Work Related Injuries

In Illinois, injured workers can receive workers compensation benefits for a variety of injuries. Just because you were hurt at the job in Illinois does not mean that you will receive workman’s compensation benefits. Below are some examples of injuries that are covered by Illinois workers compensation laws.

Repetitive Trauma

Workers can recover benefits for injuries that result from repetitive movements when those movements are required for the completion of work related tasks. One of the most common types of repetitive trauma injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome, which usually results from constant computer use. Additionally, repetitive hammering with a heavy tool over time can eventually result in repetitive trauma injuries to the arms. Even standing for prolonged periods of time can constitute repetitive trauma to the legs if the standing is required to perform a job related task.

Traumatic Physical Injuries

An employee can receive benefits for a traumatic physical injury if it occurs while performing a specific work related activity. For example, when a worker falls off of a ladder and breaks a leg, that worker can receive benefits because the injury occurred simultaneously by a specific work related incident. Likewise, a worker can recover workers compensation benefits for hyper extending his or her arm while reaching up to restock a shelf at work. Work related traumatic physical injuries represent the most common claim in Illinois workers compensation law.

Occupational Diseases

When workers are diagnosed with diseases that result from exposure to elements at work that they ordinarily wouldn’t have exposure to outside of work, they can recover workers compensation benefits. For example, a coal miner can sue for a lung disease that is caused by inhaling coal dust at work.

Mental Injuries

Workers can receive benefits for mental injuries that arise out of employment. There are two types of mental injures, those that arise out of emotional strain and those that arise out of physical injuries. An example of a mental injury that arises out of a physical injury is when a worker is hit on the head with a piece of equipment and suffers memory loss. An example of a mental injury that arises out of emotional strain is when an employee witnesses a hand amputation at work and suffers insomnia as a result of witnessing the event.

In our opinion, the best lawyers for work injury cases almost exclusively handle workers compensation matters in Illinois. Because they are focused on one area we believe that they are best suited to know the Arbitrator’s and the laws and achieve the best results for their clients. Because these attorneys are focused on workers compensation, they are familiar with the laws and more likely to maximize the compensation awarded to their clients.