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Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Selecting the right attorney for your workers' compensation case is crucial, but does your attorney have to be in the same state where your injury occurred? Let's explore this question and understand the importance of having a local attorney by your side.
When it comes to dealing with workers’ compensation claims, you may hear about something called an Independent Medical Examination (IME), or as it’s known under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, a “Section 12 exam.” It’s actually a tool frequently used by insurance companies to shape the trajectory of your claim. But should you comply with it?
Seeking legal representation can be like deciding where to go out to eat when you have no options in the fridge. You can wait in the backed-up fast food drive-thru where they’ll probably forget your side of fries—or you can stop by the diner just down the street where the server knows your name, your order and always makes sure you have the best possible experience. We don't sell food at Black & Jones, but we serve up a pretty good case when it comes to workers’ compensation hearings. Here are 5 reasons why seeking representation locally can make all the difference.
At Black & Jones, we know that when it comes to navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, having the right legal representation can sometimes make or break your case. So, where in the world do you find the best one for you, and what should you be looking for? We have a few tips you should consider.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Workplace accidents can be physically, emotionally and financially devastating. And if that’s not challenging enough, you must navigate the complex landscape that is the workers’ compensation system. This is where the expertise of a local Rockford workers’ compensation attorney becomes invaluable to ensure you have the support you need to get the benefits you deserve.
As if getting hurt on the job isn’t stressful enough, now it’s time to navigate the workers’ compensation system—which, unfortunately, is filled with red tape, tons of paperwork, and sometimes, even an employer who doesn’t want you to file a workers’ compensation claim. At Black & Jones, we serve to protect Rockford and nearby communities to make sure you receive the payment you deserve. More importantly, our team wants to see you get back to the life you love. Check out the top workers’ compensation FAQs people call and ask us about.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation, Videos
Tracy and the team listened to Blake's story, began the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim and ended up winning him the compensation he needed to get his life started again.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation, Videos
Watch and listen to how Tracy Jones and her team at Black & Jones listened to her story and helped her start the workers’ compensation process.
Black & Jones loves Rockford—and its people. That’s just a couple of the reasons why we also love serving the hard-working people who call this place home.
Your choice of attorney can greatly impact the outcome of your case, so it’s essential to select a lawyer who aligns with your specific goals and has worked on cases similar to yours. At Black & Jones, we not only know the law, we know the Greater Rockford area and how to best support you with our extended network of professionals.
Are you in need of a workers' compensation attorney to help you navigate the complex legal terrain of workplace injuries? Here are 5 tips from an experienced Rockford law firm to guide you through the process of selecting the ideal attorney who will champion your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case!
To determine if an individual is an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor, and therefore eligible for workers’ compensation in Illinois, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission assesses several key factors. These factors revolve around the level of control an employer exerts over the contractor’s work.
Recently the Appellate Court upheld a Commission decision, which found that a secretary at a school who slipped and fell on snow in the school parking lot did sustain a compensable work-related injury and the employer was responsible for benefits.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, understanding the Illinois workers' compensation process can help you start the process of filing a claim. Knowing your rights can also empower you to receive fair compensation, medical benefits, rehabilitation services and more.
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.
Black & Jones, your trusted Rockford-based worker’s compensation and Social Security attorneys, offers a free initial consultation. This appointment is an important first meeting between you and the attorney you may hire to represent you throughout your Social Security Disability claim.
If you are injured at work, no matter how minor of an injury, you may be entitled to recovery. In fact, you are likely entitled to a settlement for the injury. If you have been injured at work, call Black & Jones Attorneys at Law today at (815) 967-9000 for a free consultation.
If you get hurt at work, you are likely entitled to a settlement. When you get hurt at work, you are entitled to three principal benefits. While there may be other benefits you are entitled to, the following are the most common benefits paid.
Workers' compensation provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job or have a work-related illness. But this compensation isn’t automatically given to injured workers. A claim must be properly filed and meet qualifications. And unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to make simple, yet costly, mistakes during the claims process.
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.
