If you were hurt in a workplace accident in Peoria, Illinois, you may be able to get compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Getting injured at work can be stressful and painful, and it may be hard to know what to do next. At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we help injured workers get the compensation they deserve.
With decades of experience, we have helped many workers across Peoria get the financial help they need after a workplace accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, don’t wait—call (309) 673-4357 or contact us today for a free consultation with a Peoria workplace accident lawyer, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help After a Workplace Accident in Peoria
After a workplace accident in Peoria, IL, you may be dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost income. Workers’ compensation claims can be confusing, and insurance companies often try to pay less than what you deserve. Our experienced Peoria personal injury attorneys will fight for your rights and help you get the most compensation possible.
Our legal team can help by:
- Investigating your accident to find out who is responsible.
- Filing your workers’ compensation claim and making sure all paperwork is correct.
- Appealing denied claims to help you get the benefits you need.
- Filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit if someone besides your employer caused the accident.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to trial if needed to fight for what you deserve.
We know how hard it is to recover from a work injury. That’s why we handle everything so you can focus on getting better. According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), thousands of workers get hurt every year, and many struggle to get fair benefits. With Joel E. Brown, P.C., you don’t have to fight alone.
What Is My Peoria Workplace Accident Case Worth?
How much your workplace accident case is worth depends on a few things. Our attorneys will look at your case and figure out how much you should get. No two cases are the same, but we will make sure you get everything you are owed.
Some things that affect how much your case is worth:
- How bad your injuries are and whether they cause permanent problems.
- The cost of your medical treatment, including future care.
- How much work you missed and how it affects your ability to earn money.
- Pain and suffering, stress, and changes to your daily life.
- If someone else besides your employer was responsible for your injury.
Many workers take low settlement offers because they don’t know what their case is really worth. Our firm makes sure you understand your rights and don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Workplace Accident Victims?
If you get hurt on the job, you may be able to get workers’ compensation or file a personal injury claim. Workers’ compensation benefits may include:
- Medical expenses: Covers doctor visits, surgery, rehab, and medicine.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Pays you if you can’t work while recovering.
- Permanent Partial or Total Disability (PPD/PTD): Compensation for long-term injuries.
- Vocational rehab: If you need to learn new job skills due to your injury.
- Death benefits: Helps families of workers who died in workplace accidents.
In contrast, if you are able to file a personal injury claim (typically against a third party, you might be able to recover:
- Extra medical costs not covered by workers’ comp.
- Lost wages and lost earning power.
- Pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages if someone was reckless and caused your injury.
Our firm will look at every option to make sure you get the most money possible. We understand how a workplace injury affects you and your family, and we fight for every dollar you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Peoria Workplace Accident Lawyer?
Many injured workers worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer after a workplace accident. The good news is that most personal injury attorneys, including Joel E. Brown, P.C., work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront. Contingency fees mean:
- No upfront costs: You don’t need to pay anything to start your case.
- We only get paid if you win: Our fee comes from a percentage of your final settlement or award.
- No hidden fees: You won’t owe us anything if we don’t win your case.
This system allows all injured workers to access high-quality legal representation without financial stress. Our firm is committed to fighting for your rights, and we only get paid when you do.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Workplace Accident in Illinois?
One of the biggest concerns injured workers have is whether they can still receive compensation if they are partially at fault for their accident. The answer depends on whether you are filing a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party personal injury claim.
Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits even if you were partially responsible for your accident. Your employer cannot deny you benefits simply because you made a mistake. As long as your injury happened at work, you are likely eligible for compensation.
However, if a third party—such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer—was responsible for your accident, you may have a personal injury claim. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which affects your ability to recover damages. If you are less than 51% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to the worker to reduce payouts. Our legal team fights to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Even if you think you might be partially responsible for your accident, you should still speak with a lawyer. An attorney can evaluate your case, investigate the facts, and fight back against unfair blame.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Workplace Injuries
Workplace accidents can cause serious injuries that require long-term medical care. Our attorneys will fight to make sure you get paid for all of your injuries. Common workplace injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries that affect memory and thinking.
- Spinal cord injuries: Can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures: Often caused by falls or machinery accidents.
- Burns and electrical injuries: Can be life-threatening and cause permanent damage.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Pain from doing the same movements over and over.
- Hearing loss: Caused by loud noises at work over time.
No matter what kind of injury you have, we will fight to make sure you get proper medical care and fair compensation.
What Causes Most Workplace Accidents in Peoria, IL?
Common causes of workplace injuries that we see include:
- Slip and falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
- Machinery accidents: Faulty or unsafe equipment.
- Vehicle accidents: Forklifts, trucks, and worksite vehicles.
- Overexertion injuries: Lifting heavy items or doing repetitive tasks.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals: Can cause serious health problems over time.
If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Workplace Accident in Illinois?
Illinois law gives injured workers a limited time to file a claim. For workers’ compensation claims, you must report the injury within 45 days and file a claim within three years. If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, you have two years from the accident date to do so. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident?
Taking the right steps after a workplace accident can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to receive compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Report the accident immediately: Notify your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Illinois law requires you to report your injury within 45 days to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away.
- Follow your doctor’s orders: Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment recommendations. If you do not follow medical advice, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not serious.
- Document everything: Keep copies of medical records, accident reports, and communication with your employer. Write down details of the accident, including what happened, where it happened, and who witnessed it.
- Do not give statements to insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. Never agree to a recorded statement or sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Contact a workplace accident lawyer: A lawyer can help you file your claim correctly, challenge denied claims, and fight for full compensation. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Taking these steps can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait—reach out to an attorney today.
Contact a Peoria Workplace Accidents Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A workplace accident in Peoria, Illinois, can disrupt your life, but you don’t have to navigate the challenges alone. At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we are dedicated to helping injured workers recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Call us today or visit our website to schedule your free consultation with a Peoria workplace accident lawyer. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.
