Cook County Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Attorney Helping Injured Workers Secure Medical and Disability Benefits in Arlington Heights and Chicago

In Illinois, over 100,000 employees are injured at work on an annual basis. More than half of them miss work time or face work restrictions as a result of their injuries, and some are killed or left with a permanent disability. The potential costs of a work-related injury are high for both the victim and their family, but Illinois provides support for injured workers by requiring all employers in the state to offer workers' compensation benefits.

Even with Illinois' workers' compensation laws, it is not always easy for injured employees to secure the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured at work, it can be beneficial to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a claim and work to resolve any disputes that you may encounter. At Adler Law Offices, LTD., we have over 40 years of legal experience, and we can advise and represent you in your pursuit of the benefits to which you are entitled.

Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries

Employees in every occupation encounter some degree of injury risk in the course of their work, but certain circumstances and environments are more likely to lead to injury than others. Some common causes of severe work-related injuries include:

• Construction site accidents - Construction workers are frequently surrounded by potential injury risks, including heavy machinery and equipment, electrical and chemical hazards, elevated scaffolding, and multiple contractors and subcontractors on construction sites who may have different safety standards.
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents - In the workplace, wet floors and walkways cluttered with loose debris and materials can present tripping and slipping hazards to employees. Many employees are also at risk of falling from height in accidents involving stairs, ladders, and raised areas.
• Car and truck accidents - Truck drivers and other employees who drive for any work-related reason are at risk of injury in a collision, whether a single-vehicle crash or a multi-car accident.
• Hazardous substances - Employees who work with dangerous chemicals may suffer burns and poisoning from immediate exposure or develop occupational diseases due to repeated exposure over time.
• Physical strain - Employees in physically demanding occupations may suffer immediate or repetitive stress injuries to the back, neck, joints, tendons, and muscles.

Workers' compensation is typically available regardless of who or what caused a work-related injury, except in some cases in which an employee inflicts injury on themself or suffers an injury while engaged in misconduct or illegal activity.

Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits

Depending on the severity and effects of an employee's injuries, they may be entitled to several different kinds of benefits through their employer. The most common are medical benefits to cover the expenses of all necessary care related to the injuries. Employees who are forced to miss work or who are unable to work at full capacity during their recovery may also be entitled to temporary disability benefits to cover two-thirds of their lost wages.

Employees who are indefinitely disabled due to a work-related injury may be eligible for permanent disability benefits to assist with lost wages, as well as vocational rehabilitation benefits to help them find new work if they are unable to return to their previous job. When work injuries prove fatal, the employee's family may be owed death benefits for the cost of the employee's burial and the loss of financial support from the employee's wages.

How Does a Lawyer Help With a Workers' Comp Claim?

In some cases, injured employees are able to secure workers' compensation benefits simply by informing their employer in writing of the injury, though it is important to do so within 45 days of the injury in most cases. However, if an employer denies you benefits or fails to provide them after you are injured on the job, it is important to hire an attorney to assist you as you take further legal action.

We can help you file a claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, present evidence, and represent you at hearings to demonstrate that you have a valid claim for benefits. We can also help you resolve disputes regarding the work-related nature of your injuries or the rating of your impairment. In cases involving third-party liability, we can advise and represent you in a personal injury lawsuit if that is a viable option for securing full compensation.

Contact a Chicago Workers' Comp Attorney

If you are unsure of how to proceed with your claim for workers' compensation benefits, we can assist with a free consultation when you contact us at 847-394-0100 or 312-236-2700. We represent injured workers throughout Cook County, including Chicago, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Mount Prospect, and the surrounding areas.