Workers’ compensation helps injured employees get back to work after a job injury. The laws vary from state to state, but the system in Illinois entitles injured workers to coverage of their medical bills and payment of lost wages. Those with any permanent impairment usually will be compensated for that, as well, once their medical … Continue Reading
One thing we mention on this blog a lot is the importance of being honest. Don’t lie about how you hurt yourself. Don’t exaggerate your symptoms. If you are truthful, things will usually work out. When you start to lie you end up giving the insurance company a reason to deny your case. A FCE … Continue Reading
Most Illinois work injuries involve damaged muscles, ligaments or broken bones. Sure we see concussions, RSD and stuff like that, but the most common cases are torn rotator cuffs, ACL tears and herniated discs. A little less common, but still seen a lot are cases where you don’t have a physical injury, but instead have a … Continue Reading
It’s no secret that the way insurance companies make money is by minimizing the amount that they pay out. It’s pretty simply that if they collect 50 million dollars in premiums, but only have 10 million in expenses, they will be making a lot of money. From the insurance company standpoint, they know that they … Continue Reading
If your work injury led to back surgery and you still have significant pain, then it might be Failed Back Syndrome (also called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome or Failed Fusion Syndrome). It’s a condition that results when surgery fails or doesn’t fix the problem. Illinois workers’ compensation provides benefits for workers who are injured on … Continue Reading
Many people work in jobs that push their physical limits. Workers’ compensation law provides benefits, such as medical bill coverage and payment for lost wages, for many employees who are injured because of the work that they do. The workers’ compensation system helps these workers get the treatment they need and get back to work. … Continue Reading
Employers don’t like when their workers get injured on the job. And its not because they care about you and your well-being. We wish it was. Injured workers cost employers money. A good employer plans for this and knows that it’s part of doing business. But not all employers are good employers. We hear … Continue Reading
I received a call recently from a guy who had developed CRPS which stands for complex regional pain syndrome and is also known as RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). It was in his arm, following a shoulder injury at work. His pain goes from his shoulder down to his fingers and he has some classic symptoms … Continue Reading
I could make a lot more money if I had no ethics. And I’d have a lot more fun. But instead, I choose to be able to fall asleep at night with a clear conscience. Every week I get a call or letter from some medical group that says they are looking for a good … Continue Reading
Each Illinois work injury case is assigned to a hearing site. This is the place where the parties will go for a hearing if there is a dispute in the case. It’s also where an arbitrator monitors cases. Attorneys appear at these sites fairly regularly for status hearings on their cases. Claims for workers’ compensation … Continue Reading
I’m not a huge fan of politics or the Government no matter who is in charge, but I’m even less of a fan of someone who breaks the law. Fortunately there is an area of the Government that works well when someone breaks the law and that is the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) going … Continue Reading
No long post today. Just want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and thank the many of you that regularly contact me for questions or to just let me know that you enjoy reading what I have to say. It’s greatly appreciated. Cheers, Mike… Continue Reading
I love talking to people and helping them. I’m pretty blunt so that doesn’t always click with everyone I talk to, but most people appreciate honest and direct talk. And those people are the best part of my job because if you ever get frustrated, it’s salt of the earth, good people that help me … Continue Reading
It’s a felony in the state of Illinois to not carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees. Doesn’t matter if they are full time or part time or when they started. We’ve seen less and less employers that are willing to break the law because the penalties for doing so are really stiff. … Continue Reading
I like a good riddle. See if you can figure out this one. Q. Why did the Chicago workers’ compensation attorney not file the case even though the client hired him one month ago????? A. To get to the other side. No, wait, that ‘s the answer to why did the chicken cross the road. … Continue Reading
Normally I focus my postings on cases or the law because my goal is to help you, the worker. Knowledge is power and there is a ton of bad information out there. But today’s post is on Governor elect, Bruce Rauner and some of the things I’ve been reading about his desire to revamp … Continue Reading
I’m hoping that this one is just a joke, but if not, it’s a great example of how some attorneys harm their clients with their bizarre behavior or desire to get in to a pissing match when no argument would be happening otherwise. A defense attorney friend of mine shared that on one of his … Continue Reading
On average, I talk to 50 new people a week about their workers’ compensation claims. Some need representation, some just have a general question. I’ll talk to anyone for free and confidentially. You may not like what I have to say, but you’ll always get the truth from me. In any given week, I’d estimate … Continue Reading
Illinois law requires employers to compensate employees who are injured on the job. This compensation comes in several forms – replacing lost wages if you can’t work and covering 100% of your medical costs. For medical care, you shouldn’t pay anything out of pocket as long as the treatment is reasonable and related to your … Continue Reading
The general rule, when it comes to workers’ compensation, is that your injury has to occur in the course of your employment. If it doesn’t, then it’s not considered a work injury for legal purposes and you aren’t eligible for benefits. This is a big deal because the benefits you can get under workers’ compensation … Continue Reading
Unfortunately, not all workers are considered employees under Illinois workers’ compensation law. This matters because only employees get benefits, which include payment of medical expenses and lost pay. Independent contractors are not employees under this law and not entitled to coverage if injured on the job. It can be frustrating because many employers treat their … Continue Reading
These two types of injury cases often get confused. They are different areas of law for the most part. But it’s worth knowing the differences, because if you don’t have a valid workers’ compensation claim, you might be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit instead. One main difference between the two is how you … Continue Reading
If you have been seriously injured and can’t work, the benefits you get under Illinois workers’ compensation law can be vital to your health, financial stability and the well being of your family. Hiring a lawyer to handle your work injury case can be a leap of faith, but it’s one of the best things … Continue Reading
An injury is considered a work injury under Illinois workers’ compensation law if it “arises out of” an individual’s employment. What this essentially means is that your job has to cause your injury in order for you to receive benefits such as medical coverage and payment of lost wages. Sometimes, the work obviously causes the … Continue Reading
