Springfield, IL Medical Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Protecting the Rights of Healthcare Professionals in Sangamon County
While healthcare is a rewarding occupation for many medical professionals, it can also be hazardous for workers. If you suffered a work-related injury in a healthcare setting in Springfield, you deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. At Haxel Law, our medical workers’ compensation lawyers are committed to recovering the full benefits you deserve after a serious injury.
From burn injuries to infectious disease exposure, we understand the inherent dangers involved in the healthcare industry. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping physicians, nurses, techs, and other healthcare professionals get back on their feet after workplace accidents in Sangamon County. With our reputation for achieving exceptional results, you can trust our firm to vigorously protect your rights while you focus on healing.
Injured in the workplace? Our attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation in Springfield. Contact us online to discuss your case.
Common Injuries in the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare is a high-risk industry, making it crucial for medical workers to know and exercise their rights after a workplace accident. Fortunately, our attorneys have decades of experience protecting the rights of healthcare personnel in a variety of workers’ compensation claims. Common injuries among healthcare employees include:
- Needlestick injuries: These result from accidental punctures while administering injections or handling sharp medical tools like needles or scalpels.
- Back injuries: Common causes include lifting or transferring patients, bending over patients’ beds, or moving heavy medical equipment.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): Frequent use of medical instruments like forceps or scissors and repetitive tasks like typing on computers or inputting patient records can lead to repetitive strain injuries over time.
- Hazardous exposure: This occurs when a medical worker is exposed to infectious agents or harmful substances due to contact with bodily fluids, needlestick injuries, or inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Slip-and-fall injuries: Wet floors in hospitals or clinics, cluttered walkways, and loose carpets or wiring are all causes of slips, trips, and falls in healthcare settings.
- Burn injuries: Healthcare personnel can suffer serious burns while handling hot liquids or equipment, such as sterilizers, or exposure to chemicals used in medical procedures.
How Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws Affect Medical Workers
While healthcare professionals are entitled to the same legal protections as other employees under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, medical workers are at an increased risk of workplace injuries due to the demanding nature of the job, such as infectious disease exposure and needlestick injuries.
Illinois has specific provisions for healthcare workers. This includes coverage for injuries resulting from workplace violence, which is a known risk in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers may also benefit from presumptive laws that simplify claims for certain injuries or illnesses, like those resulting from infectious disease exposure, by presuming these are work-related.
In addition to state-specific laws, federal regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require healthcare employers to maintain a safe working environment, including the implementation of protocols to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents and ensure proper handling of medical equipment to prevent injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 217-215-4166 today!
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What Benefits Are Available for Injured Medical Personnel?
Depending on the case, various benefits may be available to injured medical professionals in a workers’ compensation claim. Common types of recoverable compensation include:
- Medical costs: Injured healthcare personnel are entitled to workers’ compensation for treatments, surgeries, prescription medications, hospital bills, physical therapy, and other medical expenses resulting from the injury.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits: TTD benefits are for injured medical personnel who cannot work during recovery. They typically provide two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage to ease financial stress during their recovery.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits: TPD benefits apply when a healthcare worker can only return to work in a limited capacity. They cover the wage difference before and after the injury to ensure financial stability during recovery.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits: If a medical worker suffers a permanent impairment that affects specific tasks or efficiency, they may be eligible for PPD benefits to recover lost wages.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits: For healthcare professionals who cannot return to work in any capacity due to their injury, PTD benefits can provide financial support indefinitely or until retirement benefits begin.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If returning to the same job is impossible due to the injury, workers’ compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation services to assist in training and finding a new occupation.
- Death benefits: If a workplace injury results in death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the deceased worker’s family to support surviving dependents and cover funeral expenses, burial costs, and lost income.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Workers’ Comp Claim in Springfield?
In Illinois, medical personnel must notify their employer verbally or in writing within 45 days of the accident. Failure to notify your employer within this timeframe can result in the loss of eligibility for benefits. Partnering with a knowledgeable attorney is paramount to filing your claim on time and seeking the full compensation you deserve.
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How Long Does It Take to Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits in Springfield?
The timeframe for receiving workers’ comp benefits depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case and how quickly both parties are willing to proceed. Generally, workers’ compensation insurance companies have 14 days to approve or deny claims. Depending on the verification of wages and the extent of the injury, certain benefits may start right away after the claim is approved, while other benefits can take longer.
Keep in mind that any delays or disputes can significantly extend the duration of workers’ comp cases, such as controversies pertaining to claim acceptance or benefit amounts. In these cases, partnering with a trusted lawyer can make all the difference. At Haxel Law, our attorneys are committed to streamlining the claims process by guiding your steps wisely and navigating any disputes that arise during the legal process.
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Why Choose Haxel Law?
The last thing you need after a work injury is additional stress, and choosing the right injury law firm can make all the difference. Why partner with our medical workers’ compensation lawyers at Haxel Law? Here are some reasons why workers trust us to protect their rights in Sangamon County:
- Experienced representation: Put decades of experience in your corner by partnering with our compassionate advocates.
- Client-centric approach: Our firm has a reputation for providing big-city power with small-town trust. We take pride in delivering client-centric counsel tailored to your unique legal needs.
- Litigation experience: We never shy away from a trial if necessary to recover the benefits you deserve, offering peace of mind that your case is prioritized.
- Former insurance defense experience: With former insurance industry experience, our attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of injured individuals and standing up to big insurers.
- High success rate: With a success rate of over 90%, our advocates have a reputation for pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients.
Unique Challenges Faced by Injured Healthcare Workers
While navigating any work-related injury can be stressful, healthcare workers often face unique challenges during the claims process. Some common challenges include:
- Industry culture: The healthcare industry has a reputation for discouraging workers from taking time off for their recovery. The pressure to maintain staffing levels and patient care can lead to healthcare workers underreporting injuries or returning to work prematurely, potentially exacerbating their conditions.
- Difficulty proving work-related injuries: To recover workers’ comp benefits, the worker must prove their injury is directly linked to their job duties. This can be challenging for healthcare employees, who often suffer gradual injuries from repetitive strain or hazardous exposure.
Seeking Compensation After a Work Injury in the Medical Field
If you were injured as a medical worker, taking prompt legal action is essential to exercise your right to workers’ compensation.
Here are some critical steps to take after a work-related injury in the medical field:
- Seek medical attention: First, seek medical care to prioritize your health and establish official documentation of your injury.
- Report the injury: Next, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Providing notice within 45 days of the accident is mandatory to safeguard your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits and avoid potential delays.
- Document everything: Preserve documentation and records related to the incident, including how the injury occurred, immediate symptoms, and any communications with your employer regarding the injury.
- Seek legal representation: Securing legal representation is imperative to recover the full benefits you deserve for your immediate and long-term care needs. From filing your claim to negotiating with insurers, our time-tested trial lawyers can represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.
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"Thanks For All You Have Done!"Marty Haxel provided exceptional help with a complex work men's comp case, made our part seem small. Would refer him to anyone that needs help fighting the big guys!- David E.