Many jobs require frequent and heavy lifting, which can lead to an injury that leaves workers at least temporarily unable to work. In Illinois, injured workers are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, but the process of getting those benefits can be difficult and frustrating. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, our experienced Peru overexertion work accident lawyers help injured workers get the benefits they deserve.
A lifting and overexertion injury can happen in many different types of workplaces. Jobs that typically involve heavy lifting including movers, delivery drivers, mail handlers, warehouse workers, stock clerks and construction workers. Many of these jobs involve lifting objects that weight up to 50 pounds or more. Frequent lifting can take its toll on the body, leading to traumatic and overexertion injuries such as:
- Muscle sprains
- Shoulder injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Elbow injuries
- Back injuries
Traumatic injuries include a muscle strains and sprains that can occur when lifting a single heavy object. But lifting heavy objects regularly at work can cause overexertion injuries over a period of time. In the back, it can lead to slipped or herniated discs, nerve damage or bone fractures. It can also lead to arthritis and deterioration of muscles, ligaments, tendons and tissue. Workers may be left with chronic pain that will affect them for the rest of their life.
The Cost of a Lifting or Exertion Accident Can Be High
These types of work accidents can leave workers at least temporarily disabled and unable to work. Treating these injuries requires medical treatment such as physical therapy, surgery and medication. In the meantime, injured workers lose income during the time they are unable to do their jobs.
Workers’ compensation benefits pay for 100% of necessary medical treatment and provide injured workers with two-thirds of their average weekly wage during the time they can’t work. But getting those benefits can be a difficult process.
An Experienced Injury Attorney Will Fight for You
Employers and insurance companies will try to limit the amount of benefits they have to pay. They may question the extent of your injury, or argue it was the result of a pre-existing condition. That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.
We build a strong case that proves you were injured on the job and should be receiving benefits. We’ll help you make sure all the proper paperwork is filled out correctly and that you meet all deadlines. And if your claim is denied, we will represent you at all hearings in the appeals process.
Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today.
