Chicago Work Injury Lawyer

Workplace injuries may seem commonplace, but if it happens to you, it feels anything but normal, especially if you are unable to do your job while recovering.

If you were injured on the job and believe you may need legal help, we encourage you to contact our trusted Chicago law firm. Without having strong legal representation, you may end up returning to work too soon or get pressured into accepting settlements that fail to cover your long-term needs.

At Cooney & Conway, our workplace injury attorneys in Chicago understand these challenges intimately and have successfully fought and won injury cases for decades. Our legal team is deeply committed to helping injured workers secure full and fair compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Speak to one of attorneys for a free consultation: (800) 322-5573

How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Workplace Injury Case in Chicago?

Illinois operates under a no-fault workers’ compensation system that protects most Chicago workers regardless of who caused the accident. This system provides vital protection when you are injured on the job. Unlike personal injury claims, you do not need to prove your employer was negligent only that your injury occurred during the course of your employment.

Nearly any injury that happens during work hours qualifies for benefits under Illinois law. This includes:

• Falls, slips, and trips in your workplace
• Injuries from lifting or moving objects
• Repetitive stress injuries developed over time
• Occupational illnesses from workplace exposure
• Injuries during work-related travel or client meetings
• Mental health conditions resulting from workplace trauma

The system even covers injuries that result partly from your own actions, though willful misconduct or intoxication can affect your claim. If your injury occurred while performing job duties, even remotely, you likely have a valid case under Chicago’s workers’ compensation laws.

What Compensation Can I Pursue After a Workplace Injury in Illinois?

Illinois workers’ compensation provides several key benefits when you are injured on the job. The law entitles you to 100 percent coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your workplace injury.

This includes:

• Prescription medications
• Emergency treatment and hospitalization
• Doctor visits and specialist consultations
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
• Medical devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics
• Necessary home modifications for severe injuries
• Travel expenses to medical appointments

Unlike health insurance, these benefits come with no deductibles, copays, or lifetime caps as long as treatments remain medically necessary. Other types of benefits that may be included could be:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) & Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): covers full and portions of lost income if you can work but earn less during recovery
• Permanent Disability Compensation: For lasting injuries, Illinois provides Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for injuries that permanently impair specific body parts, calculated using a schedule of values for each body part
• Full Wage Replacement: Unlike workers’ compensations two-thirds limit, third-party claims allow recovery of 100 percent of lost wages and earning capacity, including future income potential and lost bonuses.
• Disfigurement and Disability: While workers’ compensation provides limited scheduled payments for disfigurement, third-party claims offer more detailed compensation.

What Types of Workplace Injuries Are Common in Chicago?

Chicago’s diverse economy creates unique workplace hazard across several high-injury industries such as:

Construction Industry

Chicago’s ongoing building boom puts thousands of workers at risk daily. The city’s aging infrastructure projects, high-rise developments, and roadwork create hazardous environments where falls from heights, trench collapses, and struck-by accidents occur regularly. Union and non-union workers alike face dangers on Chicago’s numerous construction sites.

Manufacturing Sector

Despite declining nationwide, manufacturing remains a significant Chicago employer, particularly in metal fabrication, food processing, and pharmaceutical production. Workers operate heavy machinery, handle caustic chemicals, and perform repetitive assembly tasks in facilities throughout the city’s industrial corridors and surrounding suburbs.

Healthcare Industry

As a major transportation hub, Chicago employs thousands in shipping, trucking, public transit, and warehousing. O’Hare and Midway airports, rail yards, shipping terminals, and distribution centers create environments where loading accidents, vehicle collisions, and material handling injuries occur frequently.

Transportation and Logistics

As a major transportation hub, Chicago employs thousands in shipping, trucking, public transit, and warehousing. O’Hare and Midway airports, rail yards, shipping terminals, and distribution centers create environments where loading accidents, vehicle collisions, and material handling injuries occur frequently.

