By Workers’ Compensation Attorney Matthew C. Jones · Updated October 5, 2026 If your Illinois workers’ comp claim was denied, you can challenge the denial through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). The insurance company’s decision to refuse benefits is its position on the claim. It is not a ruling by an arbitrator. Before responding,…
Repetitive strain injuries — also known as repetitive trauma, cumulative trauma, repetitive motion injuries, or repetitive stress injuries — are some of the most misunderstood claims in Illinois workers’ compensation. These injuries develop gradually, not from one accident. Workers who type all day… grip tools… use vibrating equipment… rotate through repetitive assembly tasks… or clean,…
Electricians in Chicago and throughout Cook County work in one of the most dangerous trades in Illinois. High-voltage systems, arc flash explosions, elevated work, industrial machinery, and confined spaces create serious risk. When an electrical accident happens, the injuries are often severe — including burns, nerve damage, brain injuries, PTSD, and permanent disability. If you…
In Illinois, workers’ compensation claims are denied every day — often even when the worker has a legitimate injury. Most denials are based on disputes over whether the injury is work-related, whether the worker can return to work, or whether the requested medical treatment (such as surgery) is “necessary.” A denial does not mean you…
Every holiday season, Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs experience a sharp increase in commercial truck and delivery vehicle traffic, driven largely by peak demand from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and other logistics companies. As delivery volumes surge, delivery drivers, truck drivers, and warehouse workers face longer shifts, tighter deadlines, winter weather, and heavier congestion on…
Are you a remote or WFH worker in Illinois who suffered an injury while working? The law in Illinois has expanded to cover a wide range of injuries and accidents involving remote or WFH workers. If you believe that your injury is not covered because it happened outside of your immediate workplace, or if your…
If you were hurt at work in Illinois, filing a workers’ compensation claim can feel overwhelming. Medical bills pile up quickly, paychecks stop, and insurance adjusters may already be asking questions. Illinois law does provide strong protections for injured workers — but only if you follow the right steps, meet strict deadlines, and document everything…
Injured at work? You have rights your employer may not explain. While workers’ compensation is meant to protect employees after a workplace injury, many employers and insurance companies quietly work to delay, minimize, or deny valid claims. Understanding how the system really works can help you protect your health, income, and future. If you were…
Updated September 19, 2026 · By Matthew C. Jones, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Short answer: hire a workers’ compensation lawyer when the claim stops being simple—or before a problem becomes harder to fix. A denial, delayed medical care, company-clinic release while you still hurt, missed body part, stopped wage checks, IME notice, surgery recommendation, permanent…
If you were injured in an accident, one of the first steps you’ll take to pursue compensation is filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This stage of the process involves presenting your case to the insurance carrier and negotiating to seek a fair settlement. Although you might have a compelling case, the…
Many car accidents occur because of driver negligence, such as distracted or drowsy driving, or traffic violations, like running a red light or speeding. These driving behaviors can lead to various types of crashes. The most common include: Rear-end collisions T-bones Head-on collisions Sideswipes This blog will review each type of wreck and what you…
If you are injured at work in Illinois, your case may involve more than just workers’ compensation. In some situations, you may also have a third-party personal injury claim, which is a separate case against someone other than your employer who caused your injury. Can you have both workers’ compensation and a third-party claim in…
If you suffer an injury in a car accident in Illinois while performing work-related duties, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But what if you are injured during your commute to and from the workplace? According to the “going-and-coming rule” in Illinois, an employee who sustains an injury while commuting to or from work is…
In Illinois, you can sometimes work while receiving workers’ compensation benefits — but only if the work complies with your doctor’s restrictions and is reported properly. Returning to work can reduce or stop temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, while lower-pay or restricted work may qualify for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits instead. Most workers who…
How to Properly Lift Heavy Objects at Work Whether you work as a package delivery driver, on an assembly line, or even in an office environment, lifting is a common duty in many workplaces. Unfortunately, any kind of heavy lifting at work can put you at risk for suffering a serious back injury if not…
