If you make your living working in construction, mining or another industry where you frequently rely on scaffolding, or elevated, temporary work platforms, to perform your job duties, know that there are inherent risks involved in doing so. According to the...
Workers’ Compensation
TRAPPED WORKER KILLED IN GENEVA COMMONS TOWER CONSTRUCTION
On February 3, 2017, Geneva Fire Department rescue efforts failed to save Donald J. Tentler, 47, of West Dundee at the Geneva Commons shopping center. Tentler, a construction worker, had attempted to install a sign on the parking lot tower when he became trapped...
Rauner pushes for changes to the Illinois workers’ compensation system
Republican governor, Bruce Rauner, has proposed significant changes to the Illinois workers' compensation system that will potentially make it harder for injured workers to obtain benefits after a work injury. While the exact changes are unclear, his agenda aims to...
How is my disability settlement calculated after a work injury?
If you have sustained a work-related injury and have lost the ability to do the same things before your work injury, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits. Illinois law sets the number of weeks for specific body parts. You calculate the benefits...
Crucial questions about workers’ compensation
You may know that most people who work in Illinois are supposed to get workers' compensation, but that doesn't mean you don't have important questions that must be answered. In fact, it's best to get the answers to these questions before you are injured, ensuring that...
What should I do if I injured my back while at work?
Back injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries. They can occur over a period of time due to repetitive lifting or involve a single, traumatic incident. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to notify your employer as soon...
The sharing economy in Illinois presents compensation challenges
With traditional employment in Illinois, you are typically granted the right to workers' compensation if you're injured on the job. If you're a cab driver, for example, and you get hurt, you may be compensated for your medical bills and your time off. However, the...
What is the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit?
Workers' compensation is a no fault system in which an employee who is injured on the job gives up her right to sue her employer in exchange for benefits provided under Illinois law. After filing an Application for Benefits with the Illinois Workers' Compensation...
Supporting your family after an injury in Illinois
Supporting your family in Illinois can be hard enough when you have full-time employment and a paycheck that comes in every two weeks. You may have a mortgage, a car payment, and the never-ending cost of buying food. As your children get older, they may get into...
Will workers’ comp cover a slip and fall in parking lot at work?
Every compensable work-related injury must arise out of and occur during the course of your employment. "In the course of your employment" refers to the time, place and circumstances which the accident occurred. Injuries sustained on an employer's premises within a...