• We Help File Workers’ Comp Claims for Shoulder, Knee & Joint Injuries

    Located in Springfield, Illinois, we serve clients throughout Decatur, Jacksonville and surrounding Central Illinois communities.

    When it comes to the daily grind of a full-time job, you need to feel your very best to perform your best. Unfortunately, knee, shoulder and joint pain can hold us back at work and home. These injuries can cause lifetime problems and these cases must be tried to ensure lifetime medical benefits. Luckily, you can always trust Brad Bucklin for experienced legal advice when you need it most. Regardless of the type of workplace you have, there are hazards wherever you go. When those occupational hazards turn into serious injuries, you could be at risk of losing your ability to work and make money. Contact Bucklin Law Office for a free consultation of your workers’ comp claim to ensure you have the best chance at receiving compensation.

  • Common Workplace Injuries

    Knee, shoulder and joint injuries are among the most common in the workplace. Whether it’s lifting a heavy box or slouching in a chair all day, any occupation can cause physical problems after years of stress and overuse. Due to the widespread nature of these injuries, they can occur in many forms and may cause workers to lose time, wages and the ability to pay for the things they need or to provide for their families. Luckily, we understand the nature of these injuries, and we know what it takes to walk you through your workers’ comp claim from start to finish. Common workplace injuries we work with include:

    • Overuse Syndrome
    • Carpal Tunnel
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Back Injuries
    • Neck Injuries
    • Sciatica
    • Pinched Nerves
    • Broken Vertebrae
    • Knee Injuries
    • ACL Injuries
    • MCL Injuries
    • Shoulder Injuries
    • Torn Labrums
    • Torn Rotator Cuffs

  • Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois

  • When you work hard day in and day out, it can be hard to know what an injury is and what's just a regular ‘bump and bruise.’ However, it’s important to closely monitor any physical ailments that occur as a result of your work. Minor injuries that will heal are no reason to file a claim, but injuries that cause serious pain need to be reported. Here’s the general process of a workers’ comp claim:

    • Notify your employer immediately. In the State of Illinois, you have 45 days from the time you tell your employer about an injury and 90 days from exposure to radiation to bring a workers’ comp claim.
    • Get a lawyer to make sure you gave proper notice. If you get a lawyer within the 45 days, (s)he can give notice for you.
    • Next, your employer will notify their workers’ comp administrator or insurance company to report that you have filed a claim. They determine your eligibility for compensation.
    • You should talk to and/or hire a lawyer because insurance companies know how to handle - and how to deny - these claims for many reasons.
    • Then, your employer will either begin workers’ comp payments or will deny your claim. Remember, if a claim is denied, the employer must provide a written explanation.
    • The Employer or insurance company may send you to their doctor - you don't have to go for treatment but you do for an independent medical exam.
    • Finally, we either settle the case or file a hearing with the Workers’ Compensation Commission to present your claims. That commission will have the final say in deciding who does or does not receive compensation.

  • When Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Claim?

    Many people make the mistake of looking for a lawyer after their claim has been denied. Sometimes that's too late. The process works much easier if you involve an experienced workers’ comp lawyer from the very beginning. You’ll be assured that you’re following the right steps, and you’ll be able to seamlessly transfer to contesting your denied claim if it gets that far.