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…
If you hurt your back at work in Illinois, you’ve probably already searched online trying to figure out what your case is worth. And if you’ve read the big-firm websites, you’ve noticed they all say the same thing: “Every case is different.” That’s technically true, but not very helpful when your back hurts, your paycheck…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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’ Comp Claim in Illinois? Updated for 2026: One of the most common fears injured workers have is whether filing a workers’ compensation claim will cost them their job. The short answer is no: your employer cannot legally fire you simply because you reported a work injury or…
