Brankey & Smith, P.C.
Experienced legal counsel with the versatility required to stay ahead of the curve
Brankey & Smith, P.C.
Experienced legal counsel with the versatility required to stay ahead of the curve
For over the 35 years, the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. has been in the business of helping the good people of Illinois navigate the often harsh and intimidating legal waters of personal injury, medical malpractice, bankruptcy and wide variety of other legal matters.
If you feel as though you're in need of serious legal counsel, please don't hesitate to contact Brankey & Smith, P.C. at your soonest convenience.
Why Hire Brankey & Smith, P.C.
-100% Success Rate with Fiancee & Spousal visas, Green Cards & Citizenship
-Quick Processing to reduce waiting time
-Our experience prevents costly visa delays
-Authorized to practice Immigration Law in all U.S. States and Territories
-We can assist with family based visas, green cards, and citizenship
-We have handles visas in over 40 countries including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, and Ukraine.
-Member in good standing with the American Immigration Lawyers Association
-Staff members fluent in Russian, Ukrainian ans Spanish. Other languages available upon request.
-Flat Fee pricing. The attorney fee on our website is the only attorney fee you will page, NO SURPRISES.
Main Office
622 Jackson Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217 345-6222
Make sure that you're not being taken advantage of
Workers' compensation is a system of benefits provided by the law to most workers who have job-related injuries or diseases, and these benefits are pair regardless of fault.
Almost every employee who is hired, injured, or whose employment is localized in the state of Illinois is covered by the law. As an employee, you are covered from the moment you begin your job.
-Workers Compensation
-Reporting An Injury Or Exposure
-Filing A Claim At The Commission
-Resolving A Dispute At The Commission
-Medical Benefits
-Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
-Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)
-Vocational | Maintenance Benefits
-Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)
-Death | Survivors' Benefits
You should be able to expect a safe work environment
In most cases, the law covers injuries that are caused, in whole or in part, by your work.
A worker injured by the repetitive use of a part of the body is covered, as is a person who experiences a stroke, heart attack, or other physical problem caused by work. A worker with a pre-existing condition may receive benefits if he or she can show the work aggravated that condition.
The law provides the following benefit categories:
1. Medical care that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the employee of the effects of the injury;
2. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits while the employee is off work, recovering from the injury;
3. Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits while the employee is recovering from the injury but working on light duty;
4. Vocational rehabilitation / Maintenance benefits are provided to an injured worker who is participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program;
5. Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits for an employee who sustains a permanent disability or disfigurement, but can work;
6. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits for an employee who is rendered permanently unable to work;
7. Death benefits for surviving family members.
Edward W. Brankey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and admitted to practice in the United States District Court in 1980. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1978.
He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association, The Bankruptcy Institute, The American Bar Association, and is a Past President of Coles-Cumberland Bar Association. He is currently Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the America Board of Certification.
He has authored numerous articles in publications such as the Illinois Bar Journal, Illinois Banker, American Business Law Journal, and Personnel Journal. He has also be a lecturer and a Chapter author for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
Southern Illinois University
Juris Doctorate, 1978
Edward W. Brankey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and admitted to practice in the United States District Court in 1980. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1978.
He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association, The Bankruptcy Institute, The American Bar Association, and is a Past President of Coles-Cumberland Bar Association. He is currently Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the America Board of Certification.
He has authored numerous articles in publications such as the Illinois Bar Journal, Illinois Banker, American Business Law Journal, and Personnel Journal. He has also be a lecturer and a Chapter author for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
Southern Illinois University Juris Doctorate, 1978
Rodney L. Smith is a principal in the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. Mr. Smith was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and in Minnesota in 1995. He is admitted to practice in the United States Central and Southern Districts of Illinois and also in the United States Seventh Circuit.
Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1988 and his Juris Doctor Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1991.
He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyer's Association. He is a member of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
Mr. Smith has extensive practice in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation and bankruptcy. He has argued in front of the Illinois Supreme Court and has taught business law at Lake Land College for the past 15 years.
Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience in Central and Southern Illinois and has won and settled personal injury and workers' compensation in the excess of several million dollars over the years. He has lectured on the topics of bankruptcy and workers' compensation.
Southern Illinois University
Juris Doctorate, 1991
Rodney L. Smith is a principal in the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. Mr. Smith was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and in Minnesota in 1995. He is admitted to practice in the United States Central and Southern Districts of Illinois and also in the United States Seventh Circuit.
Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1988 and his Juris Doctor Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1991.
