Injured at work in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois?
You’re probably dealing with pain, missed paychecks, and an insurance company that seems more interested in protecting its bottom line than your recovery.

At McHargue & Jones, LLC, our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers have helped thousands of injured workers get medical care and wage benefits after on-the-job injuries. If your claim was denied, delayed, or you’re simply overwhelmed by the process, you don’t have to handle this alone.

Call us at (312) 739-0000 for a free consultation.
No fee unless we win benefits or compensation for you.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation: How It’s Supposed to Work

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance system that should provide benefits when you’re hurt on the job or develop a work-related illness. It typically covers:

  • Injuries from accidents at work
  • Repetitive trauma injuries (like back, shoulder, or wrist injuries)
  • Illnesses from exposure to toxic or dangerous substances

In reality, many valid claims are:

  • Denied outright
  • Delayed for months
  • Undervalued by the insurance company

Our job is to step in, enforce your rights under Illinois law, and fight for the full benefits you deserve.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, most employers with at least one employee must provide workers’ comp coverage. If you’re injured in the course and scope of your employment, you may be entitled to:

  • Paid medical treatment
  • Wage replacement (temporary total disability)
  • Compensation for permanent injury or scarring
  • Vocational rehabilitation in some cases

You do not have to prove that your employer did anything “wrong” to qualify. But you do need to meet certain deadlines and provide proper documentation. A knowledgeable Illinois workers’ comp attorney can explain your rights, guide you through the process, and deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf.

How Common Are Work Injuries in Illinois?

Work injuries are more common than most people realize. According to recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in a single year in Illinois:

  • There were over 104,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses
  • More than 35,000 workers missed at least one day of work
  • Over 24,000 workers had to change jobs or work with restrictions because of their injuries

Industries with high injury rates include:

  • Natural resources and mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade, transportation & utilities
  • Education & health services
  • Leisure & hospitality

If you were hurt at work in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, our team is here to help you navigate your claim and protect your livelihood.

Call (312) 739-0000 to speak with an Illinois workers’ comp lawyer at McHargue & Jones, LLC.

On This Page

  • How Does Workers’ Comp Work in Illinois?
  • What If the Accident Was My Fault?
  • Common Dangers in the Workplace
  • Workers’ Compensation Benefits
  • What Causes Workplace Injuries?
  • Do I Have a Workers’ Comp Case?
  • What to Do After a Work Injury
  • When Do You Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
  • Can I Be Fired for Filing a Claim?
  • Why Was My Claim Denied?
  • Deadlines for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois
  • How Our Team Can Help

How Does Workers’ Comp Work in Illinois?

Protection Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act

Most employees in Chicago are protected by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, which requires covered employers to pay for work-related injuries, regardless of who was at fault. Workers’ comp can provide benefits if you are:

  • Injured in a single accident at work
  • Hurt over time by repetitive tasks
  • Exposed to harmful chemicals or substances
  • Disabled or, in tragic cases, killed because of your job

The law also prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for filing a claim or asserting their rights.

Third-Party Liability Claims

Sometimes, a workplace injury is caused by someone other than your employer or a coworker, such as:

  • A manufacturer of defective machinery or tools
  • A negligent driver who hits you while you’re working
  • The owner of a dangerous property where you were sent to work

In those situations, you may have both:

  • A workers’ comp claim against your employer’s insurer, and
  • A separate personal injury claim against the third party

Third-party cases require a higher burden of proof, but they can significantly increase your overall recovery. Our Chicago work injury lawyers investigate all potential sources of compensation to maximize your financial protection.

What If My Work Injury Was My Fault?

Many workers mistakenly believe they can’t get benefits if they blame themselves for the accident. That’s usually not true.

No-Fault System

Illinois workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system, which means:

  • You don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong
  • You can often still receive benefits even if you made a mistake

Injuries caused by:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Simple mistakes
  • Misjudgments
  • Ignoring a safety rule once

…can still be covered.

When Benefits May Be Limited

Benefits can be denied or limited if the injury happened because of:

  • Intoxication from drugs or alcohol
  • Intentional self-harm
  • Extreme or intentional misconduct

If there is any question about whether fault will be used against you, it’s critical to talk with a workers’ comp lawyer before giving detailed statements to insurance.

Unsure whether you qualify for benefits? Call (312) 739-0000 for a free, confidential consultation.

Common Dangers in the Workplace

Every job has risks. Some are obvious; others are easy to overlook.

Common sources of work injuries include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls (wet floors, loose mats, cluttered walkways)
  • Repetitive movements that strain joints, muscles, and tendons
  • Lifting heavy or awkward objects
  • Poorly maintained equipment or machines
  • Inadequate training or supervision
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals, fumes, or noise

You don’t have to be a construction worker to get hurt on the job. Office workers, restaurant staff, warehouse employees, healthcare workers, and retail employees all file workers’ comp claims every day.

Industries With High Injury Rates

In and around Chicago, some of the jobs that see frequent work injuries include:

  • Warehouse and freight workers
  • Truck and delivery drivers
  • Nursing assistants and healthcare staff
  • Auto mechanics and technicians
  • Construction and trades workers
  • Agricultural and outdoor laborers

Regardless of your job title, if you’ve been hurt at work, we can review your situation and explain your options.

