Office and Professional Injuries

Chicago Attorneys Asserting the Rights of Injured Workers

Illinois law provides for workers’ compensation benefits to employees who have suffered harm or illnesses on the job. The Chicago work injury lawyers at   Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca   have extensive experience representing injured workers, and we understand that injuries may occur in a variety of workplaces – from offices to warehouses. All workers who are hired, injured, or performing work-related duties within Illinois are provided coverage under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Our firm aggressively pursues compensation and benefits for people who have suffered office and professional injuries. We have successfully secured medical costs and benefits for injured workers and their families throughout the state.

Entitlement to Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Office and Professional Injuries

As a “no-fault” system of benefits, workers’ compensation helps employees who have been hurt at work, regardless of whether the employer was negligent or the employee was at fault. In exchange for the ease of using this no-fault system, employees may not pursue a personal injury claim against their employer. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation for a number of injuries, ranging from broken bones or head injuries to spinal cord damage or soft tissue injuries.

An office environment may not present hazards in as apparent a manner as other worksites; nevertheless, workers sometimes suffer severe harm in the office. Employees who are performing work-related tasks when they suffer harm are entitled to workers’ compensation. Examples of common professional injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries, and aggravations of pre-existing conditions. Employees who find that a pre-existing condition worsens or becomes more complicated due to their office-related tasks will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Whether an injured worker has suffered injuries in an accident or has developed a medical condition while in the workplace, they are entitled to compensation in the form of medical expenses, benefits, and lost income from the injury. In most cases, injured workers receive a monthly payment that reflects a proportion of their former earnings. These payments typically continue until the worker has healed and is capable of returning to full-time work. Sometimes workers’ compensation claimants accept a lump sum settlement instead of an ongoing monthly payment. This option is best explored with a skilled job injury attorney, since employees usually give up their rights to future benefits or payments after accepting a settlement.

Workers who have a pre-existing condition are required to show that a job-related injury was responsible for aggravating the condition. To be eligible for workers’ compensation, the workplace must have directly caused the exacerbated or increased harm. New medical treatment often supports a claim for an aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

According to the IWCA, the employer must pay for all of the medical care that is reasonably necessary to cure or relieve the employee’s suffering. Emergency care, surgery, and physical therapy are included as forms of care. For office and professional injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, treating medical providers often recommend physical therapy. Additionally, medical benefits coverage under the Act covers doctor visits and prescribed medical appliances.

Consult an Experienced Chicago Lawyer Regarding Your Work Injury Claim

If you have suffered a workplace injury or are dealing with a medical condition caused by your job, the skilled Chicago attorneys at  Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca  can advocate on your behalf. With decades of experience, we are thoroughly committed to pursuing compensation for hurt workers across Illinois. Our workers’ compensation lawyers increase the potential of recovering maximum relief from an employer or its insurer, even if an initial claim has been denied. Our quality legal representation can potentially help you secure lost wages, medical expenses, and benefits that you are entitled to obtain by law. Contact our office by phone at 312-724-5846 or online to set up a free appointment. We also represent people in Springfield, Champaign, Aurora, and Quincy, as well as other cities in Sangamon, Cook, Champaign, Winnebago, Kane, and Adams Counties.