Updated September 19, 2026 · By Matthew C. Jones, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Quick answer: A stopped workers’ comp check does not necessarily mean you lost your case or have to return to work. In Illinois, TTD benefits are usually at issue when the insurance company says you are released to work, says light duty…
Short answer: Neck injury workers’ comp settlements in Illinois vary widely. Mild neck strains that fully heal may resolve in the low five figures. Herniated disc cases with injections or surgery often land in the $50,000–$150,000+ range. Serious cervical injuries involving fusion surgery, permanent restrictions, loss of occupation, wage differential benefits, or permanent total disability…
If you slipped on ice or snow in a work parking lot in Illinois, you’re likely wondering: Does workers’ comp cover slipping on ice in a parking lot? What if my employer doesn’t own the lot? Can I sue the property owner or snow removal company? Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305),…
In most Illinois work injury cases, you cannot sue your employer — but you may be able to sue a third party if someone other than your employer caused your injury. This means some injured workers can pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and a separate third-party personal injury lawsuit at the same time. This situation…
A tragic workplace violence incident recently occurred at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Oswego, Illinois, where a 19-year-old man was charged with murder and multiple felonies after allegedly stabbing several people. According to reports, one delivery driver was killed and another maintenance worker was seriously injured while performing job-related duties at the restaurant.(Source: ABC7 Chicago) While…
A tragic workplace accident occurred in Wauconda, Illinois, when a 37-year-old man from North Chicago was crushed to death beneath a vehicle after it fell from an elevated lift at a local auto repair shop. According to ABC7, the fatal incident happened around 8:52 a.m. at 398 W. Liberty Street when a vehicle slipped off…
A tragic construction accident on Chicago’s West Side has once again highlighted the extreme dangers faced by electricians, laborers, and construction crews working near energized power lines. According to WGN News, a 33-year-old worker was killed and another was seriously injured after their lift came into contact with a live electrical line on February 25,…
How much is a knee injury worth in Illinois workers’ comp? There isn’t one “average” number that fits every case. A mild sprain that heals fully might settle in the low five figures, while meniscus or ligament tears with surgery often fall in the mid–five-figure to six-figure range. Severe knee injuries involving total knee replacement,…
By Matthew C. Jones, Chicago workers’ compensation attorney at McHargue & Jones. Updated June 3, 2026 Quick answer: To prove a repetitive trauma injury in Illinois workers’ compensation, you usually need to show that your job duties caused, aggravated, or accelerated your medical condition over time. The strongest cases use detailed job-duty proof, consistent medical…
Shoulder and rotator cuff injury settlements in Illinois workers’ compensation cases depend on the severity of the injury, whether surgery is required, permanent work restrictions, and whether you can return to your old job. Most cases fall somewhere in the five- to six-figure range, but serious tears with surgery or permanent job loss may settle…
By Matthew C. Jones, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Updated and legally reviewed September 4, 2026 Quick answer: There is no fixed or official average settlement for an Illinois workers’ compensation back injury. A back strain that resolves without restrictions may have a relatively modest value, while a herniated disc requiring surgery, permanent restrictions, future medical…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
