For many workers, on-the-job injuries are a fact of life. Everyone from factory employees to construction workers to nurses to secretaries to school teachers-no one is immune from the risk of injury at work. If you are injured on the job, you can pursue compensation through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. All employers are required by law to have Workers’ Compensation insurance.
Chicago Workers’ Comp is a no-fault system. Regardless of whether you or your employer is to blame for the accident, if you were hurt on the job and were acting within the boundaries of your occupation, you are entitled to the benefits. However, if your accident was partly caused by someone else besides your employer or a co-worker, you may even be able to file a lawsuit to claim compensation from that person or company.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have the experience needed to obtain the necessary information about your workplace injury, file the right paperwork at the right time and avoid all the “gotchas” that can trip up less knowledgeable lawyers. We focus on all matters of worksite injuries with lawyers who deal with train-related injuries to spinal cord lawyers-we have the knowledge and resources for all types of cases.
Protecting the Rights of Illinois’ Working CitizensOur attorneys focus their practices in the following kinds of workplace injury cases:
- Some injuries involve unsafe work practices by another contractor or vendor that contributed to the accident-these third parties should be held accountable for their actions.
- The use of unsafe equipment (like ladders, ramps or scaffolding that contractors don’t properly maintain) is another example of when a third party can be held responsible for damages.
- Unsafe conditions such as uncovered floor openings, unsecured elevator shafts, deep ruts or mud, missing guard rails or other tripping, slipping or fall hazards can cause accidents and injuries on the job. Those who caused the accident and those responsible for overall safety may both be liable.
- Many construction site injuries result from falls, which can lead to a spinal cord injury. These cases are best settled with the help of a spinal cord lawyer.
- If a general contractor fails to properly manage all contractors and injury results, they may be responsible for the injuries.
- Product liability can also be an issue in construction work injury cases. If there is a defect in the design, manufacture or maintenance of the equipment that leads to a worker’s injury, this may be the basis of a lawsuit against the manufacturer or company responsible for maintaining the injury-producing equipment.
- Rail workers have special protections under the FELA, or Federal Employer’s Liability Act, because they are not covered under Chicago Workers’ Comp laws.
- With FELA, injured workers can collect benefits that will help them cover medical bills and lost wages following a railroad accident.
- Even if negligence on your part was a contributing factor in the accident, you may still be able to help you recover damages.
- One of our experienced FELA attorneys will help you make a successful claim by showing that negligence on the part of the railroad or co-workers was a factor in your injury.
- Asbestos is a mineral which was incorporated into many types of common household and industrial products, including but not limited to: insulation for steam pipes, boilers and furnace ducts; resilient floor tiles; vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives; cement sheet, millboard and asbestos paper; door gaskets for furnaces and stoves; soundproofing and decorative wall materials; patching and joint compounds, roofing shingles and siding; automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets.
- Workers who have handled products containing asbestos are at risk for a variety of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- Workers have developed these diseases from many heavy industrial plants but most commonly from power plants, shipyards, steel mills, refineries, paper mills, chemical plants and rail yards.
A Worksite Injury Can Change Your Life Your Chicago Workers’ Comp claim can only go so far in providing the compensation you need to recover from your worksite accident. Many common injuries such as spinal cord trauma can result in lifelong disability. In many cases, you’ll need the help of an experienced spinal cord lawyer to help you seek a settlement to provide for long-term care.
Our attorneys are passionate about defending the rights of Illinois’ working men and women regardless of their injury and long-term prognosis. We are so confident in our skill and experience that we offer you the promise that if we are not able to make a recovery in your case, you won’t owe us a dime. Before making any decisions, request a free copy of our consumer guide, An Injured Workers’ Guide to Third Party Liability Lawsuits.
When you have questions on your Chicago Workers’ Comp claim or worksite accident, we have your answers. Please contact the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. to find out how we can help you with your workplace injury claim -312-263-1080.