When most people think about Illinois workers’ compensation claims, they picture construction sites, warehouses, or factory floors.

But the reality is this: office workers, teachers, and other white-collar employees in Chicago and throughout Cook County are fully covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

If you were hurt while doing your job — whether at a desk in the Loop, inside a CPS classroom, at a suburban school district in Evanston or Oak Park, or driving to a meeting — you may be entitled to:

• 100% coverage of reasonable and necessary medical treatment

• 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage if you’re off work

• Payment for permanent restrictions or disability

• Vocational rehabilitation if you can’t return to your job

Below is what Chicago office workers and educators need to know.

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Office Workers in Illinois Are Covered — Even If the Job Seems “Low Risk”

Illinois law requires nearly every employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance — even if the business only has one employee.

That includes:

• Corporate offices

• Law firms

• Financial institutions

• Tech companies

• Hospitals and medical offices

• Universities

• Public and private schools

• Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

• Suburban districts like Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Evanston Township High School (ETHS), Oak Park Elementary District 97, Oak Park River Forest High School District 200, and others throughout Cook County and DuPage County

If you are an employee — even part-time — you are likely covered.

Independent contractors may not be covered, but being paid on a 1099 does not automatically disqualify you.

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Common Workers’ Compensation Claims for Office Employees

Office injuries are often underestimated. In reality, we regularly represent white-collar professionals throughout Chicago and the suburbs.

1. Slip and Fall Accidents in Office Buildings

Slip and falls happen in office environments all the time:

• Wet lobby floors in downtown Chicago high-rises

• Ice in office parking lots

• Loose carpeting

• Poorly maintained stairwells

• Falls in school hallways

If you slip and fall at work, you may have both:

• A workers’ compensation claim

• And potentially a third-party premises liability case

We discuss this more here:
👉 What Happens If You Slip and Fall at Work in Illinois?
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/what-happens-if-you-slip-and-fall-at-work-in-illinois/

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2. Repetitive Trauma & Ergonomic Injuries

Office work is one of the most common sources of repetitive trauma claims in Illinois.

These include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome from typing

• Cubital tunnel syndrome

• Shoulder impingement

• Neck strain

• Chronic back pain from prolonged sitting

• Tendonitis

• Trigger finger

If your injury developed over time, you may still qualify. Illinois recognizes cumulative and repetitive trauma claims.

Learn more:

• 👉 Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Comp Claims in Illinois
  https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/carpal-tunnel-workers-comp-claims-illinois/

• 👉 Repetitive Strain Injuries & Workers’ Compensation
  https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/repetitive-strain-injuries-workers-compensation/

• 👉 How Do You Prove a Repetitive Trauma Injury in Illinois?
  https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/how-do-you-prove-a-repetitive-trauma-injury-in-illinois-workers-comp/

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3. Remote Workers & Work-From-Home Injuries

If you work from home in Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, or anywhere in Illinois, you are generally covered — as long as the injury occurred in the course of employment.

Examples:

• Tripping over work equipment

• Injuring your back while lifting employer-required materials

• Falling during a required work task

Remote status does not remove your rights.

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4. Traveling White-Collar Workers & Work-Related Car Accidents

Many professionals travel:

• Sales representatives

• Consultants

• Administrators

• Corporate managers

• Teachers attending conferences

• CPS staff traveling between buildings

If you are injured in a car accident while traveling for work, you may have:

1. A workers’ compensation claim

2. A third-party personal injury case against the at-fault driver

That means two potential sources of recovery.

Learn more here:
👉 Are Traveling Employees Entitled to Workers’ Comp in Illinois?
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/are-you-entitled-to-workers-comp-benefits-as-a-traveling-employee-under-illinois-law/

And:
👉 Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims in Illinois
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/workers-compensation-vs-third-party-claims-in-il/

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A Major Focus: Teachers & School Employees in Chicago and the Suburbs

We have extensive experience representing teachers and school employees throughout the Chicago area.

That includes cases involving:

• Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

• Evanston Township High School (ETHS)

• Evanston/Skokie District 65

• Oak Park District 97

• Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRF)

• Charter schools

• Private schools

• Special education staff

• School administrators

Common School-Based Workers’ Comp Claims

Assaults & Student Altercations

Unfortunately, teachers and staff are frequently injured breaking up fights or being struck by students.

👉 Teachers Attacked at School – Workers’ Compensation Rights
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/teachers-attacked-at-school-workers-compensation-after-assaults-and-student-altercations/

These claims may involve:

• Concussions

• Shoulder tears

• Knee injuries

• PTSD

• Neck and back injuries

Illinois workers’ comp covers workplace assaults.

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Slip and Falls in Schools

Schools are common locations for:

• Slips on freshly mopped floors

• Falls on icy sidewalks

• Stairwell accidents

• Parking lot falls

Many CPS and suburban district buildings are older facilities where maintenance issues can contribute to injuries.

Teachers and staff are absolutely entitled to benefits in these cases.

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Repetitive Trauma in Education

Teachers often develop:

• Chronic voice strain

• Shoulder and neck injuries from repetitive writing and computer work

• Back injuries from classroom setup and lifting materials

These injuries can qualify as repetitive trauma cases under Illinois law.

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What to Do After an Office or School Workplace Injury

If you are hurt while working in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, or the surrounding suburbs:

1. Report the injury immediately

2. Seek medical treatment

3. Document how the injury happened

4. Avoid giving recorded statements without advice

5. Understand your IME and light-duty obligations

Helpful resources:

👉 What To Do After a Work Accident in Illinois
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/what-to-do-after-work-accident-illinois/

👉 IMEs in Illinois Workers’ Compensation
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/imes-in-illinois-workers-compensation-what-injured-workers-need-to-know/

👉 Light Duty Work in Illinois Workers’ Comp
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/light-duty-work-in-illinois-workers-compensation-a-complete-legal-guide/

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can office workers get workers’ compensation in Illinois?

Yes. Nearly all employees in Illinois — including office workers, teachers, and remote workers — are covered if injured in the course of employment.

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Can CPS teachers file workers’ compensation claims?

Yes. Chicago Public Schools employees are covered under Illinois workers’ compensation laws just like private employees.

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What if my injury developed slowly from typing or computer work?

You may have a repetitive trauma claim. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic neck or back pain are common office-based workers’ comp claims.

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If I’m in a car accident while traveling for work, what happens?

You may have:

• A workers’ compensation claim

• And a third-party personal injury claim

These cases require careful coordination to maximize recovery.

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Do slip and falls at work qualify?

Yes. Falls in office buildings, parking lots, school hallways, or stairwells typically qualify.

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Chicago Office Workers & Teachers: You Have Rights

Workers’ compensation is not just for construction workers.

We regularly represent:

• Chicago office professionals

• CPS teachers and staff

• Evanston and Oak Park educators

• Corporate employees injured in downtown high-rises

• Traveling white-collar workers hurt in car accidents

If you were injured while doing your job anywhere in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, you may be entitled to significant benefits.

You can learn more about your rights here:
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/

Or contact our office to discuss your situation confidentially.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.