Posted on September 16, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

Even when safety procedures are followed, accidents can and do occur at workplaces. In some cases, an employee may suffer minor injuries while others may sustain serious and long-lasting injuries. If you are hurt on the job in Illinois and receives workers’ compensation benefits, your employer may offer you light-duty work. This may mean doing a job that is less physically or mentally challenging than the duties required in your full-time job position. For instance, a light-duty job may require working fewer hours per shift, working on the computer, or one that involves moving products that are under a certain weight. It is important to understand the details and how this might impact your workers’ comp claim before accepting the light-duty job offer.

Doctor Recommendations in Workers’ Comp Cases

As in other states, in Illinois, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This is in the event that a work-related illness or injury occurs, and it gives the employee benefits regardless of who is at fault for the illness or injury. It is important to note, however, that workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable income to the employee. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, financial relief is provided to an employee if he or she sustains an injury at work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by his or her job and work-related injuries that occur outside of the workplace.

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 Posted on September 09, 2020 in Car Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents are a reality on our nation’s roadways. Regardless if it is a highway or a rural street, collisions occur on a frequent basis for a number of reasons. In many cases, a crash is due to the reckless behavior or negligent actions of another driver. If a vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed, the force of the impact when it collides with another vehicle or object can cause catastrophic injuries. Occupants can hit their heads on the windshield or dashboard, resulting in serious head trauma. Many head injuries also affect the brain, which can lead to a long recovery, including surgeries or months of rehabilitation. In some cases, a head injury can prove fatal. If you or your loved one suffered because of an automobile accident, it is crucial that you seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options for securing compensation.

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 Posted on August 26, 2020 in Personal Injury

Americans like to eat out, and it is likely you have a favorite dining establishment that you or your family frequent on a regular basis. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, many local restaurants have been allowed to continue carry-out and seat patrons inside or outside using social distancing guidelines. Whenever you eat food that someone else cooks, however, it is important to make sure it is prepared and cooked thoroughly. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a victim of a foodborne illness, or what is commonly known as food poisoning. This type of illness is typically caused by food that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. If you became sick after eating food that was prepared by a restaurant, you may end up in the hospital and unable to work. A personal injury attorney can help you explore your legal options for obtaining compensation for medical bills and lost income.

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 Posted on August 19, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

Unfortunately, workplace accidents and injuries happen on a daily basis throughout the United States. Employees who are injured on the job will often have a unique set of circumstances depending on their line of work. Everyone’s body is different, and that means recovery timelines are not always the same. Similar to an athlete’s injury, medical professionals usually recommend physical therapy to treat a work injury. If you need any type of therapy or treatment after suffering a work injury, workers’ comp should cover the expense as long as it is ordered by a physician. In most situations, a person must eventually return to work to support his or her family. That is why it is important for Illinois workers to understand their options for seeking workers’ compensation to alleviate some of the financial burdens due to lost wages or rehabilitation costs after an injury at work.

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 Posted on August 12, 2020 in Car Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), automobile accident injuries are a leading cause of fatalities among children in the United States. Studies show that many of these deaths can be prevented when safety restraints and car seats are used properly. However, kids can still suffer serious injuries in collisions even when safety precautions are taken. After any accident, emergency responders should be called to assess the physical injuries and vehicle damage. In some cases, a negligent driver who was intoxicated or distracted may have caused the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you with the legal steps for pursuing compensation for your child’s pain and suffering.

Head Trauma

According to the National Institutes of Health, head injuries are one of the leading causes of trauma sustained by children in crashes. Because kids are smaller than adults, they are sometimes more vulnerable in the event of an accident. These types of head injuries may include:

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 Posted on August 10, 2020 in Car Accidents

Even with fewer citizens commuting to and from their jobs on a daily basis because they are working remotely, Illinois roadways have seen an increase in vehicle-related fatalities recently. After months of staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people are taking cross-country road trips instead of traveling by airplane. In some cases, reckless actions such as speeding or disregard for traffic laws have led to an increase in car accidents with injuries. Victims of automobile crashes may be confused and unsure of what to do in the aftermath of a crash. Seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries should be your first priority. Your next step should be talking to witnesses who saw the incident unfold. An eyewitness who provides a statement to the responding officer can offer a neutral third-party perspective of the collision and why it may have occurred.

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 Posted on July 31, 2020 in Personal Injury

Accidents often occur when people least expect it. Depending on the situation, a person can suffer minor bumps and bruises to severe and long-lasting complications. Injuries can happen even when safety precautions are taken. However, they can also take place due to another party’s negligence. A common shoulder injury is a torn rotator cuff. Although typical in sports-related accidents, tears in the rotator cuff can occur as a result of falling onto hard pavement after slipping and falling or sudden impact such as from a car accident. It is important for anyone who is involved in those types of accidents to seek medical attention and then consult a personal injury attorney to determine liability for your pain and suffering.

Signs and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allows an individual to lift and rotate his or her arms. There are two different types of rotator cuff tears. A partial tear is when the muscle that forms the rotator cuff becomes damaged. A complete tear pulls the tendon off of the shoulder bone.

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 Posted on July 24, 2020 in Car Accidents

A car accident can range from a minor fender-bender to a catastrophic collision with serious injuries. In some cases, a car crash can even prove fatal depending on the severity of the impact and other factors, such as speed, seat belt use, and more. Common injuries suffered in a vehicle crash include fractured or broken bones, or severe bruising and swelling, often to the legs, arms, or hands. In some instances, this can lead to compartment syndrome, which can be acute or chronic. Acute compartment syndrome is usually caused by a crush injury and poor blood flow. Chronic compartment syndrome may be due to repetitive exercise. If you were hurt in a vehicle collision, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine liability for the accident and hold those accountable for any damages.

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 Posted on July 17, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

There are certain types of occupations that pose potential risks to workers compared to other jobs. For instance, an office worker likely spends most of his or her time sitting at a desk on the computer. On the other hand, a construction worker is typically at a building site while a factory worker is in a warehouse. In some of these latter occupations, an employee may be exposed to toxic chemicals. Although most companies are required to adhere to safety regulations including providing proper protective gear and equipment, accidents can still occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 13 million Americans are exposed to chemicals at work that can be absorbed through the skin. Luckily, under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employees are protected for injuries sustained at work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by the job duties as well as work-related injuries that are sustained outside of the workplace.

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 Posted on July 10, 2020 in Personal Injury

Summertime means many people like to be outside doing various activities, including water sports. This can include swimming at pools or boating on lakes. Residents of the Chicagoland area often escape the bustling city to Lake Michigan for fun. However, as with any motorized vehicle, boating can be dangerous under certain conditions. Inclement weather can pose risks to passengers, as well as operator error. There are certain laws that boat owners must follow for safety reasons. When a driver or owner of a boat acts recklessly or negligently, he or she may be held accountable for any injuries that passengers suffer.

Boating Under the Influence

Just like driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, it is illegal to drink and operate a boat in all 50 states. The penalties by each state vary depending on the circumstances. Punishments in Illinois may include steep fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.

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