Worksite Injuries Attorney In Chicago

In Need of a Workplace Injury Lawyer?

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Workplace injuries can happen anywhere—from construction sites to office environments. After an injury, you may require extensive medical treatment and, in some cases, you may be unable to return to your job immediately, resulting in lost wages and financial stress.

Our experienced Chicago attorneys can guide you through the workers’ compensation claims process and fight to secure the maximum benefits you deserve.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In Illinois, most employers are required to carry this coverage. It is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.

No matter your industry or occupation, you could be at risk for workplace injuries, from serious accidents to repetitive stress conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Any injury while performing your job may qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re hurt while performing your job duties, your employer’s workers’ comp policy should cover your medical bills and related expenses, providing financial support while you recover.

To discuss your options after a workplace injury, call Wallace Miller at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online. Let our skilled team help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

lawyer gavel and scale of justice on the table , representing work place injury lawyer

How common are workplace injuries in Chicago and Illinois?

Nationwide, the National Safety Council estimates that a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds, amounting to approximately 4.6 million workplace injuries each year in the United States.

Workplace injuries are frequent in Illinois and Chicago, too, affecting people in nearly every job sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois recorded over 102,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in a single recent year.

Chicago’s busy economy, which includes construction, warehousing, logistics, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, and more, means workers in the city face a wide range of risks. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that construction, transportation, and manufacturing have the highest occupational injuries. Yet even seemingly safe office environments are not immune: repetitive strain, slip and fall accidents, and workplace violence are significant risks for many employees.

Workers who are injured on the job in Chicago are not alone. Wallace Miller supports injured employees throughout the legal process. To learn more, call (312) 261-6193 or complete a free case evaluation online.

Common types of workplace accidents in Chicago, Illinois

Workplace accidents can occur in many different situations, but they most often involve injured or ill employees performing their job duties.

The most common types of workplace accidents include:

Motor vehicle accidents – Employees injured in a crash while performing job-related duties are generally covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage typically does not extend to commuting to and from work.

Falls, slips, and trips – Slipping or tripping on a hazard at a job site can lead to a range of injuries. Workers injured in falls while performing their job responsibilities may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Being struck by equipment or objects – In some workplaces, machinery or equipment may malfunction or be misused, resulting in injuries to nearby employees.

Exposure to toxic substances – Jobs that involve handling hazardous chemicals can lead to exposure to toxic fumes, asbestos, or other dangerous materials. Such exposure may cause severe health conditions, including respiratory illnesses and chronic diseases.

Falls from heights – Employees working at elevated heights may suffer severe or life-threatening injuries, even when using appropriate safety equipment.

Explosions and fires – Fires or explosions can occur when flammable chemicals are improperly stored and come into contact with ignition sources, creating hazardous conditions on the job.

Overexertion – Physically demanding occupations can result in injuries from lifting heavy objects, working in confined spaces, or engaging in repetitive or strenuous movements.

Workplace hazards – While workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, unsafe job site conditions such as faulty electrical components, insufficient safety gear, or poorly maintained environments can contribute to employee injuries.

Employees injured in workplace accidents may be eligible for compensation through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Wallace Miller’s legal team investigates occupational accidents to determine benefit eligibility and guides clients through initial filings and appeals. Injured workers can contact the firm at (312) 261-6193 or submit a free online case evaluation to learn more.

Chicago workplace injury statistics: know the risks

Understanding the risks in your workplace is critical for preventing injuries and recognizing when to seek legal help. According to the State of Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, the injury rate among Illinois workers is slightly higher than the national average and over 50,000 workers’ compensation claims are filed yearly in the state. This highlights the importance of employer vigilance and worker safety.

The construction industry alone is responsible for about 20% of all fatal workplace accidents in the state. Meanwhile, health care workers, especially nurses and aides, experience the highest rates of nonfatal injuries, frequently due to overexertion, lifting, or violent incidents.

Key statistics about Illinois workplace injuries:

In a recent year, more than 100 Illinois workers lost their lives due to occupational injuries.
Falls, slips, and trips accounted for nearly one-third of all nonfatal workplace injuries in the state.
Repetitive motion injuries—such as carpal tunnel syndrome—impact thousands of office and warehouse workers each year.
The median number of days away from work due to injury in Illinois is nine days, compared to the national median of eight. This slightly higher number may reflect the state’s large industrial and construction sectors, where injuries require longer recovery times.

Common types of worksite injuries in Chicago, Illinois

Various injuries are eligible for coverage through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

These injuries include, but are not limited to:

Back and neck injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dislocated joints.
Pulled or strained muscles.
Torn tendons or ligaments.
Nerve damage.
Paralysis.
Burn injuries.
Electrical shock.
Broken bones.
Traumatic brain injury.
Overexertion injuries.
Spinal cord injuries.

Workers’ compensation also covers a range of sometimes fatal occupational injuries and diseases, including:

Mesothelioma.
Cardiovascular disease.
Mental illness, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Multiple types of cancer.
Hearing loss.
Exposure to chemical agents.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthma.
Musculoskeletal disorders.
Occupational dermatitis.
Infectious diseases.

