Posted on August 28, 2019 in Workers' Compensation

Reporting a wound or ailment that occurred while either at your company or acting on their behalf is a scenario that thousands of Americans have to face every year. There are numerous ways in which an employee could be harmed on a daily basis. Workers’ compensation (workers’ comp) is a form of insurance provided to staff members who can justify an injury or illness while at the workplace or representing their organization at a different location. How do you go about filing for these benefits, and what does this process entail? Steps must be taken to meet the state-regulated requirements.

Workers’ Comp Benefits

If you were to sustain a work-related injury, workers’ compensation is an insurance-like process that would pay for your medical expenses and provide you with wage-loss benefits until you are able to return to employment. In reference to workers’ comp, here are a few key details that should be noted:

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 Posted on August 23, 2019 in Car Accidents

Traveling by car has become a way of life for a majority of U.S. citizens; millions of people hit the road every day either as a driver or a passenger. However, how many of these motor vehicle occupants are involved in car accidents? Based on recent statistical trends, it is estimated that there are roughly 4.5 million people injured from car accidents in the United States per year, including about 40,000 deaths. These accidents can be physically and emotionally draining on all parties involved.

If you or a loved one is hurt in a vehicle crash, you might be entitled to compensation if the accident was due to another driver’s reckless behavior. Taking certain actions immediately following the accident can help with seeking damages.

Potential Injuries From a Vehicle Crash

The aftermath of an auto accident can produce lasting effects for every party involved, including serious injuries. Depending on the circumstances, some of the most common consequences of car crashes include:

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 Posted on August 16, 2019 in Workers' Compensation

It is not uncommon for many people to travel for their jobs, regardless of the industry or line of work they are in. Employees often have to meet with business partners or clients face-to-face, even if they live in different states or countries. Depending on the work that needs to be done, a business trip can last a day, weeks, or even months. The potential for a workplace accident still exists, even if an employee is not on company grounds. If a worker is injured while on a business trip, he or she may still be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. However, the process of seeking workers’ compensation for a traveling employee can be slightly more complicated, so it is best to talk to a legal professional before filing any insurance claims.

Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits

It is important to distinguish the fine line between work-related and non-work-related injuries, especially while traveling for business. Injuries suffered while attending a dinner meeting with clients are usually covered. However, any injuries sustained while going out to eat when you are “off the clock” with a friend or family member who is in that town are probably not covered. Injuries sustained while sightseeing on your own are most likely not covered under worker’s comp insurance. Injuries that occur while you are on an airplane, in a car, on a train or staying in a hotel for work-related duties are typically covered. Regardless of the type of injury an employee sustains while on a business trip, he or she should take the following steps to protect his or her rights to compensation:

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 Posted on August 08, 2019 in Car Accidents

A popular mode of transportation these days are electric bicycles or “e-bikes.” Two basic types of e-bikes exist, throttle and pedal-assist, although many e-bikes have both. Pedal-assist e-bikes use a battery in addition to the power created by pedaling. E-bikes can reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour. Electric bikes are fairly inexpensive and many commuters see it as a convenient way to get to and from work without exerting much effort. However, there are unique dangers to riding this type of motorized bicycle. The higher speeds of an e-bike along with reckless driving behaviors of both cyclists and motorists can lead to significant injuries.

Common Types of E-Bike Injuries

The majority of e-bicycle accidents are due to negligence or recklessness. A variety of parties can be at fault, including other bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, or the manufacturers of the bike. There have been reported cases of serious injuries suffered while riding pedal-assist e-bikes due to faulty brakes, lithium battery, and fork failure. A slight tap of the brakes can cause them to lock up and send riders flying over the handlebars. Other causes of e-bike accidents can include reckless drivers who are intoxicated or looking at their phones or pedestrians who do not pay attention to where they are going and crash into the cyclist.

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 Posted on July 30, 2019 in Car Accidents

Summer is typically the time for construction on America’s streets and roads because of the nice weather. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Organization (NHTSA), work zones on U.S. roadways have become increasingly dangerous for both workers and motorists. A work zone is a designated area or stretch of highway or road where work takes place, typically to improve the pavement or roadway conditions. This may involve lane closures, detours, and tractors or equipment. Car accidents can happen at any time and anywhere, especially if there is a change in the normal flow of traffic. It is important to be even more aware when driving in work zones in order to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, you cannot control other drivers on the road who may not be paying attention.

Drive with Caution

There are steps a driver can take to be better prepared for traveling in work zones. Practicing safe driving tactics, such as slowing down, can help reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident. Here are a few other safety precautions every motorist should take during road construction season:

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 Posted on July 24, 2019 in Car Accidents

Learning to drive is a rite of passage for young adults. In Illinois, new drivers must complete a required driver’s education class and accumulate a certain number of hours behind the wheel before they are issued a valid driver’s license, regardless if they are 16 years old or not. During the learning or practice phase, the student motorists carry a learner’s permit and are subject to restrictions such as who can be in the vehicle with them, curfew hours, etc. As with learning how to do any activity that is new, student drivers often make mistakes that can lead to car accidents. Even seasoned drivers can be involved in car accidents due to inclement weather or other reckless motorists, but what are the consequences if someone is injured in an auto collision that involves another driver who is on a learner’s permit?

Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Crash

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 Posted on July 17, 2019 in Workers' Compensation

A lot of people who suffer an injury while on the job can collect workers’ compensation benefits. Under Illinois law, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in the event they are injured on the job. In certain industries, a worker may develop an ailment over time due to repeated exposure to toxic substances. A person can suffer permanent physical and/or neurological damage from contact with chemicals, dust, fumes, mold, or radiation. Those employees are also entitled to compensation if the occupational disease or illness was due to continuous employment in that profession. The Illinois Occupational Diseases Act assures fair compensation for workers who are temporarily or permanently disabled by such illnesses or diseases.

Illinois Occupational Diseases Act

The Illinois Occupational Diseases Act states that an occupational disease is an illness or damaging condition that is a direct result of employment or which could be aggravated by hazardous workplace conditions. These unsafe conditions must not be “common to the general public.” Common colds and other contagious ailments are not generally considered to be directly work-related. Many jobs involve exposure to dangerous chemicals, radiation, loud noise, and other hazards. These occupations can include but are not limited to the following:

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 Posted on July 10, 2019 in Catastrophic Injuries

Many people like to travel by plane because they can reach their destinations so much faster than by car or train. Statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board show it is actually a safer means of transportation than vehicles. However, injuries can still occur in the air. They may be as minor as a sprained shoulder while trying to reach the overhead bin, or as severe as head trauma during turbulence. In some cases, a plane crash can result in a catastrophic injury or death. Anyone who has been injured while an airplane passenger has rights to compensation for medical bills or lost wages if the injury prevents him or her from working. Depending on the circumstances, the airline and/or its employees can be held responsible.

Common Types of In-Flight Injuries

A number of in-flight injuries are the result of luggage falling out of the overhead bins. According to estimates, approximately 4,500 passengers are hurt each year from falling baggage. Many people use carry-on suitcases and they are packed full and can weigh a lot. If a person is struck by luggage, it can cause fractures to the face, head, or arms and also lacerations.

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 Posted on June 27, 2019 in Slip and Fall

Jumping on a trampoline can be fun for people of all ages, not just kids. It is a great form of exercise and can help users develop core muscle strength as well as strengthen their balance. Trampolines can be enjoyed outside in someone’s yard or inside at a facility. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured on trampolines every year in the United States. Injuries can range from minor to major, such as small cuts to broken legs to fractures of the spine, head, ribs and more. The number of injuries continues to rise, despite efforts to make trampolines safer with enclosures or nets and padding. Children younger than 6 years old are at the greatest risk of injury, but adults can be hurt, too. Accidents happen, but in some cases, a trampoline injury might occur due to negligence by the trampoline’s owner.

Types of Injuries

The majority of trampoline injuries occur on home trampolines, although they can happen on indoor trampolines, too. Indoor trampoline “parks” have gained popularity in recent years since people can visit them in the winter months when the weather is bad outside. Common injuries sustained on any trampoline can include:

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 Posted on June 21, 2019 in Catastrophic Injuries

Summertime is when a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts take to the roads since the weather is warmer. Motorcyclists are also sharing the road with cars and trucks, and the potential for accidents can be high due to increased speeds. Statistics show approximately 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle crashes in the United States each year. A motorcycle accident can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), fractures, paralysis, just to name a few. These injuries can have devastating consequences that impact someone’s day-to-day life, so it is important to take safety precautions whenever possible.

Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries

A traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Since a person driving or riding on a motorcycle is not as protected as a passenger in a car or truck, the potential for significant injury is more likely. Other kinds of injuries include but are not limited to the following:

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