This newsletter was developed as a means for providing information on the activities of our Firm as well as featuring subject matter that affects all of our readers.
Today, the newsletter covers worker's compensation questions along with general legal news and updates.
We are also pleased to announce the opening of our new Firm Website. Clients are now able to access http://kassly.wld.com, which provides instant in-depth information on the Firm, our attorneys and recent cases. Clients may also send e-mail directly to their attorneys, and potential clients have the option of filling out a case review form, which is immediately forwarded, to one of our attorneys for legal critique.
All the staff at KASSLY, BONE, ENGLISH & HILLEBRAND, P.C. continues to make it our number one priority to provide you with the best legal services available. Thanks again for your continued support and enjoy the issue of Legal Briefs!
Maurice E. Bone
If you're injured on the job-
We have found that many persons are unsure of their rights when they are injured. This letter will acquaint you with your rights and responsibilities as well as inform you of what you may expect to occur.
- Report the Injury
It is important that you report the injury to your supervisor as soon as practicable. Be careful what you say . . . only state matters which you are absolutely certain about. Note the names of all witnesses to your injury.
Report all injuries, regardless of how minor it may seem. What may appear as a minor back or neck strain may evolve into a seriously disabling injury over time. Keep a copy of the report for your file. - Obtain Medical Treatment
You are entitled to see a doctor of your choosing for treatment of the injury. If you have seen a doctor, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor of your choice. Make sure that you tell your doctor or hospital personnel how the accident occurred so that the medical records will confirm that it was a work-related injury. - Discussing Your Case
An insurance company representative or claim adjuster may want to discuss the details of the incident and your injury with you. You have the right not to make a statement to anyone. If the investigator insists upon taking your statement, then talk to your lawyer, making arrangements for discussing the details. Your lawyer may advise you to go ahead and discuss the case with the claims representative, or he may contact them to make arrangements in a manner to protect your legal rights, or he may advise you not to discuss the incident at all. - Written Records
Keep a notebook or pad for notes about what happens after the injury occurred. Any notes about witnesses, addresses and phone numbers, your visits to the doctor, physical therapy, and so forth, would be helpful. - Medical Treatment
Follow the advice of your doctor in what you can and should not do. Don't undertake any sports activities or physical work until you have the approval of your treating doctor. - Your Finances
Of course, your financial condition will be a matter of concern if you are unable to work. You may have unexpected expenses and loss of your normal income. Your lawyer will write letters to any of your creditors concerning your house, car, or other immediate debts. Most creditors are understanding in these circumstances and will exercise patience in the payment of certain bills. - See your lawyer early.
Call a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident causing your injury. Someone on your behalf should make an investigation immediately, including photographs, interviewing witnesses, obtaining reports and so forth. Certain deadlines must be met or you will lose your right to compensation. Any questions about this can be answered by your lawyer. - Settlement
If an offer to settle is made before you have an attorney, you may want to consult an attorney on the reasonableness of the settlement being offered. It should be kept in mind that if you have not fully recovered for your injuries, or if your future progress is uncertain, then it would probably be unwise to settle your case early. - So, if you have any questions, please call us.
Our firm recently negotiated a settlement for a 7-year-old boy that was struck in the abdomen by an athletic hammer thrown by a student athlete at an Illinois college. The college has beautiful athletic facilities but for some reason allowed the athletes to practice the hammer throw in an area that was not fenced off and was immediately adjacent to a trailer park where several children lived.
The athletes were throwing the hammer towards an area where the children were playing and one of them struck a 7-year-old child causing him severe internal damage. We obtained a settlement for the boy that will pay him $2.3 million over his lifetime.
David H. Bone
Attorney Joseph R. Hillebrand successfully obtained a settlement with Six Flags Theme Parks on behalf of a client who fell while visiting the park recently.
Joseph R. Hillebrand
Q: Will I risk getting fired if I file workers' compensation claim?
Answer: Illinois law specifically prohibits an employer from terminating any employee for pursuing any rights available under the Workers' Compensation Act. The remedy available to any worker who has been discharged in retaliation for pursuing workers compensation is a lawsuit for retaliatory discharge. Damages available include both compensatory and punitive damages.
If you believe you have been terminated as a result of filing workers' compensation claim, please call our office for a free initial consultation.
Designed to keep our readers updated on the professional activities of Kassly, Bone, English & Hillebrand, P.C. staff.
Attorney John M. English has just completed a term as President of the St. Clair County Bar Association.
Attorney John M. English has recently been selected to serve on the Advisory Board of the Illinois Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Attorney Joseph R. Hillebrand was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the St. Clair County Bar Association.
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