Workers Compensation

Illinois laws provide that workers compensation is a benefit program established to pay a worker for any injuries that are work related.

In Illinois, workers compensation is sometimes referred to as workman’s comp or workers' comp. They all mean the same thing. An injured worker can receive Illinois workers compensation benefits if they are injured in Illinois, hired in Illinois or their employment is principally located in Illinois. If you work for an out of state company and are injured, you may be able to pursue Illinois benefits even if your employer or their insurance company tells you otherwise.

Illinois state law requires employers, or their insurance company, to compensate the employee, or his or her family, for injuries or death that may occur while working. Almost everyone working in Illinois is covered by workers compensation.

Common work injuries include:

                                ◊ accident injury (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ exposure to asbestos (also see asbestos)

                                ◊ herniated discs (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ head injuries (also see brain injuries)

                                ◊ fractures (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ torn rotator cuffs (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ Pregnant women and birth injuries (also see birth injuries)

                                ◊ knee injuries (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ carpal tunnel syndrome (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ hearing loss (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ partial or complete vision or eyesight loss
                            (also see eye injuries)

                                ◊ amputations (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ burns (also see work Accidents)

                                ◊ and death (also see wrongful death)

The following is a list of available benefits that may be included in your employer's workers compensation plan:

◊ payment for reasonable and necessary medical expenses

◊ payment while the employee is unable to work also known as TTD benefits

◊ compensation for diminished earning capacity

◊ compensation for total or partial disability to the body

◊ compensation for scarring due to the injury or disease

◊ rehabilitation costs and incidental expenses to enable the injured worker to 
  return to employment

◊ payments for life if the employee is permanently unable to work

◊ payments to a surviving spouse, minor children or dependents if the injury or
  disease results in death

◊ payment of burial expenses in fatal cases

A warning about workers’ compensation and private investigators

One of our top tips for injured workers is to be honest about your injuries. Don’t say you are hurt if you aren’t. Some workers’ compensation insurers (as well as some employers) hire investigators to check up on injured employees.

Also, don’t ignore your doctor’s restrictions – it can kill your case. If your doctor tells you that you can’t lift more than ten pounds, don’t help your friend on moving day. If you are supposed to be resting after a back injury, don’t show up at the gym for a work out.

We’re not trying to make you paranoid. If you think an investigator is following you, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong. Just continue to follow your doctor’s orders. Be honest, and be careful.

You need a lawyer who handles workers compensation to adequately analyze all the intricacies involved and protect your rights to be fully compensated for your damages.

Do not make any type of statement
or sign any papers without first consulting with us

Anything said or signed can be used against you and may prevent you from receiving compensation that you may have otherwise been able to receive.

Contact Us if you have been injured. It is important that you act promptly as certain statutes of limitations apply and you can lose your rights to be compensated.

The initial review of your case and the consultation is free. We look forward to working with you and we know you will be pleased with our services.

See FAQs for more information.

We don’t just provide legal services;

We build relationships.

It gives us a genuine satisfaction to meet and help you in some meaningful way.

The entire staff of the McDermott and McDermott Law Firm is knowledgeable and sensitive to your needs. Their focus is on making the process as comfortable as possible.

  ◊ They explain everything to you,
  ◊ keep you informed,
  ◊ include you in the decision making process,
  ◊ and always return your phone calls.

Your matter is handled as expeditiously as possible without compromising your rights.

Check our Resources area, there you will find links to many helpful services.