Injured employees should consult Wallace Miller to determine whether their condition qualifies for workers’ compensation coverage. Call (312) 261-6193 or use the free case evaluation form to explore legal options.

First aid for injuries from accidents in construction work, Loss of feeling or normal movement and Loss of function in limbs

What benefits are available after a Chicago workplace injury?

If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible to receive medical benefits and other forms of compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.

That includes coverage associated with:

Hospitalization.
Chiropractic care.
Surgery.
Prescription medications.
Medical devices.
Rehabilitation.
Diagnostic and imaging tests.
Physical therapy.

Disability benefits are also available through workers’ compensation insurance. However, the type of workers’ compensation policy you qualify for will depend on the extent of your injury and how it affects your ability to work.

Disability benefits: temporary and permanent

Illinois law recognizes several types of disability benefits, including:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working while you recover, TTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximums, until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can perform light-duty or part-time work but earn less than usual, TPD pays two-thirds of the difference in your wages.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If your injury permanently prevents employment, you can receive PTD benefits for life.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For lasting but not complete impairments, you may be entitled to PPD, with payment amounts depending on the body part affected and degree of disability.

Depending on your unique circumstances, additional workers’ compensation benefits may also include:

Vocational rehabilitation benefits – If your injury prevents you from returning to your current job, you could receive vocational rehabilitation benefits. This includes assistance in finding new employment, career counseling, and job training.
Death benefits – If your family member died in a workplace accident, you could receive death benefits. Payments are a percentage of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage before the fatal injury or illness. Surviving spouses, minor children, grandchildren, and dependent relatives may qualify for coverage.
Funeral benefits – Some policies offer a lump-sum payment for funeral and burial expenses up to a maximum limit set by law.

The workers’ compensation claim process: steps to take after a Chicago workplace injury

Although filing for workers’ compensation after an injury may seem straightforward, the process can be filled with legal and practical pitfalls.

Here’s what you should do immediately after being injured at work in Chicago:

Report your injury: Notify your supervisor or employer immediately. Illinois law requires you to give notice within 45 days of the accident or when you learn of your illness.
Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health and get prompt treatment. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and keep thorough records of all care received.
File a formal claim: Your employer should provide you with the appropriate forms. Submit your claim as soon as possible to avoid delays or denials.
Document everything: Record all correspondence, medical bills, travel expenses, and lost income related to your injury.
Consult a Chicago workplace injury lawyer: Our experienced Chicago workplace injury attorneys can ensure your claim is accurate and complete, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for full benefits if your claim is denied or underpaid.

Statute of limitations for a worksite injury claim in Chicago, Illinois

In Illinois, you must notify your employer of a work-related injury or illness within 45 days of the incident. This notice can be verbal or written, but it’s best to do it in writing for documentation purposes.

To formally file a workers’ compensation claim, you typically have three years from the date of injury or two years from the last payment of compensation—whichever is later—to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your right to benefits, so acting promptly is essential.

Illinois workers’ compensation laws generally prevent employees from suing their employers for injuries sustained on the job. However, if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you may have the right to file a lawsuit directly against them. Additionally, you may pursue legal action against any third party responsible for your workplace injury, such as a negligent property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer.

For most work injury lawsuits against non-employers, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury or accident. Failing to file within this period could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Contact our experienced Illinois injury attorneys at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online as soon as possible after a workplace accident to protect your rights and preserve your ability to recover damages.

What if my workplace injury claim is denied?

Unfortunately, even valid workers’ compensation claims are sometimes denied. Reasons for denial include missed deadlines, insufficient documentation, employer disputes, or the insurance company’s assessment that your injury is not work-related. If you receive a denial notice, do not give up. Many denials can be appealed successfully with the help of our Chicago workplace injury attorneys.

Your legal team at Wallace Miller can help you file an appeal and gather additional evidence. We will represent you at hearings and push for the benefits you are entitled to under the law.

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Why trust Wallace Miller as your Chicago workplace injury attorneys?

Recovering from a workplace accident is not just about medical treatment and rest—it also requires navigating insurance policies, understanding your rights, and sometimes challenging denials or underpaid claims.

When you partner with an experienced workplace injury attorney in Chicago at Wallace Miller, you gain an advocate who will:

Thoroughly investigate your accident and gather all evidence needed for your claim.
Guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process.
Appeal denied claims and negotiate for full benefits.
Identify if you may have a third-party claim for additional compensation, beyond workers’ comp.
Relieve you of legal stress so you can focus on recovery and family.

Our Chicago workplace injury lawyers team understands the impact of these injuries on your health, finances, daily life, and peace of mind. We are committed to seeking the maximum compensation available under Illinois law.

You deserve the opportunity to recover the benefits you need to cover your medical expenses and lost income. Our worksite injuries attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the maximum possible benefits.

We understand the stress that losing the ability to earn money can cause. Reduced income can significantly impact your financial situation and create various challenges in your daily life. You can count on our legal assistance team to handle your insurance claim and diligently work to reach your desired outcome.

If you suffered a job-related injury or illness, get the answers you need by calling (312) 261-6193 or filling out our complimentary case evaluation.

Trusted Workplace Injury Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois