If you've been injured at work, you're probably wondering what does a workers comp lawyer cost in Illinois. The good news? A workers compensation lawyer costs you nothing unless they win your case. In Illinois, attorneys typically charge a statutory fee of 20% of your settlement—paid only after you receive compensation.
Let's break down exactly how workers comp attorney fees work, who pays them, and why hiring legal representation often means a larger settlement for you.
So what does a workers comp lawyer cost in Illinois? Unlike other types of lawyers who charge by the hour, workers comp attorneys in Illinois work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
Illinois law sets the workers compensation attorney fee at 20% in most cases. This percentage comes from your settlement or award, not out of your pocket. The insurance company pays your settlement amount, and your attorney's fee is deducted from that total.
For example, if your lawyer secures a $10,000 settlement, you receive $8,000 and your attorney receives $2,000. You never write a check or pay any money directly.
There are two rare exceptions where an attorney might receive more than the standard 20%:
Exception 1: Beating a Cash Offer If you received a settlement offer before hiring an attorney, your lawyer may charge a higher percentage on the amount above that original offer. For instance, if you had a $5,000 offer and your attorney secures $7,000, they might charge more than 20% on that additional $2,000.
Exception 2: Extraordinary Work If your case requires exceptional effort—such as a full trial or complex appeals—your attorney can petition the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission for additional fees. However, this is uncommon, and many attorneys never pursue this option.
You might be tempted to handle your work injury claim alone, especially if it seems straightforward. You might also be worried and wondering about what does a workers comp lawyer cost in Illinois. However, the workers compensation system is complex, and insurance companies have experienced lawyers protecting their interests.
If your injury is minor and everything goes smoothly, you may not need legal representation. Cases that typically don't require an attorney include:
For example, if you suffered a minor back strain, saw a doctor once, returned to work immediately, and all bills were paid, you might not need legal help.
You should contact a workers comp lawyer immediately if:
Your Claim Is Denied or Disputed: Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons—some legitimate, others not. They might claim your injury wasn't work-related, that you missed a deadline, or that you weren't "on the clock" when injured. Fighting a denial requires legal expertise.
Your Permanent Disability Rating Is Contested: At the end of treatment, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability (PPD) compensation. This award depends on medical evidence and doctor testimony. An experienced attorney knows how to maximize your PPD rating through proper medical documentation and depositions.
You Can't Get Approved Medical Treatment: If the insurance company won't pre-authorize necessary medical care, many doctors won't continue treating you. An attorney can help secure treatment approvals and ensure your medical bills get paid.
You Can't Return to Your Previous Job: If your injury prevents you from performing your old job duties, or if doctors determine you're fully disabled, insurance companies may try to cut off benefits. This is when legal representation becomes essential.
You're Facing a Hearing: If the insurance company schedules a hearing before an arbitrator or the Workers Compensation Commission, you don't want to go alone. The legal procedures are technical, and mistakes can cost you benefits.
Studies consistently show that injured workers who hire attorneys receive significantly larger settlements than those who go it alone. Here's why:
Workers compensation provides more than just medical coverage. You may be entitled to:
Most injured workers don't know about all these benefits. Insurance companies certainly won't volunteer this information.
Insurance companies often initially pay benefits, then cut them off once they've put you in a difficult position. Common tactics include:
An attorney protects you from these strategies and holds insurance companies accountable.
Your workers comp lawyer will:
This allows you to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal complexities.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
The sooner you consult with a lawyer after a work injury, the better. Early legal guidance helps you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case later.
When you hire an attorney, you'll have expert guidance on questions like:
Every workers compensation attorney offers free consultations. You can discuss your case, learn about your options, and decide whether to hire representation—all at no cost and with no obligation.
During your consultation, you'll:
Remember, you only hire the attorney if you're comfortable with them. The consultation is always free, and you're not obligated to move forward.
Hiring a workers comp attorney involves virtually no financial risk. You pay nothing unless your attorney wins your case. Meanwhile, the potential reward is substantial—both in terms of higher settlements and peace of mind.
If the insurance company has lawyers protecting their interests, shouldn't you have someone protecting yours?
Check out the free guide right now or call us right now.
No. Attorney fees are paid from your settlement, never from your own funds. If your attorney doesn't win your case, you owe nothing.
Contact an attorney before accepting. They can review the offer to determine if it's fair. If they can negotiate a better settlement, you'll still come out ahead even after paying the attorney fee.
Case timelines vary depending on your injuries and whether your claim is disputed. Your attorney can provide a more specific estimate based on your situation.
Many cases settle without a hearing. If your case does require a hearing, your attorney will represent you and handle all legal procedures.
If you've been injured at work, don't wait to protect your rights. Contact an experienced Illinois workers compensation attorney for a free consultation. Learn what your case is worth, understand your options, and get the guidance you need to secure the benefits you deserve.
Don't sit there and wonder what does a workers comp lawyer cost in Illinois.
The call is free, the advice is valuable, and you only pay if you win. What do you have to lose? Call 312-500-4500.
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