He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyer's Association. He is a member of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
Mr. Smith has extensive practice in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation and bankruptcy. He has argued in front of the Illinois Supreme Court and has taught business law at Lake Land College for the past 15 years.
Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience in Central and Southern Illinois and has won and settled personal injury and workers' compensation in the excess of several million dollars over the years. He has lectured on the topics of bankruptcy and workers' compensation.
Southern Illinois University Juris Doctorate, 1991
Roy Jackson Dent is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. in Charleston, IL, where he specializes in bankruptcy litigation and consumer protection.
Mr. Dent received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from California State University, Fullerton and J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
He is a member of the Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois and Seventh Circuit bars. He is also certified by the American Board of Certification in Business Bankruptcy and Consumer Bankruptcy. In addition, he frequently writes and lectures on the topic of bankruptcy reform and business law.
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Juris Doctorate,
Roy Jackson Dent is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. in Charleston, IL, where he specializes in bankruptcy litigation and consumer protection.
Mr. Dent received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from California State University, Fullerton and J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
He is a member of the Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois and Seventh Circuit bars. He is also certified by the American Board of Certification in Business Bankruptcy and Consumer Bankruptcy. In addition, he frequently writes and lectures on the topic of bankruptcy reform and business law.
Chicago-Kent College of Law Juris Doctorate,
Sarah D. Hocking, JD, CHC is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C., where she focuses on litigation matters.
Mrs. Hocking received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa in 1999 and her Juris Doctor in 2002. Mrs. Hocking was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 2003.
Mrs. Hocking is certified in Healthcare Compliance and a member of the Healthcare Compliance Association as well as the America Society for Healthcare Risk Management and American Health Lawyers Association.
Her current practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice, healthcare compliance, bankruptcy, employment based immigration, and workers' compensation. She is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
University of Iowa
Juris Doctorate, 2002
Sarah D. Hocking, JD, CHC is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C., where she focuses on litigation matters.
Mrs. Hocking received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa in 1999 and her Juris Doctor in 2002. Mrs. Hocking was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 2003.
Mrs. Hocking is certified in Healthcare Compliance and a member of the Healthcare Compliance Association as well as the America Society for Healthcare Risk Management and American Health Lawyers Association.
Her current practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice, healthcare compliance, bankruptcy, employment based immigration, and workers' compensation. She is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
University of Iowa Juris Doctorate, 2002
For over the 35 years, the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. has been in the business of helping the good people of Illinois navigate the often harsh and intimidating legal waters of personal injury, medical malpractice, bankruptcy and wide variety of other legal matters.
If you feel as though you're in need of serious legal counsel, please don't hesitate to contact Brankey & Smith, P.C. at your soonest convenience.
Why Hire Brankey & Smith, P.C.
-100% Success Rate with Fiancee & Spousal visas, Green Cards & Citizenship
-Quick Processing to reduce waiting time
-Our experience prevents costly visa delays
-Authorized to practice Immigration Law in all U.S. States and Territories
-We can assist with family based visas, green cards, and citizenship
-We have handles visas in over 40 countries including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, and Ukraine.
-Member in good standing with the American Immigration Lawyers Association
-Staff members fluent in Russian, Ukrainian ans Spanish. Other languages available upon request.
-Flat Fee pricing. The attorney fee on our website is the only attorney fee you will page, NO SURPRISES.
Main Office
622 Jackson Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217 345-6222
Make sure that you're not being taken advantage of
Workers' compensation is a system of benefits provided by the law to most workers who have job-related injuries or diseases, and these benefits are pair regardless of fault.
Almost every employee who is hired, injured, or whose employment is localized in the state of Illinois is covered by the law. As an employee, you are covered from the moment you begin your job.
-Workers Compensation
-Reporting An Injury Or Exposure
-Filing A Claim At The Commission
-Resolving A Dispute At The Commission
-Medical Benefits
-Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
-Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)
-Vocational | Maintenance Benefits
-Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)
-Death | Survivors' Benefits
You should be able to expect a safe work environment
In most cases, the law covers injuries that are caused, in whole or in part, by your work.
A worker injured by the repetitive use of a part of the body is covered, as is a person who experiences a stroke, heart attack, or other physical problem caused by work. A worker with a pre-existing condition may receive benefits if he or she can show the work aggravated that condition.
The law provides the following benefit categories:
1. Medical care that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the employee of the effects of the injury;
2. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits while the employee is off work, recovering from the injury;
3. Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits while the employee is recovering from the injury but working on light duty;
4. Vocational rehabilitation / Maintenance benefits are provided to an injured worker who is participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program;
5. Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits for an employee who sustains a permanent disability or disfigurement, but can work;
6. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits for an employee who is rendered permanently unable to work;
7. Death benefits for surviving family members.
Edward W. Brankey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and admitted to practice in the United States District Court in 1980. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1978.
