Workplace Hazard Injury

In most cases, establishing fault is the most time-consuming part of an injury claim. Many times, attorneys must partner with investigators and other professionals to obtain the evidence needed to prove a claim. But workers’ compensation in Illinois provides no-fault insurance benefits. So, this portion of the claim is expedited. That means job injury victims get the economic benefits they need much sooner than they would otherwise.

However, the workers’ compensation process is not nearly as streamlined as it was several decades ago, Over the years, the bureaucracy has expanded to almost unbelievable proportions. At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., we work diligently to steer your case through the system as quickly as possible. But speed is not our only concern. We also fight to see that you get the maximum compensation for your serious injury.

Types of Workplace Hazards in Chicago

Most workplace injuries are either sudden trauma incidents or long-term occupational diseases. Workplace hazards are commonplace in both of these areas.

Generally, either lack of communication or lack of diligence creates hazardous conditions on the job. Sometimes, safety implements are available, but workers do not know how to use them properly. Other times, the boss cuts corners in this area and hopes that no one gets hurt. Some typical hazards include:

• Unsafe scaffolding,
• Spills on walking surfaces,
• Objects that fall from a height,
• Noisy construction areas which feature heavy equipment, and
• Unsafe construction cranes.

A workplace hazard can also cause an occupational disease. These claims are more difficult to handle because they are legally and medically complex. Some examples include:

• Noise-induced hearing loss,
• Joint injury due to repetitive bending and stooping,
• Carpal tunnel syndrome,
• Respiratory problems, and
• Environmental cancer.

Many occupational diseases have both work-related and non-work-related causes. Typically, full workers’ compensation benefits are available even if the victim had a pre-existing condition.

Compensation Available in Cook County

Workers’ compensation benefits always include payment for medical expenses. In most cases, either an attorney fights for payment on behalf of the injured worker or the workers’ compensation insurance company pays these expenses directly. In either case, many job injury victims never see a medical bill.

Compensation for lost wages is available, as well. The amount and terms of compensation usually depend on the type of illness or injury:

• Temporary Total Disability: Most workers’ compensation claims begin as TTD claims. These victims are unable to work at all. So, workers’ compensation pays typically two-thirds of the victim’s average weekly wage for the duration of the disability.
• Temporary Partial Disability: After they partially recover, many victims assume TPD status. They are able to work, but must accept lower-paying light duty or work a reduced schedule. So, workers’ compensation normally pays two-thirds of the difference between the old and new pay rates.
• Maintenance: If you are at maximum medical improvement, but unable to return to your pre-injury job, you are entitled to “maintenance” pay at the TTD rate while you are seeking new employment.
• Permanent Partial Disability: Many victims never fully recover from their illnesses or injuries. For example, a worker might only recover part of her hearing. So, workers’ compensation pays benefits based on the nature and extent of the disability.
• Permanent Total Disability: “Disability” is a legal term of art which has various meanings in various contexts. The loss of a forefinger might be permanently disabling to a construction worker, but not affect a college professor very much at all. All these considerations come into play.

Generally, lost wages benefits are retroactive to the date of disability.

Contact Hard-Hitting Attorneys

Workplace hazards often cause serious illnesses or injuries. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago, contact Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these cases.