What Benefits Can I Receive Under Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation is meant to help you stay afloat while you recover. Depending on your case, benefits may include:

  • Medical care – doctor visits, surgery, therapy, medication, and related expenses
  • Recovery and rehabilitation costs
  • Temporary disability benefits – wage replacement while you’re off work
  • Permanent partial or total disability benefits – if you’re left with lasting limitations
  • Vocational rehabilitation – help training or finding new work if you cannot return to your previous job

Our attorneys work to ensure that the insurance company doesn’t cut off treatment too early and that your disability rating and settlement reflect the true impact of your injuries.

How Long Do Workers’ Comp Settlements Take?

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. In general:

  • Simple cases with clear injuries and cooperation from the insurer may resolve in a few months.
  • More complex cases—serious injuries, disputed claims, or permanent disability—can take a year or longer.

Insurance companies often delay, request more information, or challenge your doctor’s opinions to reduce what they pay. Having a lawyer involved early can help keep your case moving and protect you from signing away your rights for too little.

What Causes Workplace Injuries?

Most workplace accidents result from a combination of factors, including:

  • Inadequate training or supervision
  • Unsafe or cluttered work environments
  • Failure to follow safety regulations
  • Unreasonable production quotas or schedules
  • Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
  • Exposure to dangerous chemicals or environments

Even if your employer is generally “good” or tries to follow the rules, you are still entitled to benefits when something goes wrong.

Do I Have a Workers’ Compensation Case?

You may have a strong workers’ comp case if:

  • Your injury or illness is related to your job
  • You promptly reported it to your employer
  • The insurance company has denied or delayed your benefits, or
  • Your injuries are keeping you from working or living your life normally

The best way to know for sure is to sit down with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we offer free initial consultations, so you can get answers without any financial risk.

What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident?

If you’ve been hurt at work, try to:

  1. Get medical care right away
    Your health comes first. Delaying treatment can harm both your health and your case.
  2. Report the injury to your employer
    Illinois law gives you 45 days to report most injuries, but it’s better to do it as soon as possible. Make sure the report is written or otherwise documented.
  3. Ask about the claim process
    Your employer should provide information or forms for filing a claim. Document everything: dates, times, witnesses, and symptoms.
  4. Contact a workers’ comp attorney
    We can help you file correctly, communicate with the insurer, and fight any unfair denials or delays.

The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect your claim and your income.

When Do You Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Illinois?

You should strongly consider hiring a workers’ comp attorney if:

  • Your claim has been denied
  • The insurance company disputes your disability rating
  • You have a preexisting condition in the same body part
  • Your medical treatment is being denied or delayed
  • You can’t return to your old job or can only work with restrictions
  • You are receiving other benefits (like Social Security Disability)
  • You’ve been asked to attend a hearing or give a recorded statement

These are warning signs that the insurance company is protecting itself, not you.

Slip and Fall Accidents at Work

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common work injuries and can happen in almost any job. Typical causes include:

  • Wet or recently mopped floors
  • Spilled liquids or grease
  • Uneven or broken flooring
  • Loose mats or rugs
  • Obstructed walkways
  • Moisture tracked in from outside

Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny slip and fall claims, arguing the worker “should have been more careful.” That’s why it’s crucial to:

  • Report the fall immediately
  • Document the scene and conditions (photos, witness names)
  • Get medical care as soon as possible

Our attorneys can help you prepare a strong claim or appeal a wrongful denial.

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

No. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. That includes:

  • Firing you
  • Demoting you
  • Cutting hours or pay in retaliation

However, if you are an at-will employee, your employer doesn’t have to give a reason for terminating you, which can make retaliation harder to prove. If you suspect you were fired or punished because you asserted your workers’ comp rights, talk to us right away about your options.

Why Was My Workers’ Comp Claim Denied?

Common reasons for denial include:

  • You reported the injury late or after being fired/laid off
  • The employer disputes whether the injury is work-related
  • Inconsistent medical records or accident reports
  • Missing or incomplete forms
  • Allegations that you were intoxicated at the time of the accident

A denial isn’t the end of the road. Our team can review the letter, identify what went wrong, gather additional evidence, and appeal the decision.

How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois?

Key deadlines include:

  • Reporting to your employer: You generally must report a work injury to your employer within 45 days of the accident (or of realizing your condition is work-related).
  • Filing a claim: In many cases, you have up to 3 years from the date of injury (or last payment of benefits) to file a formal claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Waiting too long can make it easier for the insurer to argue there’s not enough proof your injury is work-related. If you’re concerned about timing, talk with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Know Your Workplace Rights

Workers’ compensation law is complicated, and most people only deal with it once in their lives. We encourage you to learn more by reviewing our resources on topics like:

  • Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
  • Medical Benefits Under Workers’ Comp
  • Work-Related Mental Health Conditions
  • Fault and Workers’ Compensation
  • What Information Employers Must Provide About Workers’ Comp
  • What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Comp Insurance
  • Pre-Existing Conditions and Workers’ Comp Claims

If you’d rather talk it through with a person, we’re here for that as well.

Talk to a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

Workers’ compensation laws exist to protect injured workers—not insurance companies. At McHargue & Jones, LLC, our Chicago workers’ comp attorneys:

  • Take the time to understand your story
  • Handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations
  • Fight aggressively for the medical and wage benefits you need
  • Treat you with respect and keep you informed throughout your case

We offer:

  • Free consultations
  • No fee unless we win
  • Representation in English and Spanish

Schedule a free evaluation with an Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer today.
Call (312) 739-0000 or contact us online.