Are you struggling to pay your bills after an on-the-job injury in Southern Illinois? Is your employer refusing to provide your workers’ comp benefits? Did someone other than your company or a coworker cause the accident?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to talk to a Belleville, IL, workers’ compensation lawyer. Attorney Gregory L. Shevlin of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, has almost 40 years of legal experience and a proven track record of defending injured workers’ rights. Attorney Shevlin will handle all the legal work in your case, including investigating the possibility of a third-party personal injury claim to recover additional compensation. Call the firm now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Illinois workers’ compensation law covers most Belleville and St. Clair County employees. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers all generally qualify for benefits. If you suffer an injury while performing your work duties—on-site or off-site—you likely meet the threshold for coverage.
Independent contractors usually do not qualify for workers’ comp benefits. However, some employers misclassify eligible workers as contractors. The key thing to remember is that your employee classification turns on control: who directs your tasks and schedule, how you receive pay, and who provides the tools and equipment. Do not rely only on your employer’s label if you have doubts about eligibility. A workers’ compensation lawyer can review your role and working relationship and explain whether you qualify for benefits under Illinois law.
Your available workers’ comp benefits depend on factors like the extent of your injuries, how much work your doctor expects you to miss, whether you’ve suffered a long-term disability, and more. Your benefits could include:
One quick reminder: You don’t have to prove fault to claim workers’ comp benefits. All that matters is whether the injury occurred at your job or while you were performing your work duties. Talk to an attorney if your employer says your injury does not qualify you for benefits.
Some of the most common causes of Belleville workplace injuries include:
When someone other than your employer contributes to your injury, you may have the right to file a third-party injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation case. Common examples include accidents caused by subcontractors, property owners, product manufacturers, or negligent drivers while you perform job duties.
Third-party claims work differently because they fall under personal injury law. You must prove how someone caused your injury, but you can also recover compensation that goes beyond the limits of workers’ compensation. You can pursue both claims at the same time: workers’ compensation for guaranteed benefits and a third-party case for broader financial recovery. Together, these claims can provide a more complete picture of compensation for the harm you suffered. Losses a third-party injury claim can cover that workers’ compensation does not include:
You face many challenges after a workplace injury in Belleville. Your employer’s insurance company wants to move fast to settle your case and protect its bottom line, which means you’re dealing with adjusters seeking recorded statements, pushing quick offers, and likely undervaluing your claim. You also need to document your injuries and financial losses thoroughly, or else you might miss out on money you need. Without legal help, you may miss key deadlines, accept benefits that fall short, or overlook a claim against someone other than your employer. Furthermore, evidence can disappear and witnesses can forget details if you don’t act quickly.
At Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, we’ll take control of the process, so you do not leave money on the table. We manage every call with the insurer, gather your medical records, and document how your injuries affect your work and daily life. We also file and advance your Illinois workers’ compensation claim, challenge incorrect average weekly wage calculations, and push for all available medical and wage benefits.
Additionally, many job injuries involve a liable third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or careless driver. You can pursue additional compensation from them, but that requires more legal work. We can investigate the accident site, preserve video and maintenance logs, and identify everyone who shares fault for your injuries. Finally, we’re here to answer your questions and make your recovery process as painless as possible.
Some deadlines to remember in your workers’ comp claim include:
When your future is on the line after a workplace injury, trust the workers’ comp lawyers at Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, to protect your interests. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.