Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois

Is 2 years too long for a worker's comp case???

I am a paramedic and badly sprained both ankles and fractured one stepping out of the ambulance in the company's garage in 2002. I still have aches and swelling periodically to both ankles. I immediately retained a lawyer but he is very hard to reach. In August 2003, I received a letter from the worker's comp carrier by accident asking to call and work out a settlement but they refused to speak with me when I called because they said that I am represented by a lawyer. It is now April 2004 and I have yet to hear from my lawyer. Should this case have been settled by now? Is my lawyer pulling me along? Can I fire my lawyer and take on the case myself? How much settlement do you think I may receive without a lawyer? Please help!!!! I can't get any information from my lawyer!!!


Asked on 4/20/04, 4:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Spingola Joseph J. Spingola - Attorney at Law

Re: Is 2 years too long for a worker's comp case???

If you have had an Illinois accident, you have 3 years within which to file a claim. Therefore, you can still file up to 2005. I assume your present attorney has, at least, filed a claim. If not, you definitely need an experienced Work Comp attorney. You have the right to change lawyers at any time. I would be happy to talk to you if you are that dissatified with your current attorney if your case is in either Cook, DuPage, Will, or Lake County. Please feel free to call me at my toll free number at 1-877-266-7563 (CompJoe). You should not be trying to settle your case yourself. But the insurance company may be more anxious to settle now, as they would want to close your file before you have the chance to fully evaluate your case and before you may need some more medical treatment.

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Answered on 4/20/04, 7:52 pm


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