Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois

Re: workmans comp

You are certainly free to negotiate some settlement with the insurance company without a lawyer. However, you do so at your own risk. The first question you need to answer is "Should/Can this case/claim be settled?" In many cases the answer is "No." The insurance company knows the system and the values. You don't. Only an experienced attorney puts you on an even playing field with the insurance company. Therefore, while you can try to settle your own case, it is not the prudent way to proceed. In the long run, an attorney is usually worth every bit of the fee he eventually gets.

Re: workmans comp

You should be represented by an experience worker's compensation attorney. You will not "save money" by attempting to represent yourself.

Re: workmans comp

QUESTION:

is it a good idea to deal with insurance co. if they are paying all medical bills w/o an attorney 2 should they offer a settlement if your injury was a ruptured disc which resulted in surgery and 3 how much if anything ?

ANSWER:

1. Yes it is a good idea to deal with the insurance company w/o an attorney - if AND only if - you know ALL of your rights, so that nothing occurs which prejudices your case.

2. If you had a "ruptured" disc and you have had back or neck surgery - you are dealing with a medical-legal situation which is very serious. You have sustained a significant injury which will result in a significant lump sum settlement.

3. "How much, if anything" is an impossible question to answer without more details - your age, sex, job description, which disc was herniated, what surgery was performed, who is your doctor, how long were you off-work, what are your restrictions and which of the restrictions are permanent?