A question the workers’ compensation attorneys at Black & Jones commonly hear is, “when will I receive my benefits?” When you’ve been injured on the job, you want to get back to normal. You want to get the care and compensation you need and move on. As top workers’ rights lawyers in Northern Illinois, this is exactly what our team strives to do.
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.
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.
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.
Black & Jones Attorneys at Law recently won permanent and total disability benefits for an injured worker who developed bilateral carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome because of her repetitive work activities. She spent 10 years as a packer on an assembly line, performing highly repetitive work with her hands before developing numbness and tingling in her hands in 2011.
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.
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.
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.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) finally provided recipients a much-needed cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in 2023. According to the announcement, Social Security beneficiaries would get an 8.7% increase in their monthly payments starting in January 2023. This is the largest COLA increase since 1982 when benefits were increased by 7.4%.
The roads in Northern Illinois, especially during the winter construction season, can be a hazard for construction workers and drivers alike. Cold, snow, ice and other extreme winter conditions can contribute to several types of construction accidents. In addition, with temperatures dropping and snow and ice covering the ground, many people are at risk of suffering injuries while on the job. These injuries can range from minor bruises and sprains to serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma and even death.
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.
Clients often ask me if they can start a new job or quit working for their current employer if they have a pending workers’ compensation case or are receiving benefits. Before you take that job, you should know how it will affect you and your case.
If you’re wondering whether you have a case, consider having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side to help you through the complicated steps.
You don’t want to risk not getting paid the benefits you are owed. Get an attorney who can help ensure prompt and reasonable payment.
Many people who file workers’ compensation claims are hardworking, loyal and honest employees who simply got in an accident at work, by no fault of their own.
The application process can be tricky! We recommend talking to your trusted legal professional—so you don’t miss any crucial steps.
Illinois law protects employees from retaliation and discrimination for exercising their rights under the IL Workers’ Compensation Act.
In a workers’ compensation case, our legal team serves those who are hurt and not able to work—or in pain and in need of medical care—due to an injury at work.
If you were injured at work, don’t watch the medical bills stack up. We are here to help you put up a fight! At Black & Jones, we offer both compassion & toughness.
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.
This comprehensive list will provide a step-by-step process of how to act following a workplace incident, remember that you have the power to immediately contact a trusted lawyer to help you file for compensation.
We know how difficult it can be to sustain an injury or illness from a workplace incident. And, it’s okay if you don’t know everything about Workers’ Compensation yet. In fact, many of those injured are unaware of their rights to recover benefits.
Workers’ compensation protects employees by covering medical bills, rehab costs, and any wages lost due to a workplace injury. The insurance policy also offers benefits to an employees’ family if they died due to workplace injury.
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.
Regardless of whether you think everyone should get vaccinated or no one should, or that everyone should wear a mask or not, it is important to know what your employer can and cannot mandate in the workplace.
Wondering how best to decide which law firm to hire for your Social Security Disability claim? When you seek counsel, make sure they are highly experienced in Social Security Disability claims and, in the end, will ultimately fight for you.
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.
If you or someone you know is a firefighter, EMT or paramedic and was diagnosed with MRSA or any other bloodborne pathogen, lung or respiratory disease or condition, heart or vascular disease or condition, hypertension, tuberculosis, or cancer resulting in disability, you may be entitled to benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
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.
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.
Under Illinois law, you must file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within three years of the injury or accident, or within two years of the date, the insurance company or employer last pays a benefit related to the injury or accident.
Your initial consultation with a personal injury attorney should be a comfortable, informative, free meeting. You shouldn’t leave that meeting feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. You should walk out feeling like you are in capable hands and that someone will fight for you.
How do you know if you need an attorney? When should you get an attorney? Here is some helpful advice on making those determinations.
Workers' Comp, COVID-19, Videos
A lot of employees are going to be exposed to coronavirus or COVID-19 while working; if that happens, you should contact an attorney. If you test positive and here's why sometimes, if you're exposed, you may have a compensable work comp claim.
If you've tested positive for COVID-19, you should not go to work. Now, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, if you test positive, then you need to notify your employer, and you need to self-quarantine for whatever period of time your doctor has said.
There are a lot of things to watch out for in a settlement that could ultimately harm an injured worker. I will highlight a few of those problems here and what you can do about them.