He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association, The Bankruptcy Institute, The American Bar Association, and is a Past President of Coles-Cumberland Bar Association. He is currently Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the America Board of Certification.
He has authored numerous articles in publications such as the Illinois Bar Journal, Illinois Banker, American Business Law Journal, and Personnel Journal. He has also be a lecturer and a Chapter author for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
Southern Illinois University
Juris Doctorate, 1978
Edward W. Brankey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1979 and admitted to practice in the United States District Court in 1980. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1978.
He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association, The Bankruptcy Institute, The American Bar Association, and is a Past President of Coles-Cumberland Bar Association. He is currently Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the America Board of Certification.
He has authored numerous articles in publications such as the Illinois Bar Journal, Illinois Banker, American Business Law Journal, and Personnel Journal. He has also be a lecturer and a Chapter author for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
Southern Illinois University Juris Doctorate, 1978
Rodney L. Smith is a principal in the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. Mr. Smith was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and in Minnesota in 1995. He is admitted to practice in the United States Central and Southern Districts of Illinois and also in the United States Seventh Circuit.
Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1988 and his Juris Doctor Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1991.
He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyer's Association. He is a member of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
Mr. Smith has extensive practice in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation and bankruptcy. He has argued in front of the Illinois Supreme Court and has taught business law at Lake Land College for the past 15 years.
Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience in Central and Southern Illinois and has won and settled personal injury and workers' compensation in the excess of several million dollars over the years. He has lectured on the topics of bankruptcy and workers' compensation.
Southern Illinois University
Juris Doctorate, 1991
Rodney L. Smith is a principal in the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. Mr. Smith was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and in Minnesota in 1995. He is admitted to practice in the United States Central and Southern Districts of Illinois and also in the United States Seventh Circuit.
Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1988 and his Juris Doctor Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1991.
He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyer's Association. He is a member of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
Mr. Smith has extensive practice in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation and bankruptcy. He has argued in front of the Illinois Supreme Court and has taught business law at Lake Land College for the past 15 years.
Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience in Central and Southern Illinois and has won and settled personal injury and workers' compensation in the excess of several million dollars over the years. He has lectured on the topics of bankruptcy and workers' compensation.
Southern Illinois University Juris Doctorate, 1991
Roy Jackson Dent is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. in Charleston, IL, where he specializes in bankruptcy litigation and consumer protection.
Mr. Dent received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from California State University, Fullerton and J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
He is a member of the Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois and Seventh Circuit bars. He is also certified by the American Board of Certification in Business Bankruptcy and Consumer Bankruptcy. In addition, he frequently writes and lectures on the topic of bankruptcy reform and business law.
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Juris Doctorate,
Roy Jackson Dent is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C. in Charleston, IL, where he specializes in bankruptcy litigation and consumer protection.
Mr. Dent received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from California State University, Fullerton and J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
He is a member of the Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois and Seventh Circuit bars. He is also certified by the American Board of Certification in Business Bankruptcy and Consumer Bankruptcy. In addition, he frequently writes and lectures on the topic of bankruptcy reform and business law.
Chicago-Kent College of Law Juris Doctorate,
Sarah D. Hocking, JD, CHC is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C., where she focuses on litigation matters.
Mrs. Hocking received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa in 1999 and her Juris Doctor in 2002. Mrs. Hocking was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 2003.
Mrs. Hocking is certified in Healthcare Compliance and a member of the Healthcare Compliance Association as well as the America Society for Healthcare Risk Management and American Health Lawyers Association.
Her current practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice, healthcare compliance, bankruptcy, employment based immigration, and workers' compensation. She is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
University of Iowa
Juris Doctorate, 2002
Sarah D. Hocking, JD, CHC is an attorney at the law firm of Brankey & Smith, P.C., where she focuses on litigation matters.
Mrs. Hocking received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa in 1999 and her Juris Doctor in 2002. Mrs. Hocking was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2002 and in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 2003.
Mrs. Hocking is certified in Healthcare Compliance and a member of the Healthcare Compliance Association as well as the America Society for Healthcare Risk Management and American Health Lawyers Association.
Her current practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice, healthcare compliance, bankruptcy, employment based immigration, and workers' compensation. She is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association.
University of Iowa Juris Doctorate, 2002
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