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Social Security

5 Tips to Be Prepared for Your Social Security Disability Hearing

Securing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a challenge, especially with limited law knowledge. The key to success lies in thorough preparation, a clear understanding of the proceedings and the ability to present a compelling case. Black & Jones is proud to help Rockford and the local surrounding communities, equipping you with the assurance and knowledge you need to pursue SSI or SSDI benefits you deserve.

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Workers' Comp

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation with Black & Jones for my Worker’s Compensation Claim?

At Black & Jones, we offer a free initial consultation, which is an important first meeting between you and an attorney from our team that you can hire to represent you in your worker’s compensation case. To make sure this meeting is as productive as possible, and avoid delays or rescheduling, come to your consultation prepared with the information the attorney needs to properly evaluate your case.

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Injured worker with a neck brace sitting in front of an attorney's desk.

Workers' Comp

How Long Will a Workers’ Compensation Case Take?

Suffering a work-related injury or illness can be a challenging experience both physically and emotionally. Workers' compensation serves as a vital safety net, providing financial support and access to medical care. However, many individuals find themselves wondering about the timeline and duration of a workers' compensation case.

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Doctor sitting down at table with a patient.

Workers' Comp

Will Workers’ Compensation Pay for Surgery?

If an injury you received at work requires surgery, you are likely entitled to compensation. Don’t hesitate to get the medical care you need to address your workplace injury. And be sure to report your injury to your employer right away and reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney to help you file a claim.

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judges mallet and illinois seal

Workers' Comp

How Is Workers’ Compensation Different in Illinois?

When you are injured at work, your rights are governed by state law. Each state has its own law governing the rights and responsibilities of the parties. And while some things are similar across all states, there are many things that are different. Sometimes, you have the option to file your case in more than one state. Therefore, it is important to pick the state which has a law that is most advantageous to you.

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Workers' Comp

3 Tips for Choosing a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Choosing a workers’ compensation attorney can feel like picking a random card from a deck and hiring the attorney whose name appears on the card. Like medical doctors, attorneys often limit their practice to specific areas of the law and if you have not had a work-related injury before, you likely have no need to be acquainted with an attorney that handles that kind of case. And doing a search online can feel like you are bombarded by insincere advertisements. This article is meant to provide some insight and tips for choosing the right attorney for you. It is important that you find an attorney that is experienced, aggressive and that cares about you and your case. So here are three tips for choosing the right attorney.

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Person looking at their smartphone.

Workers' Comp

3 Reasons to Avoid Social Media During an Active Claim

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information with the world. From posting updates about our daily lives to sharing our thoughts and opinions, social media has become an integral part of our lives. However, when it comes to an active workers’ compensation case, it is crucial to limit social media presence.

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Doctor looking at brain scans.

Workers' Comp

What to Expect at an Independent Medical Examination

If you are injured at work, chances are high that the workers’ compensation insurance company or your employer will eventually require you to attend what is called an independent medical examination (IME). This is more accurately and more fairly called a “Section 12 exam” as it is set pursuant to Section 12 of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

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Social Security

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney to Receive SSDI Benefits?

The short answer is no; however, it is highly recommended that you get an attorney to represent you. Hiring an attorney is free. You do not pay any fees out of your own pocket. There is no cost upfront to you. Attorneys representing claimants seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) before the Social Security Administration (SSA) work on a contingency fee basis.

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Man in wheelchair working on laptop

Social Security

How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The amount of disability benefits a person can receive is calculated based on a variety of factors, including their work history, earnings history and medical condition.

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Injured worker on the ground getting assistance from two other workers.

Workers' Comp

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I’m at Fault?

But what if the accident was my fault? This is a very commonly asked question when filing a claim for workers’ compensation. The short answer is yes; it typically doesn’t matter if the incident was your fault. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not eligible for workers’ compensation—especially your employer.

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Close up of hand turning the wheel of a wheelchair.

Social Security

Helpful Facts about Social Security Disability Benefits

Are you or someone you know struggling with a disability that prevents you from making a living? This article discusses the important steps you can take in filing for Social Security benefits—and covers the difference between SSI and SSDI benefits, so you can search for the option that applies to your situation most accurately.

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Worker sitting down making a face like he's in pain.

Workers' Comp

Common Workplace Injuries

Today’s workspaces are full of safety hazards—and they’re more common than you think. A work injury can be debilitating and lessen one’s quality of life. Getting injured at work can also be an emotional tightrope, as you try to navigate unfamiliar territory.

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"Report of work injury" for with red "APPROVED" stamp.

Workers' Comp

Hurt at Work? Let Us Help

It’s tough enough putting in so many hours with little compensation, but getting hurt at work can also be a life-altering injury. Your job, self-esteem, relationship with your family, and financial situation can be impacted after sustaining a serious injury at work.

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Security disability form with red "DENIED" stamp.

Social Security

How To Apply For Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a social insurance program under which workers earn coverage for benefits by working and paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. The program provides benefits to disabled workers and their dependents and helps them earn lost income.

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Silhouette of man with a celebratory fist in the air.

Workers' Comp

Black & Jones Is Ready to Fight for You!

When you get hurt at work, you want an attorney who will be on your side. You want an attorney who will tell you what your rights and responsibilities are. And you want a lawyer who is willing to go to bat for you; someone willing to go to trial and fight.

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Close up of arm in a cast and sling.

Workers' Comp

Do I need an attorney?

My response is always, “Even if everything is going perfectly right now, you will inevitably need an attorney. Don’t wait to get one until after a problem occurs because then you risk a situation where an attorney cannot fix the harm that has been done.”

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Social Security

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 was intended to provide significant legal protections for workers’ benefits. There is one aspect of ERISA, called the ‘reservation of discretion’ which insurance companies and plan administrators have been able to use to deny workers health and disability benefits. Under a recent Illinois federal court decision, this has changed.

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Person in a suit helping another person in a cast fill out paper forms.

Workers' Comp

What If I Cannot Go Back To Work

What happens when a work related injury leaves you with permanent restrictions and your employer cannot accommodate those restrictions? You find yourself without a job, without an income, and very little hope that you will find an employer who is willing to tolerate your restrictions.

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Two attorneys sitting across from a client.

Local Representation, Our Team

It is just what we do

Often people come to Black & Jones Attorneys at Law after the insurance company has stopped paying for medical care and/or weekly benefits. The individuals are confused because everything the insurance company asked of them they did.

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