How Long Will My Workers’ Compensation Claim Take?
If you have been injured in a work-related accident in Illinois and have filed a workers’ compensation claim, you’re likely to wonder: how long does a workers’ compensation claim take? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer, and it can vary considerably on a case-by-case basis. There are several factors that can impact the duration of a workers’ compensation case.
One thing is for sure: Rubens Kress and Mulholland is the most aggressive firm you will find due to the relatively low number of cases each attorney has compared to most other firms. Learn more with the Chicago workers’ comp attorneys at Rubens Kress & Mulholland below.
How Severe Was Your Injury?
Depending on the seriousness of the injury, the length of a workers’ compensation case can vary. The amount of workers’ comp benefits you can receive will not be determined until a doctor declares that you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), meaning you have recovered to the fullest extent possible. If you have suffered a severe injury that requires surgery, it may take longer to reach MMI, resulting in a lengthier workers’ comp claim process.
Employer or Insurance Company Disputes
In some cases, a person’s employer of the employer’s insurance company might dispute their workers’ compensation case. They may claim that the injury is not work-related or did not actually occur at work, or that the employee’s injury is not as serious as they claim. Unfortunately, disputes such as this often lead to a delay in the case, and the answer to “How long does it take to get workers’ comp?” can get much more complicated.
The Breadth of the Settlement
Determining how long a workers’ comp claim will take also depends on the size of your settlement. For example, an injury that results in multiple surgeries will likely be awarded larger settlement than an injury like an ankle sprain. Generally, the larger a settlement is, the longer it will take to get the claim resolved.
Hire Legal Representation for a Smoother Process
Navigating a workers’ compensation case on your own can quickly become more complex than you may have initially anticipated. It is in your best interest to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to represent you from the very beginning. If any difficulties in your case arise such as a dispute with your employer, your attorney can help to resolve them in a timelier manner, resulting in a smoother claim process with the best possible settlement. The earlier you start working with professional representation, the lower your chances of losing vital evidence for your case or getting inferior medical treatment –– both of which can have a negative impact on your case.
Consult with Rubens Kress & Mulholland to Learn More
How long does a workers’ compensation claim take? The answer will vary, but the Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys at Rubens Kress & Mulholland are here to help your case reach a timely resolution. We are here to advocate for you every step of the way, helping you to truly understand every aspect of your case and ensure that it is always moving toward a beneficial resolution. If your workers’ compensation claim is taking longer than you would like, contact us today for a free consultation.