Loading dock accidents are an alarmingly frequent occurrence. If you have been injured or you have lost a loved one as a result of a loading dock accident, you may be entitled to benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The amount of time that you have to file for Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawsuits is limited by Illinois statute of limitation laws.Workers’ Compensation & Third Party Lawsuits Illinois Workers’ Compensation is a type of no-fault insurance that your employer is required to carry. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you will not be able to sue your employer for damages beyond the benefits that you receive from Workers’ Compensation. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to collect additional damages. A qualified Chicago worksite accident lawyer will be able to advise you about whether you can file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party based on your case.Loading Dock Accidents & Illinois Statute of Limitations In order to qualify for Workers’ Compensation, you must notify your employer of your accident within 45 days of the occurrence. You must have missed at least 3 days work as a result of your loading dock accident in order to collect Workers’ Compensation.The statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits is longer than the time limit established for filing for Workers’ Compensation. Under Illinois law, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accident. The statute of limitations for product liability-if your Chicago construction accident attorney has helped you come to the conclusion that a product may be at least partially responsible for your accident-is also 2 years. In the event that you have lost a loved one as a result of a loading dock accident, you will have 2 years from the date that your family member passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit.For more information on loading dock accidents, visit our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Worksite Accident LawyerYou should consult with a qualified Chicago worksite accident lawyer as soon as you are able. A qualified attorney can help you identify any third parties that may be liable for your loading dock accident and help you file a claim to recover compensation. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080