When I’m helping a client plan his or her estate, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “Should I set up a revocable trust or an irrevocable trust?” Each serves a different purpose. In this post, I’ll outline the difference to help you make the right decision for your situation. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I can help you understand the difference and make the right choice for your assets. What Is a Trust? A trust is a legal document where you assign your assets. These include valuable things you own like your home, investments, bank Read more…
Category: Springfield Injury Lawyer Blog
A Practical Guide to TODIs, Joint Tenancy, and Small Estate Affidavits When someone passes away, their assets don’t automatically go to their loved ones. In many cases, those assets must go through a legal process called probate. Most people want to avoid probate. It can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful — especially when you’re grieving a loved one. Even if your assets are few, proper planning ensures that your loved ones receive what you intended and don’t have to worry about probate. As an experienced probate attorney, Jim Ackerman can help your family through the probate process, but he can also Read more…
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers are entitled to receive medical treatment for their work-related injuries for as long as necessary, provided they do not waive this right in a settlement agreement. This principle, commonly referred to as “open medical,” remains a critical protection for employees navigating the recovery process after a workplace injury.. Statutory Foundation: Section 8(a) Section 8(a) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (8A) mandates that employers must pay for: “All the necessary first-aid, medical and surgical services, and all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services thereafter.” This provision ensures that workers can access ongoing care related Read more…
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are a crucial component of the Illinois workers’ compensation system. What are Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)? TTD benefits provide financial support to employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. TTD benefits ensure that injured workers have the financial resources they need to cover living expenses while they recover and are unable to earn their regular wages. Who is eligible for TTD benefits? To qualify for TTD benefits in Illinois, an employee must meet specific criteria: 1. Work-Related Injury or Illness: The injury or illness must have occurred Read more…
The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in Illinois is a critical aspect of the state’s workers’ compensation system. It is designed to ensure that claims are filed and processed in a timely manner. Understanding these time limits is essential for employees and employers to protect their rights and obligations under the law. Key Time Limits (will link “Notice” to this paragraph in the article) Importance of Timely Filing Adhering to these statutes of limitations is crucial for several reasons: Exceptions and Special Circumstances While the general rules are straightforward, certain exceptions and special circumstances can affect the statute Read more…
It can be challenging to face a workplace injury and disheartening when your workers’ compensation claim is denied. However, there’s no need to feel lost. As a lawyer with extensive experience handling such cases, I’m here to provide the support and guidance you need to appeal a denied claim and secure the compensation you deserve. Understanding the Denial: First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand why your workers’ comp claim was denied. Insurance companies may reject claims for various reasons, from missing paperwork to disputes over the cause of the injury or its severity. As your advocate, my team and Read more…
No-Fault System: In Illinois, workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident or injury at work. Coverage for Medical Expenses: If you’re injured on the job, workers’ comp typically covers medical expenses related to your injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation. Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working while you recover, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits, which generally cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent disability that affects your ability to Read more…
Suffering an injury can be a physically and financially challenging experience. If you’ve been injured in Illinois and cannot work temporarily, understanding your rights to temporary disability benefits is crucial. Fortunately, Illinois offers a range of support systems to help you during your recovery. A personal injury attorney like Jim Ackerman, a Springfield personal injury lawyer, can help you understand and receive temporary disability benefits and easily navigate this complex landscape. What are Temporary Disability Benefits? Temporary disability benefits in Illinois provide financial support to individuals who cannot work due to a temporary disability caused by an injury. These benefits Read more…
Suppose you’ve suffered a work-related injury in Illinois that has left you with permanent impairments but hasn’t completely prevented you from working. In that case, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. Understanding PPD benefits and how they can support you as you explore your options is essential. What are Permanent Partial Disability Benefits? Permanent Partial Disability benefits are a form of compensation available to workers who have sustained permanent impairments or disabilities due to a work-related injury or illness. Unlike Permanent Total Disability benefits, which are awarded when an individual is entirely unable to work, PPD Read more…
When a work-related injury or illness occurs, Illinois workers are fortunate to have access to a range of benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits provide financial support and assistance to workers who suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job. Illinois workers comp benefits include Medical, Temporary total disability, Permanent Partial Disability, and Permanent Total Disability benefits. Medical Benefits: Medical benefits cover the costs of necessary medical treatment related to a work-related injury or illness, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other medical expenses. Illinois workers are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical Read more…