Bloomington Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Proudly Representing Workers in Central Illinois

If you’ve been injured on the job in Bloomington, Illinois, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits—but the process isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Between confusing paperwork, strict deadlines, and pushback from employers or insurance companies, it can be difficult to get the support you’re owed. At Haxel Law, we’re ready to help you make sense of everything. Our team represents injured workers from all backgrounds and occupations in Bloomington, and we’re committed to guiding you through the workers’ compensation system with professionalism and compassion. Whether you work with your hands, behind an office desk, or care for others in one of many ways, we’re here to handle your workers’ compensation claim.

We proudly represent workers from all sorts of industries and occupations in Bloomington, such as:

• Manufacturing and factory work
• Education and public school services
• Healthcare and hospital staff
• Agriculture and farm operations
• Logistics and warehouse jobs
• Government employment
• Technology and insurance services
• Retail and food service
• Office work

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, don’t wait. Contact us online or call (217) 215-4166 today.

What is Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to help employees recover from job-related injuries or illnesses without needing to prove their employer did anything wrong. It provides benefits like medical care and lost wage replacement, so you can heal and support your family while you’re unable to work.

In Illinois, nearly every employee is covered under workers’ compensation law. State law requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance, including for part-time and seasonal workers. This means you likely have coverage, even if your job is temporary or you’ve only been employed for a short time.

Workers typically covered include:

• Full-time employees
• Part-time and seasonal workers
• Temporary or contracted staff
• Employees injured while working off-site
• Public and private sector workers

Independent contractor work is one of the few exceptions to legally mandated workers’ comp coverage. However, it is possible that you have been misclassified as an independent contractor when you should be considered an employee. In such a case, you could still be owed workers’ comp benefits. If you’re not sure if you should have workers’ comp, call (217) 215-4166 to discuss your employment situation during a free case review.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered?

Workers’ compensation is meant to cover any injury or illness that occurs in the scope of your employment. It doesn’t have to be an injury caused by a sudden accident, either. Conditions that develop over time or result from repetitive tasks are also compensable.

Examples of covered work injuries include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace
• Machinery or tool-related injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel
• Lifting injuries causing back or joint problems
• Illnesses from toxic exposure
• Mental health injuries caused by traumatic job events (in some cases)

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available?

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for a wide range of benefits. Workers’ comp benefits are designed to help you recover physically, financially, and even professionally after an on-the-job injury sets you back.

Workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois may include:

• Medical care and rehabilitation
• Temporary total disability (TTD) payments
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) or total disability (PTD)
• Vocational training or job placement services
• Death benefits to surviving family members

Why You Usually Can’t Sue Your Employer

Many injured workers are surprised to learn that even if their employer’s negligence contributed to their injury, they usually can’t file a personal injury lawsuit against the employer. This is due to the “exclusive remedy rule” in Illinois workers’ compensation law.

Under this rule, if your injury is covered by workers’ compensation, you typically must use that system for recovery, even if your employer failed to maintain safe working conditions. However, there are exceptions. If a third party, such as a contractor or defective equipment manufacturer, played a role in your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim. Haxel Law can investigate your case and help you pursue every available legal option.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

Workers’ compensation claims can be denied for a variety of reasons, and not all of them are fair, just, or legal. You might be told that your injury wasn’t work-related, that there’s insufficient evidence, or that your employer disputes your version of events. If this happens, don’t give up.

Our Bloomington workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help you fight back. We regularly represent injured workers in the appeals process and understand how to prepare a solid case to present to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).

Our workers’ compensation appeals services include:

• Reviewing your denial and identifying issues
• Gathering additional medical and employment documentation
• Filing petitions for review
• Representing you at arbitration or Commission hearings
• Attempting to negotiate fair settlements

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

At Haxel Law, we cannot say enough how proud we are to represent the workers of Bloomington. Whether you’ve been injured in a factory, office, field, or retail store, you deserve legal counsel that takes your recovery seriously. We know what’s at stake for you and your family, and we are ready to fight to secure the benefits you need and deserve.

Call us today at Haxel Law to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.