Wendler & Zinzilieta, P.C.
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Hey, I saw that lawyer on TV!

6/30/2020

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We have all seen those TV commercials for lawyers which include someone happily looking into the camera and bragging about how much money they have received from their case or settlement. 

Have you ever noticed the fine print on those commercials?  As Andy Rooney says: “Nothing in fine print is ever good news.”  Below is just a small sampling of some of the fine print your will find if you pause that TV commercial and use a magnifying glass.
 
1. Not an actual client testimonial or based upon a specific case.

2. Not an actual case.

3. Actor portrayal, not a real client.

4. The monetary result referenced is not from an actual case.

5. The monetary recoveries referenced are not typical of most injury claims and [insert law firm/lawyer here] in no way guarantees or promises similar results for specific injury claims.

6. Not a typical injury case recovery.

7. [Insert flashy lawyer’s name here] will not be the lawyer responsible handling your claim or case and the financial recoveries referenced herein are generalizations of atypical injury cases.  No warranty or guarantee of a specific monetary result is made herein.

8. Not a real client or case result.
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9. Not an actual case result or recovery. [Insert law firm name here] processes claims and cases via a referral to an affiliate law firm.  Referral law firms are solely responsible for claim and case presentation and remit a portion of the attorney fees to [insert law firm name here].

Is this legal?  Maybe.  But it seems deceptive, doesn’t it?  Our team has handled several cases where an angry person comes in and complains that their TV lawyer isn’t doing anything on their case or isn’t even handling their case.  Don’t be duped by the old bait and switch tactic.

Look at a lawyer’s Avvo.com profile which consists of reviews by real clients.  Our office prides itself on making our clients happy and being accessible to them.  Hiring a lawyer is an important decision.  Our office understands the amount of trust that our clients place in us. 
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Frequently asked questions about Workers' compensation

6/5/2020

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Q.  Will I lose my job because I filed a workers’ compensation claim?
 
A.  No.  Both Illinois and Missouri have laws which prevent your employer from retaliating against your for filing a workers’ compensation claim.  If your employer fires you or retaliates against for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you have a cause of action against your employer.
 
Q.  If I file a workers’ compensation claim, will I be able to see my own doctor?
 
A.  In Illinois, you have the RIGHT to see two doctors of your choice.  However, in Missouri, you must see the doctor that the workers’ compensation insurance company chooses for you.
 
On several occasions, injured workers have hired our team midway through their treatment.  Even in Illinois, the workers’ compensation claims adjustor falsely tells our clients that they have to go to a doctor of the insurance company’s choosing.  This is not correct.  Typically, it isn’t until our team gets involved that the client finally gets the treatment they needed from highly qualified doctors of their choosing.
 
Q.  Does my employer have to pay for my workers’ compensation benefits directly out of their pocket?
 
A.  No.  Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.  This is very similar to how we all have to carry car insurance to drive a car.  When you’re involved in a workplace injury, the insurance company pays your benefits.
 
Q.   I live in Missouri, but I work in Illinois.  Where do I file my workers’ compensation case?
 
A.  If your employer is located in Illinois and you were hurt in Illinois, you would file in Illinois.
 
Q.  How much will I be paid if I have to be off work for my injury?
 
A.  The payment you receive for having to be off work because of your injury is called Temporary Total Disability or “TTD.”  You are entitled to 2/3 of your average weekly wage or “AWW.”  Your AWW is calculated average the amount you were paid for the year prior to your injury. 
 
So, for example, let’s say that you are hurt at work and you make $40,000 per year before taxes and everything else is taken out.  Your TTD rate would be $26,666.67 per year or approximately $513 per week.  You would receive a check for approximately $513 per week.
 
Q.  How is the lawyer paid?
 
A.  The lawyer is paid based off of what is a called a “contingency fee.”  That means our team doesn’t get paid until you are paid.  In Illinois, the fee is capped at 20%.  In Missouri, the fee is capped at 25%.
 
Q.  My employer offered me a light duty job.  Do I have to take it?
 
A.  Long answer short, yes.  As long as the light duty job is within your doctor-recommended restrictions, you should take the employer up on the offer.  Not accepting the position could act as a voluntary quitting on your part, which could result in your benefits being cut off.
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CONTACT US


New Address as of November 1, 2022:​​​
5 Oak Drive

Maryville, Illinois 62062


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Office Phone No.:  618.692.0011
Office Fax No.:  618.692.0022
Brian's Cellphone No.:  618.789.2002
Angie's Cellphone No.:  618.435.7074
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Client Reviews
  • Our Team
    • Brian Wendler
    • Angie Zinzilieta
    • Julie Wendler
    • Loretta Koch
    • Hailea Tepen
    • Kiera Doughty
    • Anna Zinzilieta
    • Willow Zinzilieta
    • Hugo Wendler
    • Cooper Wendler
  • Verdicts & Settlements
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Crashes >
      • Car Crashes
      • Truck Crashes
      • Aviation Crashes
    • Products Liability
    • Wrongful Death
    • Slips and Falls
    • Workers' Compensation
    • Wrongful Termination
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Adult Guardianships
    • Stray Voltage
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Intake Form