Hospitality and Service Industry

Chicago’s renowned restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues employ workers who face less obvious but still significant injury risks. Kitchen staff, housekeepers, and maintenance workers suffer burns, repetitive strain injuries, and exposure to cleaning chemicals.

What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury in Chicago?

The most important steps you can take after a Chicago workplace injury is to ensure your safety first and those around you. It is urgent that you seek legal consultation from an attorney immediately. You must report your injury to your employer within 45 days of the accident.

Some steps you can take are:

• Seeking medical attention first
• Report the injury to your supervisor
• Document everything by taking photos of visible injuries and the accident scene
• Get names and contact information of witnesses
• Keep a journal detailing pain levels and limitations
• Save all accident-related communications
• Follow all medical advice precisely
• Maintain detailed medical and financial records

Understanding Your Rights Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws

Illinois workers’ compensation laws provide crucial protection when you are injured on the job. When you understand these rights, it helps ensure you receive full benefits during recovery:

Protection Against Retaliation

Illinois law explicitly prohibits employers from firing, demoting, or otherwise punishing you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This protection extends to employees who testify in coworkers’ cases or report safety violations. Any adverse action linked to your injury claim may constitute illegal retaliation, enabling additional legal remedies beyond workers’ compensation.

Medical Provider Selection

Unlike many states with restrictive provider networks, Illinois gives you significant control over your medical care. You can choose two healthcare providers of your preference; plus, any specialists they refer you to. This means you are not limited to company doctors who may prioritize your employer’s interests over your health. Your chosen providers establish vital independent documentation of your condition and limitations.

Right to Independent Medical Examinations

If your employer’s insurance company disputes your condition, they may request an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with their doctor. However, you have the right to obtain your own medical opinions, submit detailed treatment records, and challenge biased IME findings with evidence from your treating physicians.

Benefit Continuation During Disputes

Even when aspects of your claim are contested, Illinois law ensures continued payment of undisputed benefits. Your employer cannot withhold all benefits while disputing a specific issue. This crucial protection prevents financial devastation during prolonged claim disputes.

Right to Appeal Adverse Decisions

When benefits are denied or terminated prematurely, you have multiple levels of appeal. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission provides a structured process to challenge unfair decisions, with options for emergency hearings when benefits are unjustly terminated. Appeals can progress through arbitration, commission review, circuit court, and even to appellate courts if necessary.

Third-Party Claims and Additional Compensation for Chicago Workers

While workers’ compensation provides guaranteed but limited benefits, third-party claims open avenues for substantial additional compensation when someone besides your employer contributed to your workplace injury.

Third-party claim compensation can do the following:

• Provides 100 percent recovery of all lost wages and earning capacity
• Compensates for physical pain and emotional suffering
• Includes damages for diminished quality of life
• Covers spousal claims for loss of companionship and consortium
• Allows recovery for disfigurement beyond workers’ compensation limits
• May include punitive damages in cases of misconduct
• Could result in significantly higher overall compensation

Our Approach to Chicago Workplace Injury Cases

At Cooney & Conway, we build our workplace injury practice around your specific needs and circumstances. When Chicago workers suffer life-altering injuries, they need more than legal representation. Legal support who understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of these types of cases.

Our client-centered approach begins with your first consultation. We listen carefully to understand your unique situation, answer your questions without any legal jargon, and set realistic expectations about the process ahead.

We handle the complex legal aspects while empowering you with information to make informed decisions. This approach reduces stress during your recovery and ensures your priorities remain at the center of our strategy.

Contact Our Chicago Workplace Injury Attorneys Today

If you have suffered a workplace injury in Chicago, Cooney & Conway is here to help. With over 60 years of experience, our dedicated team of 24 attorneys has successfully represented countless clients, securing substantial settlements and verdicts.

We understand the complexities of workplace injury cases and are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process. Do not navigate this challenging time alone. Contact us at (800) 322-5573 to learn more about your legal options.