What Is a Hernia Settlement Worth in Illinois Workers’ Comp?

By Matthew C. Jones, Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you suffered a hernia at work in Illinois, you’ve probably heard everything from “it’s worth nothing” to “you should get a big settlement.” The truth is usually in the middle. Many straightforward hernia claims settle in the $5,000–$25,000 range. When the hernia becomes complex — multiple surgeries,…

How Much Is My Illinois Workers’ Comp Case Worth? (Updated 2026 Settlement Guide)

If you were hurt on the job in Illinois, you’re probably asking the same question almost every injured worker asks: “What is my workers’ comp case worth in Illinois?” It’s a fair question. It’s also one that no honest lawyer can answer with a precise number right away. There is no secret workers’ comp “settlement…

Can I Switch Lawyers in an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Case? What Injured Workers Need to Know

When you’re hurt at work in Illinois, choosing the right workers’ compensation attorney can make or break your case. But what happens when the lawyer you picked stops calling you back, doesn’t explain what’s happening, or simply isn’t fighting for you? Here’s the truth: switching lawyers in an Illinois workers’ compensation case is fast, free,…

How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

If you’ve been hurt on the job, you might be wondering two things at the same time: “Do I need a lawyer?” “Can I even afford one?” The short answer in Illinois is: yes, you can.Workers’ compensation attorneys in Illinois are paid on a contingency fee, which means you pay nothing up front and the…

UPS Workers’ Comp in Illinois: Help for Drivers, Package Handlers & Seasonal Workers (2025 Guide)

UPS workers in Illinois—especially at major hubs like UPS CACH in Hodgkins, the Morgan Street Center in Chicago, and Bedford Park—face a high risk of serious work injuries. Package handlers, drivers, feeder drivers, and seasonal UPS workers are frequently injured by heavy lifting, fast-paced warehouse work, delivery crashes, slip-and-falls, and dog attacks. If you were…

How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay in Illinois? (TTD, TPD, Maintenance & AWW Explained – 2025 Guide)

If you’re wondering “how much does workers’ comp pay in Illinois?” the short answer is this: most wage-loss benefits are based on 66â…”% (two-thirds) of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), subject to statewide minimums and maximums. Depending on your situation, you may receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) when you’re completely off work, Temporary Partial Disability…

5 Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Illinois (Updated 2025)

Being offered a workers’ compensation settlement can feel like the light at the end of a long tunnel. After weeks or months of doctor visits, paperwork, and uncertainty, the idea of finally getting a check is tempting. But before you sign, pause. Insurance companies often make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept less than you…

Is Illinois a No-Fault Workers’ Compensation State? What Happens If the Accident Was Your Fault

Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you can still receive benefits even if the accident was your fault. The law focuses on where and how the injury occurred — not on blame. As long as you were hurt while performing job duties, you’re generally covered for medical care and lost wages. Only…

How Much Is a Scar Worth Under Illinois Workers’ Comp?

By Workers’ Compensation Attorney, Matthew C. Jones Permanent Scar From a Work Injury in Illinois? Don’t Guess What It’s Worth. A serious burn, cut, or surgical scar can follow you long after the accident—every time you look in the mirror or walk into work. Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, you may be entitled to separate…

Can You Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois?

Can You Lose Your Job for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois? It’s one of the most common questions we hear from injured workers at McHargue & Jones: “Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?” The short answer is no — Illinois law protects you from being fired just because…

Illinois Slip and Fall Lawyers: Understanding Premises Liability, the Open and Obvious Doctrine, and the Distraction Exception (2025 Update)

Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Cases in Illinois If you were injured on someone else’s property — in a store, parking lot, apartment complex, or business — you may have the right to recover compensation.At McHargue & Jones, LLC, our experienced Chicago premises liability lawyers help injury victims hold negligent property owners accountable. Premises…

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois (Updated 2025) | McHargue & Jones

Quick answer: Illinois workers’ compensation benefits may include payment of medical bills, weekly disability checks (TTD/TPD), permanent partial disability (PPD) settlements, wage differential benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and lifetime permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. The amount depends mainly on your average weekly wage (AWW) and work restrictions. Understanding Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits If you’ve been injured…

Two Recent Illinois Workers’ Compensation Trial Wins: Surgeries Approved for Injured Workers

Fighting for Injured Workers Across Illinois Our firm is proud to share two recent victories at trial before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) — each involving serious injuries where insurance companies denied necessary medical care. In both cases, the arbitrators found in favor of our clients, ordering authorization for surgery, payment of medical bills,…

Repetitive Trauma Injury in Illinois Workers’ Compensation

A cumulative injury (also called cumulative trauma or repetitive stress) is damage that builds up in your body over time from doing the same motions at work again and again — lifting, bending, typing, gripping tools, or using vibrating equipment. In Illinois, these gradual injuries can be covered by Illinois workers’ compensation, even if you…

Are you entitled to workers’ comp benefits as a traveling employee under Illinois law?

Traveling Employees and Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois If your job requires you to travel — whether to client sites, job locations, or business meetings — you may still be entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits if you’re injured while traveling. These are known as traveling employee cases, and Illinois provides specific protections for workers…