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…
What counts as permanent disfigurement—and how much is a scar worth? One of the core purposes of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act is to compensate injured workers for the impact of work injuries. While many claims focus on lost wages or permanent work restrictions, Illinois law also recognizes the lasting impact of visible scars and…
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…
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…
Understanding Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits If you’ve been injured at work in Illinois, the Workers’ Compensation Act may provide coverage for medical care, wage replacement, vocational help, and long-term disability. This guide breaks down each major benefit so you know what you’re entitled to and how to claim it. Workers’ compensation is not just about…
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, and…
You may not feel a sudden injury — but years of repetitive motions at work can add up. In Illinois, these are known as cumulative injuries, and they come with unique legal hurdles. Cumulative injuries, also known as repetitive trauma or stress injuries, are conditions that occur over time due to repetitive motion, excessive pressure,…
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…
In an Illinois workers’ compensation case, many factors go into the value of your settlement. A huge part of this is the outcome of your injury and medical care. Are you better? Are you able to go back to full duty work at your job? Or do you have permanent restrictions that will impact this….
Were you injured while working at an Amazon warehouse or as an Amazon delivery driver in Illinois? As one of the largest employers in the world, Amazon has a significant presence across Illinois, including numerous warehouses and delivery operations. Workers employed by Amazon in Illinois—whether working in fulfillment centers or as delivery drivers—are protected by…
What Is an Occupational Illness? An occupational illness (or disease) refers to any condition, illness, or disease that is contracted because of a person’s work environment or work responsibilities. While other work-related injuries, like physical injuries, can be the result of a single incident, occupational illnesses are the result of repeated exposure to a harmful…
Sustaining a workplace injury can result in a devastating financial impact on any worker, considering the medical expenses and the time required to recuperate. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits exist to provide financial assistance to injured employees. However, obtaining these benefits can be complex and stressful, especially if the claim is denied or the employer challenges…
In general, a workers’ compensation insurance company must have a valid reason to deny a claim. This may include factors such as the injury not being work-related or the employee failing to report the injury in a timely manner. However, it is important to note that each case is unique and there may be specific…
What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury? A repetitive strain injury (or repetitive stress injury) refers to a gradual buildup of damage caused to a specific region of nerves, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. The damage is caused by repetitive motions. Common types of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) include: Bursitis Carpal tunnel syndrome Cervical radiculopathy Lower back…
