Plumbing isn’t usually thought of as a “dangerous” job, but the risks add up quickly — especially on busy commercial, industrial, and construction projects. Even residential plumbers face serious hazards when they crawl into cramped spaces, work with pressurized lines, or carry heavy equipment through cluttered areas.

Plumbers in Illinois often suffer injuries such as:

• Repetitive motion injuries from constant bending, twisting, and gripping tools

• Cuts and lacerations from sharp edges, pipes, and tools

• Burns from hot water, steam, or chemicals

• Eye injuries from debris, splashes, or grinding and cutting tasks

• Hearing loss from loud equipment or job sites

• Exposure to unsafe or contaminated substances

• Back, neck, and shoulder injuries from lifting and awkward positions

• Knee injuries from working on hard surfaces or in kneeling positions

Even if your injury built up slowly over time, it may still be covered by workers’ compensation if it’s related to your work as a plumber. Don’t assume it’s “just part of the job” — talk with an attorney who understands how these claims work for skilled trades.

On top of physical injuries, plumbers are regularly exposed to conditions that can cause serious illness. Sewage, mold, chemicals, and stagnant or contaminated water can all create long-term health problems.

Common exposure-related issues plumbers may face include:

• Skin and respiratory infections from contact with sewage or dirty water

• Illness linked to mold, fumes, or harsh cleaning agents

• Aggravation of existing breathing problems due to poor ventilation

• Long-term effects from repeated exposure to unsafe substances

Illinois workers’ compensation can cover occupational diseases and illnesses that are tied to your plumbing work. These claims are often harder to prove, and insurance companies may try to argue that your illness came from somewhere else.

If you believe your health issues are connected to your job as a plumber, our Chicago plumbers’ workers’ comp lawyers can help you gather medical evidence, document your exposure, and fight back against unfair denials.

If you qualify for Illinois workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to benefits such as:

• Payment of reasonable and necessary medical treatment

• Temporary disability benefits while you’re unable to work

• Vocational or return-to-work assistance in some cases

• A settlement or award if you’re left with permanent restrictions or impairment

To learn more about the types of workers’ compensation benefits available in Illinois, you can review our detailed guide at:
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/types-of-workers-comp-benefits-in-illinois/

Insurance companies often try to minimize plumbing injuries as “minor” or blame them on age, hobbies, or previous problems. If your claim is denied, delayed, or you’re being pushed back to work before you’re ready, legal help can make a real difference.

Our firm can:

• Review the facts of your plumbing injury and your job duties

• Explain what benefits you may be entitled to under Illinois law

• Challenge lowball offers and improper denials

• Prepare your case for trial if the insurer refuses to be reasonable

You’ve spent your career solving other people’s problems. When a plumbing job leaves you injured, let someone else handle the fight with the insurance company.

McHargue & Jones has been standing up for Illinois workers for more than 25 years. We understand the demands of plumbing work and how a serious injury can impact your ability to provide for yourself and your family.

We handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis — that means:

• Free consultations

• No upfront costs

• No attorney’s fee unless we win compensation for you

Call 312-739-0000 or request a free case evaluation online today to talk with a Chicago plumbers’ workers’ compensation lawyer about your options.