Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Chicago

Common injuries covered by workers’ comp include:

• Bruises
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Lacerations
• Concussions
• Chemical and electrical burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Injuries that require amputation

What Industries Are Most Dangerous for Workers?

 

The industries with the greatest percentage of employee injuries include:

• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Agriculture
• Construction

However, many injuries, like repetitive stress injuries and toxic chemical exposure, occur in office settings. Illinois worker’s compensation laws will typically cover these conditions as well.

When employees sustain fatal injuries, our wrongful death lawyers can help their families acquire financial compensation.

 

What Kinds of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Receive?

 

Injured Chicago workers who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits might be eligible to receive:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – to compensate you for lost wages while unable to work and in treatment
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – to compensate you for the permanent nature of your injury or injuries
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Maintenance Benefits – in the event that your work-related injury prevents you from returning to your formal occupation
• Medical Benefits
• Death Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits will generally cover two-thirds of an employee’s pre-injury average weekly wages while they are off work and in treatment or on light duty restrictions that their employer cannot accommodate, payment of reasonable/related medical bills, and compensation for the permanent nature of their injuries (typically after medical treatment has been completed). Injured workers may also be entitled to other types of workers’ compensation benefits under the law, depending on the circumstances of their case.

For employees who are able to return to full duty at the conclusion of their medical treatment, injured workers are typically entitled to a Permanent Partial Disability settlement or a trial award – these benefits help ensure that they are properly compensated for the injury or injuries that they sustained at work.

For employees who are unable to perform their job duties at the conclusion of their medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, wage differential benefits or permanent total disability benefits can be obtained to help compensate those who are unable to earn the same amount of money they earned pre-injury or those who are unable to work ever again. If you need help reviewing your workers’  compensation claim, our team of Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers and legal professionals are available and ready to explain your options.

How Do Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Get Paid?

At GWC, our workers’ comp lawyers only get paid if they win your case.

How Much Is My Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?

Every case is different and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to is based on the unique circumstances of your case, including how much money you made before the injury, what kind of injury or injuries you sustained, what kind of treatment you needed and how well you recovered from your injuries.

What is an Independent Medical Examination and How Can It Affect My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a means by which your employer and/or its insurer may try to evaluate your treatment for a work injury. It can have a significant impact on your workers’ compensation claim.

How Long Does It Take to Get an IME Report Back?

While there is no set timeframe for when you might get an IME report back, your attorney might be able to speed up the process by sending a subpoena to the doctor.

When Do I Start Receiving TTD Benefits?

Once you qualify for TTD benefits, a check must be issued within 14 days of the date you became eligible.

What Is Utilization Review?

Utilization review (UR) is a process that assesses the appropriateness, necessity, and efficiency of healthcare services provided to patients.

What Happens If My Workers’ Compensation Check Is Late?

If your workers’ compensation checks are not arriving on time, or even not arriving at all, your attorney will assist you by filing a petition for penalties and fees.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Work Injury in Illinois?

Illinois law allows you to notify a boss or supervisor within 45 days of your work injury. However, you should report it as close to the date of injury as possible.

Will I Get Fired If I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois?

It is illegal for employers to terminate employees for filing workers’ compensation claims.

How Long Can I Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois?

This varies from case to case. It can be for the rest of a claimant’s life, or for a limited period of time.

Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois?

You are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you have sustained an injury or illness arising out of and in the course and scope of your employment.

Can I Sue My Employer for Negligence in Illinois?

In most cases, workers are unable to sue their employers for negligence.

What If I Die Before My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Over?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, the most important being whether or not the cause of death was related to your work injuries.

Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for Pain and Suffering?

The Illinois workers’ compensation system will not compensate you for pain and suffering.

What Do I Do If I Get Injured While Working From Home?

You are eligible for workers’ comp benefits even when working from home.

What Is a Wage Differential in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation System?

A wage differential is a benefit in Illinois workers’ compensation. It pays part of the difference between a worker’s wages before and after an injury.

Do I Have to Prove Somebody Else Is at Fault to Receive Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

With some minor exceptions, you do not have to prove somebody else is at fault because of the no-fault nature of workers’ compensation in Illinois.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor for My Workers’ Compensation Treatment?

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you can choose your own doctor. The act says you can select up to two doctors to treat your work injuries.

If your employer maintains a Preferred Provider list, you are required to select a medical provider from that list as your first choice. If you do not, you forfeit that first choice. This means you will be entitled to only one doctor of your choosing.

Should You Sign a Work Comp Insurance Company Release?

Never sign a release from a workers’ compensation insurer without consulting your attorney first because you may be at risk of “releasing” too much.

Can a Positive Drug Test Hurt My Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A positive drug test following a work injury will likely hurt your chances of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. However, you can still make a successful claim.

Who Pays For My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Either your employer directly or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will pay for your benefits.

How Long Do I Have To Report A Work Injury?

In Illinois, you must report a work-related injury to your employer within 45 days of the accident or illness.

Do I Need to Hire a Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

Hire a workers’ compensation attorney to maximize your chances of securing fair compensation. A capable workers’ compensation lawyer will:

• Gather the evidence necessary to strengthen your case
• Respond to any obstacles or challenges that may arise
• Fiercely advocate on your behalf in all negotiations and proceedings

 

Remember, it is not in your employer’s financial interest to provide you with comprehensive advice about your rights under Illinois workers’ compensation law. It’s also not in your employer’s interest to guarantee that you obtain all of the applicable workers’ compensation benefits that you are owed.  

For this reason, it is important that you consider retaining experienced legal counsel to fight for you, such as the dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers. With more than $2.5 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, GWC is one of Illinois’ leading Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury law firms. 

Contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer. You may call our office at (312) 999-9999 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.