Most workers in Illinois are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, receiving the benefits you deserve could be challenging. If you have questions about workers’ comp benefits or a workplace accident claim, an experienced Northbrook workers’ compensation lawyer at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Contact us at (847) 513-9582.
Being injured at work in Northbrook, Illinois, is stressful. How do you pay for medical care and your bills when you are out of work? If you were injured on the job, you have options to receive help.
Our injury lawyers have over 60 years of combined legal experience representing injured victims. We have won millions for our clients in negotiated settlements and trial verdicts. For more than three decades, our law firm has fought for the rights of our clients to receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Contact Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Northbrook workers’ compensation lawyers. We are available to discuss your case.
How Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Work-Related Injury Claim in Illinois
Injured workers have rights under Illinois workers’ compensation laws. However, insurance companies and employers may ignore those rights. If you were hurt at work in Northbrook, IL, and were denied workers’ compensation benefits, we can help. We are prepared to fight for your rights.
When you hire our award-winning Northbrook workplace accident lawyers, you can trust that we will:
- Explain the workers’ compensation process to you and how the law protects injured workers
- Determine all legal options for recovering benefits and compensation
- Investigate the circumstances leading to your work injury and gather evidence for claims
- Calculate how much your case is worth
- Work with the best expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- Prepare and file all paperwork for a workers’ comp claim and third-party claims, if applicable
- Appear at all hearings and proceedings to advocate for your rights
- Negotiate to obtain the maximum compensation and benefits available for your claim
Our lawyers have top ratings and recognition from numerous organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Attorney Andrew Kass was named an Elite Lawyer in 2024.
How Common Are Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in Illinois?
Thousands of workers are injured and killed in Illinois each year. In 2023, private industries reported 101,400 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Illinois. Injuries accounted for 93,200 reportable cases. Occupational illnesses accounted for 8,200 cases.
In 2023, there were 145 fatal work injuries in Illinois. Transportation incidents accounted for the most fatal work injuries, followed by falls, slips, and trips.
Overview of Workers’ Compensation in Illinois
Generally, all Illinois employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees under the Workers’ Compensation Act. You are likely covered by workers’ compensation if you are injured during the ordinary course of your employment.
Workers’ compensation provides benefits for workers injured on the job. The types of benefits workers can receive when they are injured at work include:
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation pays for necessary and reasonable medical care, including but not limited to:
- Emergency medical services
- Hospitalizations
- Doctor’s visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Medications and medical devices
Your employer has the right to choose preferred providers for workers’ comp cases. You must choose a provider within the network of approved providers or risk your medical benefits being denied. If your employer did not designate preferred providers, you can choose two providers of your choice, excluding emergency care and referrals.
Wage Replacement Benefits
Your injuries may prevent you from returning to work or full duty. If so, you may receive wage replacement benefits. Wage replacement benefits include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is paid if you are unable to perform any type of work
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) is paid if you can perform some duties but cannot return to full duty
Wage replacement benefits do not compensate you for the full value of your lost wages. Instead, you receive 2/3 of your average weekly wages before the accident. If you return to work with restrictions, the amount you earn is a factor in your TPD benefits. Income replacement benefits are capped at maximum amounts by state law.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If a work-related injury causes permanent impairments or disability, you can receive permanent total disability (PTD) or permanent partial disability (PPD). The type and amount of your disability benefits depend on your injuries and impairments.
You may also be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits to help you return to work. Given your restrictions and impairments, you may receive training for a new job.
Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits if a worker is killed on the job. The family can receive economic benefits to help with expenses and funeral bills.
Workers’ compensation does not compensate workers for non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering). Benefits are restricted to limited economic benefits.
We Handle All Types of Workplace Accidents and Injuries
Work injuries may occur because of negligence, intentional acts, or other wrongdoing. At Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers, our lawyers handle all types of workplace injury claims, including injuries and deaths related to:
- Explosions and fires
- Scaffolding and ladder accidents
- Lifting heavy objects
- Heaving equipment accidents, including cranes, forklifts, and machinery
- Dangerous and defective equipment accidents
- Unsafe work conditions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Lack of safety protection and fall protection
- Roofing accidents
- Building and trench collapses
- Electric shock and electrocutions
- Construction site accidents
- Falling objects
- Repetitive motion accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
Report accidents and injuries to your employer as soon as possible. Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries and notify the treating physician that your injuries were sustained on the job. If you do not require emergency treatment, check with your employer to determine if you need to see a preferred provider for treatment.
Common Injuries Sustained in Workplace Accidents
Workers’ compensation claims cover all types of injuries at work. Common injuries sustained by workers include:
- Dislocations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Nerve damage
- Back and neck injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
Workplace accidents can cause catastrophic injuries with life-altering consequences. If you are injured at work, contact our office for the legal advice you need to protect your rights and best interests.
What Is a Third-Party Claim for a Workplace Accident?
Injured workers usually cannot sue their employer if they are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, if a third party caused their injuries, they may be able to file a personal injury claim. Examples of third-party claims for work-related injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Product liability claims for injuries caused by a defective tool or machine
- Accident claims for crashes caused by negligent drivers
- Premises liability claims for dangerous and hazardous property conditions
A third-party claim can result in economic damages for all losses, including out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. You may also recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and other non-economic damages.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation if I’m Partially To Blame for My Workplace Injury?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You can receive full workers’ comp benefits even though you might be responsible for your work injury. Exceptions include intentional injuries and injuries that occur when you are intoxicated or impaired.
However, third-party claims would be subject to Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law. You are barred from recovering damages if you are 51% or more to blame for causing your injuries. If you are less than 51% to blame, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Illinois?
You must report injuries and accidents to your employer within 45 days. Failing to report a workplace injury within that time could result in losing workers’ comp benefits.
If you intend to file a third-party claim, the statute of limitations is two years. However, there are exceptions to the rule. You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file a claim or lawsuit.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Northbrook Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Most injury attorneys take cases for a contingency fee. A contingency fee is a percentage of the amount they recover for your claim. Instead of paying an upfront fee to hire a lawyer, the attorney deducts their fee from your settlement or jury verdict. Therefore, you do not pay attorneys’ fees until the attorney wins your case.
Learn More During a Free Consultation With a Northbrook Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You do not have to fight your employer and the insurance company alone after you are injured in a workplace accident in Northbrook, Illinois. Call Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your claim with a Northbrook workers’ compensation lawyer. We fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
