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Whether you work at the iconic Sears Tower, spend your days ensuring efficiency at the Ford Assembly Plant in Chicago Heights, or keep the wheels turning at Amazon’s fulfillment centers, every Chicago worker deserves to feel secure at work. But when an injury happens on the job, that safety can feel like it’s ripped away in an instant.
Dealing with physical pain, financial stress, and the uncertainty of what’s next can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. The compassionate team at Walner Law is here to help you get the support and benefits you’re entitled to. Our experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer will stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you reclaim control over your life.
If you’ve been injured at work, contact Walner Law for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and options for financial recovery.
Walner Law has been proudly serving Chicago’s hardworking individuals and families since 1961. With over six decades of legal experience, we’ve built a reputation for providing compassionate care, strategic advocacy, and tangible results. Our team has recovered substantial settlements for injured workers throughout the city, helping them regain stability after life-changing accidents.
At Walner Law, we understand that your case isn’t just about legal paperwork; it’s about your future. We treat every client like family, offering personalized guidance, listening to your concerns, and standing by you when it matters the most. From Roseland to Garfield Park and beyond, we are deeply committed to advocating for the rights of Chicago’s diverse workforce. No matter where you’re from or the industry you work in, our goal is to ensure that you’re treated fairly and receive the maximum benefits you deserve.
We also understand the tactics that insurance companies often use to deny or reduce compensation. Their goal is to save money, but ours is to secure justice for you. When you work with our experienced legal team, you gain a partner who is ready to counter their strategies and fight for you every step of the way. Trust us to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what really matters—your recovery.
Work-related injuries can disrupt every aspect of your life, from your health to your financial security. At Walner Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating workplace accidents can be for both individuals and their families. Some common injuries that Chicago workers experience include:
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI): Whether you’re sorting packages in a South Side warehouse or typing data at a Loop office, repetitive motions can lead to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain. These injuries often worsen over time and can hinder your ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
Every injury tells a story—not just of what happened but also of dreams put on hold and livelihoods placed at risk. At Walner Law, we’re here to support you through the healing and legal process.
Workers’ compensation is a system designed to protect employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. It ensures that injured workers can access medical treatment and financial support without the need to prove fault. Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to cover medical expenses, wage loss, and more.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act guarantees that injured employees in Chicago have the right to these benefits. It’s a no-fault system, meaning workers are entitled to compensation regardless of whether the injury was the result of their own mistake or their employer’s negligence. However, the claims process isn’t always easy, especially when employers or insurance companies challenge your case.
Having a skilled Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer by your side can ensure your rights are protected, your paperwork is filed correctly, and your claim is handled with the urgency it deserves.
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation is designed to help you get back on your feet. Here’s a closer look at the benefits you may be entitled to under Illinois law:
After an injury, medical expenses can quickly pile up. Illinois workers’ compensation covers a wide range of medical costs, including doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary equipment like crutches or wheelchairs. You’re entitled to receive treatment without worrying about deductibles or co-insurance. At Walner Law, we ensure that your medical needs are fully covered under the law so you can focus on recovery.
If your injury prevents you from working, you’re entitled to wage replacement benefits. Typically, injured workers receive up to two-thirds of their average weekly wages. For those who can return to work but must take a lower-paying job due to their injury, wage differential benefits are available to make up some of the lost earnings. Our team will make sure you are fairly compensated during this difficult time.
Some injuries prevent you from returning to work altogether. If your disability is permanent and you can no longer perform any type of work, Illinois workers’ compensation provides benefits to support you for the rest of your life. These benefits ensure lifetime financial stability for permanently disabled workers.
If an injury leaves you with a permanent disability that only partially impairs your ability to work, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits might include compensation for a loss of use of specific body parts, disfigurement, or reduced earning capacity. The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of your impairment.
For workers whose injuries prevent them from returning to their previous position, workers’ compensation may include vocational rehabilitation benefits. These can cover job training, educational programs, and job placement assistance to help you transition to new employment. Maintaining your independence and workforce participation is vital, and these benefits ensure you get the resources you need to move forward.
Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is an unimaginable tragedy. For qualifying family members, workers’ compensation offers death benefits to help alleviate the financial burden, including two-thirds of the deceased’s average weekly wage and up to $8,000 in burial expenses. At Walner Law, we approach these cases with sensitivity and determination, ensuring surviving family members receive the support they need during such a painful time.
Experiencing an injury at work can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your workers’ compensation claim. Here’s what you should do immediately after a workplace injury:
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get emergency care if needed or visit a medical provider as soon as possible. Make sure to inform the doctor that your injury happened on the job.
By following these steps, you take meaningful action toward securing your recovery, both physically and financially.
While workers’ compensation benefits cover many workplace injuries, there are instances when a third-party lawsuit may also be applicable. A third-party claim is a legal action against someone other than your employer who contributed to your injury. Examples include negligent drivers, equipment manufacturers, or contractors on a shared job site.
Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party lawsuits allow you to seek additional damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full wage losses. For instance, if you were injured in a vehicle accident while performing your job duties, you could file a claim against the at-fault driver. Similarly, if defective machinery caused your injuries in a factory, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer.
Pursuing both workers’ compensation benefits and a third-party lawsuit can maximize your financial recovery. Walner Law’s experienced attorneys will investigate the details of your injury, identify liable third parties, and guide you through the process with care and determination.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding workers’ comp claims in Chicago:
Under Illinois law, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 45 days of the incident. Delay in reporting could jeopardize your claim. Providing written notice to your employer ensures there is a record and minimizes disputes about when the injury occurred.
Yes, Illinois law gives you the right to choose your own doctor for work-related injuries. However, your employer may require treatment within their network unless you formally opt out. Consulting with an attorney can help ensure your rights to medical care are upheld.
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. There are several reasons this could happen, such as incomplete paperwork or disputes about the injury’s cause. A workers’ compensation lawyer can appeal the decision, gather evidence, and advocate for your benefits.
At Walner Law, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. There are no upfront fees, so you can focus on recovery while we handle your claim.
When you’re dealing with a work-related injury, Walner Law is here to make the process easier for you. Here’s how we can help:
Handle Complex Claims: We’ll manage all the paperwork and legal steps so you can focus on your recovery.
Take control of your future with a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer.. Contact Walner Law at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for you when it matters most.
33 N LaSalle St.
#2700 Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 410-8496
20 E Thomas Rd
#2200 Phoenix, AZ 85012
(480) 508-8800
959 N Mayfair Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 800-0000
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
