Workers’ Compensation

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions, Workers’ Compensation, and SSDI Claims

Injuries happen for a variety of reasons throughout a person’s life. At any given point in time, a person carries his or her medical history which includes prior medical conditions and injuries. These pre-existing conditions can affect a person’s ability to obtain health insurance and can cause potential complications for workers’ compensation if the person

Most Workplace Deaths Are Preventable

Most workplace deaths in this country may be preventable, according to a new report from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH). More than 4,000 workers die every year from workplace accidents, and an additional 50,000 die annually from occupational diseases, which averages to 150 worker deaths every day in this country, according to Jessica Martinez, deputy

Illinois Proposes Creation of Competitive State Workers’ Compensation Fund

Illinois insurance companies that provide workers’ compensation benefits coverage may soon have a new competitor – the State of Illinois itself. The proposed legislation (H.B. 2919), which cleared Illinois State House’s Committee on State Government Administration last week, proposes to create a state workers’ compensation insurance fund that would compete with private insurers. The proposal has been

What You Need to Know About Your OSHA Whistleblower Rights

Employers are required to comply with a number of laws in an effort to prevent work-related accident and injuries. Not only are employers obligated to follow the safety regulations put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but they are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for their role in reporting

When Do You Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?

After a workplace accident, you may be wondering, “when do you need a workers’ comp attorney?” When filing a work injury claim, victims may need a workers’ compensation attorney for guidance on documentation, damages, and denials. Illinois law requires your employer in Chicago and other communities throughout Illinois to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Workers’ compensation pays

Power Linemen Face Multiple Hazards on the Job

Power linemen face numerous workplace hazards every day. Falls from dangerous heights, electric shocks, burns, exposure to toxic substances, and motor vehicle accidents often cause electrical workers to become seriously injured. In some cases, these incidents can even be fatal. Recognizing the magnitude of the dangers they face and taking appropriate safety measures can help

Who Is Liable if a Delivery Driver Falls on Your Property?

Who is liable if a delivery driver falls on your property? Under premises liability laws, a property owner may be held liable for injuries that occur on the property, unless the delivery driver is covered by workers’ compensation insurance through an employer. Delivering Packages May Be Dangerous Delivery drivers who work for big companies like

How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost?

In Illinois, workers’ compensation lawyers charge a contingency fee for handling workers’ compensation claims. After a workplace accident, medical bills can pile up quickly, leaving you to wonder “how much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost?” Under a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyers receive up to 20% of the award actually paid to the worker

Workers’ Compensation Investigations and What They Look For

Understanding workers’ compensation investigations and what they look for can help ensure injured workers receive benefits. Employers and insurance carriers search for evidence to deny or to reduce the value of claims.  Workers’ compensation insurance provides several benefits for injured victims, such as wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and medical treatment.  Insurance carriers and employers are

How Long Does It Take Workers’ Comp to Approve Surgery?

When planning for recovery after a workplace accident, you may wonder, “how long does it take workers’ comp to approve surgery?” How long it takes for workers’ comp to approve surgery depends on the timeline for obtaining employer approval. According to the National Academy of Social Insurance, employers spent $100.2 billion on workers’ compensation costs