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Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Chicago
If you have been hurt performing the duties of your job in the Chicago area, you may …
- Be unable to work
- Find yourself overwhelmed with workers’ compensation forms
- Be unable to make ends meet because your benefits have stopped
No matter what your situation is, reach out to GWC Injury Lawyers. For over forty years, we’ve aggressively defended the rights of hardworking Chicago residents injured on the job. We also help them navigate the complicated workers’ compensation claims process.
Our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys are the preferred representatives for many unions and trade organizations throughout the Chicago area. We always work as efficiently as possible to obtain MAXIMUM compensation for every case we handle.
What Should You Do If You Get Hurt on the Job?
Taking the right steps immediately after a workplace injury can protect your health and legal rights. Watch this video to learn what you should (and shouldn’t) do in the critical hours and days following an accident.
What Injuries Does Illinois Workers’ Comp Cover?
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
Illinois workers’ compensation covers sudden traumatic injuries as well as conditions that develop over time due to work activities or workplace exposure. This includes repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, occupational diseases from toxic chemical exposure, hearing loss, respiratory conditions, and other work-related illnesses.
Many of these conditions occur in office settings and other environments not traditionally considered “dangerous.” If your injury or illness is directly related to your employment, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
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 workers’ 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 Are Available?
If you’ve been injured on the job in Illinois, the workers’ compensation system offers several types of benefits to aid in your physical and financial recovery. The primary benefits available include:
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Medical Benefits:
Covers 100% of all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical devices.
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Temporary Total Disability (TTD):
Replaces a portion of your lost wages while your doctor has you off work to recover. In Illinois, this is typically two-thirds (2/3) of your average weekly wage, paid tax-free.
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Permanent Partial Disability (PPD):
Compensates you for the permanent nature of your injury after medical treatment is complete. Even if you can return to work, you are entitled to a settlement or award for the permanent loss of function. This can also include wage differential benefits if you must take a lower-paying job due to your permanent restrictions.
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Permanent Total Disability (PTD):
Provides lifelong weekly benefits if your injury is so severe that you can never return to any form of sustainable employment.
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Vocational Rehabilitation & Maintenance Benefits:
If your injury prevents you from returning to your former job, these benefits can pay for job placement assistance or retraining for a new career. You also receive “maintenance benefits” (similar to TTD) for financial support during this process.
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Death Benefits:
Provides financial support, including weekly payments and burial expenses, to the surviving spouse and dependents of a worker whose death was caused by their job.
Which of These Benefits Am I Entitled To?
Your specific benefits depend on your ability to return to work after treatment. Generally, your situation will fall into one of two categories.
If you can return to full duty after treatment:
You’re typically entitled to a Permanent Partial Disability settlement or trial award. These benefits ensure you’re properly compensated for the injury or injuries you sustained at work, even though you’ve recovered enough to perform your former job duties.
If you cannot perform your job duties after treatment:
Vocational rehabilitation, wage differential benefits, or permanent total disability benefits can be obtained. These benefits help compensate workers who are unable to earn the same amount of money they earned pre-injury, or those who are unable to work ever again.
The specific amount of compensation depends on factors including your pre-injury wages, the severity of your injuries, your treatment and recovery, and your ability to return to work. Our team of Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers is ready to review your claim and explain your options.
