days to report a workplace injury, but insurance companies use any delay to challenge claims.

 

Disputed Injuries: Your employer or insurer may claim the injury didn’t happen at work or isn’t severe enough to qualify for benefits.

 

Medical Record Gaps: If your medical records don’t clearly connect your injury to your job, insurers may use that as a reason to refuse benefits.

 

Facing one of these issues? A workers’ compensation attorney serving Chicago and Elgin can step in to protect your rights and help you move forward.

 

 

How to Appeal a Denial in Illinois

 

 

If your benefits are denied, you have the right to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) and request a hearing. Acting quickly is critical to preserve evidence and meet state deadlines.

 

An experienced work injury lawyer can help you collect medical documentation, witness statements, and employment records to build a strong case. They can also handle all communication with the insurance company so you can focus on recovery.

 

 

Helping Injured Workers Across Downtown Chicago, Elgin, and Chicagoland

 

 

At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, we work with employees in Downtown Chicago, Elgin, Cook County, and the surrounding suburbs to appeal denied or delayed workers’ compensation claims. We know how overwhelming it is to be hurt at work while medical bills and living expenses pile up, and we fight to make sure you get the benefits you deserve under Illinois law.

 

If your claim has been denied, don’t give up. Contact our office for a free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.