In another unprecedented move today, the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission repealed the emergency rule amendment entered April 15, 2020. Recall that Governor Pritzker announced the amendment in his daily briefing, indicating that all frontline workers who test positive for COVID-19 would be entitled to a rebuttable presumption that they contracted the virus at work.
Here's to the Essential Workers. If you are still working outside your home during the Shelter-in-place order and you are diagnosed with COVID-19, contact Black & Jones immediately to find out what your rights are.
Today, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission made the unprecedented move of enacting an emergency amendment to the Rules Governing the Practice before the Commission to help protect our first responders and front line workers.
While we pray no one reading this gets sick from it, the reality is that there is a good chance you might. And we want to make sure you know your rights ahead of time if you are exposed to it at work.
Here's to the workers! Attorney Tracy Jones helps builders, drivers, welders with workers' compensation representation.
Last week, House Bill 2028 became law drastically increasing benefits paid to the families of our law enforcement officers and firefighters tragically killed while in the line of duty. This is such an important and well deserved change.
I have had several firefighters, EMTs and paramedics ask me if they can get compensation for their heart or lung disease under “the new Heart and Lung Act.”
Yes, first responders are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when they are injured while providing help in their official capacity while off the clock.
Workers' Comp, Social Security
Unfortunately, no matter how cautious we are, accidents sometimes happen in the workplace. Losing a loved one in a traumatic accident is hard; and the last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay for the funeral and survive financially without them.
Raising two kids is challenging and rewarding, much like fighting for the rights of those injured at work. We work hard to provide the tough, responsive and caring legal representation you deserve for your workers’ comp claim.
The answer is NO. Just because the company’s “independent medical doctor” says that you don’t need more treatment or that your condition is not work related, does not mean that your case ends. There are several ways to get around that doctor’s opinion.
At Black and Jones, we’re tough when dealing with insurance companies, but we never overlook caring for our clients. We offer compassionate, competitive workers’ compensation representation.
Most people don’t call an attorney right away when they get hurt. Usually they wait until a problem arises and only then do they call an attorney.
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.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Illinois case law guides the attorneys and arbitrator what may be awarded at trial by reporting what cases with similar evidence were awarded at trial. So when the client says, “that’s not a good offer,” it is unlikely the client did the legal research to form an accurate picture of what his case is worth.
An insidious onset occurs where a person’s condition worsens over time through no apparent cause. The person’s body is simply wearing out.
What to do when your former attorney won’t help get treatment approved after your case has closed.
Wondering how best to decide which law firm to hire for your workers’ compensation claim or Social Security Disability claim? There are four important factors to consider.
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.
Workers' Comp, Local Representation
Now more than ever, it is important to hire an attorney for your workers’ compensation injury. Governor Rauner wants to reform the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, claiming that Illinois workers are paid too much money for their injuries, too many injuries are compensable, and the medical expenses are too high.
Have you received a letter from the worker’s compensation insurance carrier telling you that they are denying approval for medical treatment recommended by your doctor? You need to know that their “decision” is not necessarily final.
On-the-job injuries can lead to unseen the unseen hurdles of lost wages, untreated injuries and unpaid bills. Don’t go it alone! Black & Jones Attorneys At Law are prepared to assist you in your workers’ compensation case.
Does the law firm you are thinking about hiring have the abilities to employ legal procedures to your benefit? When used properly, legal procedures are often more effective in getting a client what he needs than the law itself.
Unfortunately, when a business is allowing employees to work in an environment or around equipment that is blatantly unsafe, injuries not only are likely to happen, but they can be devastating.
Often an injured worker will question why he didn’t receive as much in compensation for his injury as a friend of his received for his injury. So why didn’t he receive as much, or more, compensation than his friend did?
What do you do if you are hurt at work and your boss tells you to say it happened at home so your health insurance pays with a promise that your boss will take care of everything?
Undocumented workers’ who suffer an injury arising out of and in the course of employment have the rights afforded by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, with a few exceptions.
Local Representation, Our Team
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.
Illinois has adopted a Preferred Provider Program for injured workers. This allows the employer and/or its insurance company to set up a preferred provider network.