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Bucklin Law Office

Get Answers to Your Legal Questions from Bucklin Law Office

Bucklin Law Office is the #1 attorney in Springfield, IL for personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. With over 35 years of experience as a serving attorney, Bradford Bucklin has the knowledge and training to take on your legal case based out of Central Illinois. Browse through our answers and commonly asked questions below, or contact our office if you cannot have your questions answered.

Personal Injury
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When suffering an injury, often, the victim is left unsure of how to recover physically, mentally, and financially. When medical bills pile up, and you are left to pick up the pieces after your accident, a legal professional is the only way to receive rightful compensation. Insurance companies rarely pay out to injured victims and tend to drag out the legal process, making it an impossibly long and frustrating experience. Filing a personal injury lawsuit through Bucklin Law Office will provide dependable representation for your case and fight for your right to compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

In the state of Illinois, you have up to two years after your accident to file a personal injury claim. After that time runs out, neither you nor your attorney can submit a claim for your injuries. This is why it’s imperative to contact our office as soon as possible.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

There is no guaranteed amount of compensation an individual can receive for a personal injury case. There are several factors taken into consideration by insurance companies to determine your level of suffering. The severity of your injuries, medical costs, pain levels, loss of enjoyment, and the fault of the accused party will determine your estimated compensation. Many personal injury cases settle for hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars, depending on the claim.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?

When working with our Springfield, IL attorney, many personal injury claims are settled within a year from the start date that the claim is filed. Depending on your case, this may take less or more time to ensure you receive rightful compensation. For serious injuries, many cases have lasted 2-5 years. For an estimated timeline, sit down with Bucklin Law Office for a personalized consultation.

What Can Compensation Cover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

There are several factors that are discussed in a personal injury lawsuit to help victims receive compensation. These are just a few of the most common damages that can count towards your compensation amount: pain and suffering (physical and emotional), medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, wrongful death, loss of companionship, loss of ability to work, and more.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Our goal with your personal injury case is to make it as simple and fast as possible so that you can receive rightful compensation. Many times, we do this by settling with insurance companies before having to go to trial. When insurance companies choose to fight your claim, your case may go to trial; however, it is our job to ensure it stays within the legal process.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?

Personal injury lawyers have several years of schooling and experience to fight for your claim. We have connections in the business and can work directly with insurance companies to represent your case. Bucklin Law Office will assess your personal injury claim and help you gather all the information needed to negotiate the largest settlement possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Our personal injury attorney at Bucklin Law Office works for Springfield, IL clients on a contingency basis. This means that if we do not win your case, you can avoid paying legal fees. We get paid a percentage when you get paid. Many law firms charge hourly, making it even harder for clients to catch up financially when dealing with a personal injury. For more information on our legal fees, contact the office of Bradford Bucklin to discuss your legal needs.

Workers’ Compensation
Frequently Asked Questions

What is An Average Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?

Depending on the severity of your case, a typical workers’ compensation settlement can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions, although those cases are less common. Bucklin Law Office is the top choice for those in Central Illinois that are looking for maximum compensation for their claim.

How Long Will My Workers’ Compensation Case Take?

Each case is unique; however, many workers’ compensation cases are settled in as little as 6 months are medical treatment is completed. The process can take more or less time depending on the seriousness of your injuries and the number of parties involved in the claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Every state is different. In Illinois, you have to file your claim within three years of the date of your accident to open a workers’ compensation case. After this time, if no claim is filed, our attorneys can no longer be of assistance to help you receive compensation, unless particular circumstances are present. To ensure your claim is filed on time, reach out to Bucklin Law Office in Springfield, IL to speak with our legal attorney.

What If My Claim is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied by your employer or insurer, you may file a case with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and proceed through the hearing process. If your claim is denied by the insurance company, the first thing you should do is call Bucklin Law Office to speak with our attorney. We are trained and experienced at handling denied claims and will work to fight for your right to compensation.

What’s the Difference Between a Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Claim?

Personal injury claims include any accident or injury that occurs outside of the individual’s work environment. Compensation for personal injury claims requires proof of fault before a judge or jury and can take one to several years for the process to settle.

Workers’ compensation claims are a type of liability that was created to protect employees from the hazards of work and employers from high medical bills and care for injuries. These claims are not tried in court, but they go before a state commission that decides on the claim’s validity.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

To start the claims process, notify your employer as soon as the injury occurs or before the 45-day time limit set by the state of Illinois. Cases against employers with the IWCC must then be filed within 3 years of the incident to receive compensation. The employer or employer’s insurer will then file a Form 45 with the State of Illinois and pays out benefits within 2 weeks of the accident. These steps can be overwhelming for those suffering an injury. Reach out to our legal office to discuss your workers’ compensation claim, and we will file it for you.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation benefits. For those suffering from a work injury, you can be rewarded compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, disfigurement or scars, rehabilitation, death benefits, and more. To see if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, contact Bucklin Law Office in Springfield, IL.

Can My Employer Try to Terminate My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Unfortunately, if your employer wishes to terminate your benefits, they can legally file a petition. If your employer believes that you are no longer disabled or that your injury was unrelated to your work accident, your benefits have a possibility of being terminated. Our attorney will work directly with your employer and medical professionals to ensure your rightful benefits are not terminated.