Proving a repetitive trauma claim in Illinois
When you lift a box on the job and feel a pain in your back, it's clear that the work activity contributed somehow to your injury. When you lift boxes day after day and one day wake up with pain in your back shooting down your leg, it's not as clear cut that your job activities contributed to your injury.
The good news is that if your doctor will state that your job duties have played a role in your injury, you should get Illinois workers' compensation benefits. Recently the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission ruled that a production worker who had to turn his body left and right several times a day proved that his herniated disc in his back was work related.
If you suspect a repetitive trauma injury we suggest three things:
1. Give your doctor a very detailed description of your job duties.
2. Make sure that you ask the doctor if your job played any role (e.g. aggravated or accelerated) in your injury.
3. Advise your employer of your problem, in writing, as soon as you suspect that your job played a role in your problem.
None of this guarantees a result, but with a good medical opinion and a legitimate injury from repetitive activity you can usually prove your case.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
