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Does it matter if you are to blame for your work injury?

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
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Any job that you do in Illinois comes with some degree of personal risk. If you deliver groceries to others, you can get into a car crash or slip and fall at the grocery store. If you are an office worker, you could develop carpal tunnel syndrome or shock yourself with a frayed electrical wire.

Every employer in this state has an obligation to carry workers’ compensation insurance for the protection of their employees. You can make a claim against your employer’s policy for any medical care you require because of your injury. If you need a leave of absence because you got hurt, workers’ compensation limits the financial impact of your time off of work on your family.

Can you still get workers’ compensation benefits if it is obvious that you are the reason that you got hurt on the job?

Workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage

With some kinds of insurance, fault or at least negligence has to play a role for a claimant to get benefits. To make a claim against motor vehicle liability insurance, for example, you have to show that the other driver was to blame for a crash. To bring a premises liability claim against a business, you have to show that they did something obviously negligent, like failing to mop up a spill for over an hour after it happened.

Some workers assume that similar rules apply to workers’ compensation claims, and this misconception prevents them from asking for benefits. Whether you drop something on your foot and broke a bone or burned yourself with a hot tool, you still have a right to ask for compensation even when you are the one who is technically to blame for your injury.

With the exception of the situation where you hurt yourself on purpose, you have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits for any injury suffered on the job. You neither have to prove that your employer was to blame nor that you were without fault to get those benefits.

What if your employer tries to deny your claim?

Some workers with serious injuries find themselves in an untenable situation when their employers fight benefits claims and refuse to accommodate their injuries on the job. Fighting back against such misbehavior often requires professional support and an understanding of your rights.

Too many workers mistreated after job injuries just give up and move on to a new profession. Understanding when you can claim workers’ compensation benefits will help you minimize the lasting consequences of a job injury.

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At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "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.
    "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.
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    I've used Martin Haxel a couple of times over the years and I have found that each time he is very prompt about responding to my inquiry and is able to talk to me in terms that I can understand!
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    "Thank You, Martin!"
    Mr Haxel, Took on a very difficult case for me. He was very knowledgeable about every aspect of the case. Answered all my questions without hesitation. Needless to say, the outcome was way more than I could have expected.
    - Gary H.
    "I Highly Recommend!"
    Rarely do you meet an attorney who is kind but also aggressive. Marty fights to maximize the value of each personal injury case.
    - Craig S.
    "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.
    "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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    His professionalism, knowledge, and compassion helped me through this difficult situation and I know he will go to bat for me if I need him to do more in the future.
    - Ann E.