Chicago Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

When you need a workers compensation attorney in Chicago, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery. At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, our Chicago workers compensation lawyers have successfully represented injured workers throughout Cook County for over 40 years.

Workers’ Compensation (aka Workers Comp, Workmans Comp) is a system designed to compensate and protect people who have work injuries. If you become injured at work, it doesn’t matter whether anybody did anything wrong that caused you to get hurt. It doesn’t matter whether you work part-time or full-time. It doesn’t matter whether you work a cash job. As long as you are injured while performing your job, even if it’s your own fault, you are covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, and you are entitled to benefits.

Understanding Workers Compensation in Chicago

Workers compensation is a state-mandated insurance program designed to provide medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured on the job. In Illinois, the workers compensation system is governed by specific laws that ensure workers receive prompt and fair compensation without having to prove fault. However, the process can be complex, and employers or insurance carriers often attempt to minimize payouts.

Who Qualifies for Workers Compensation?

Almost all employees injured during work-related activities are eligible for workers compensation benefits. This includes injuries sustained on-site, as well as conditions caused by repetitive stress or exposure to harmful substances. However, independent contractors and some types of temporary workers may have limited or no coverage under Illinois law. Consulting with a Workman Comp attorney can clarify your eligibility and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Benefits Available

Workers compensation benefits typically cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. In cases of permanent disability, you may be entitled to long-term compensation. Additionally, death benefits are available to families of workers who lose their lives due to workplace injuries. A skilled workers compensation attorney in Chicago will help you understand which benefits apply to your situation and assist in securing them.

What Benefits Do I Get?

Illinois law requires employers to:

• Pay you Temporary Total Disability benefits (TTD), which equals 2/3 of your average weekly wage for the time you are off because of work injury;
• Pay 100% of your medical bills;
• Give you money to compensate you for the permanency of your injury.

If you cannot return to your original job because of permanent restrictions from your injury, the employer’s insurance company must provide you with vocational rehabilitation, and then pay you 2/3 of the difference between your old wage and the wage of your new job, until you are 67 years old, or 5 years from your accident (whichever is later). If you can never return to work again, we can help you get paid for the rest of your life.

Common Workers Comp Cases We Handle in Chicago

• Construction Accidents
• Scaffolding Injuries
• Wage Differential
• Work Machinery Accidents
• Work Travel Accidents
• Workers’ Rights
• Workplace Fatalities
• Workplace Hazard Injury

Common Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers Compensation

Workplace injuries come in many forms, and Illinois workers compensation laws cover a broad spectrum of incidents. Understanding what injuries qualify can help you decide when to seek legal assistance from a Chicago workers compensation attorney.

Typical injuries include slips and falls, repetitive strain injuries, burns, fractures, and exposure to harmful substances. Psychological injuries related to work stress or trauma may also be compensable under certain conditions. Identifying the specifics of your injury early on is critical to building a strong claim.

Repetitive Stress and Occupational Diseases

Not all work injuries are sudden accidents; many develop over time due to repetitive motions or exposure to hazardous environments. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and respiratory diseases are examples of occupational illnesses that workers compensation can cover. A knowledgeable attorney can help document and prove these conditions, which are often more challenging to claim.

Traumatic Injuries and Accidents

Traumatic injuries such as fractures, burns, amputations, and concussions are among the most common cases for workers compensation claims. These injuries usually have clear medical documentation, but even so, insurance companies may dispute the claim. An attorney can help ensure your case is presented clearly and persuasively.

What Happens if My Employer Refuses to Pay Benefits?

We go to trial and make them pay. Workers’ Compensation matters are not decided before a judge or jury. Instead, there are hearings before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. For Cook County Cases, the Commission is at the State of Illinois Building (100 W. Randolph on the 8th Floor) in Chicago. In collar counties, hearings are held at courthouses or municipal buildings. At trial, an arbitrator will hear the evidence and make determinations on whether an injury should be covered under Workers Comp, whether a person should be off work, and what medical treatment is appropriate. An arbitrator can award penalties and attorneys fees against an employer who refuses to provide Workers Comp benefits in good faith.

Why Hire Us as Your Workers’ Compensation Attorneys?

We know workers comp. We are not afraid to try cases, and we have a long record of success.

We will guide you through the complicated process from beginning to end. We will make sure that you are able to see the best doctors in your area from the very beginning. We press the insurance company to pay temporary total disability (TTD) benefits promptly so that your family doesn’t suffer. We will make sure your doctors and therapy providers get paid.

Once you reach maximum medical improvement, we will get you the best settlement that we can, or we’ll take the case to trial if the insurance company is being unfair. We have handled Worker’s Compensation cases for over 40 years and we know how to maximize the recovery in your case.

The attorney who handled your real estate closing, traffic ticket, or divorce has probably never appeared before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, which has its own rules and procedures. We are familiar with them all.

With the dedicated Chicago workers’ comp attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. you will always be able to talk to your lawyer – you won’t be getting your advice from a secretary or a paralegal. Contact our Chicago law office for a free consultation.

FAQs About Workers’ Compensation in Illinois