Workers’ Compensation

Under Illinois law, the overwhelming majority of employers are required to provide no-fault workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. Through a workers’ comp claim, people who were hurt on the job are entitled to medical treatment for their injuries, lost time benefits and potentially a settlement — regardless of whether or not their employer was at fault for the accident.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) is the State agency that operates the court system for workers’ compensation cases. Cases are heard by an Arbitrator assigned by the Commission. Appeals of the Arbitrator’s decision are heard by a panel of three Commissioners. Unfortunately, despite the no-fault nature of the workers’ comp system, some injured workers still have a hard time getting the full and fair benefits that they are owed.

At Tuite Law, our Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to the representation of workers who are injured on the job.  We do not represent insurance companies.  Our goal is to get you justice and the full financial benefits that you rightfully deserve.  If you or your loved one was hurt on the job in Illinois or your employer is in Illinois, please contact our Rockford law office for a free, no obligation review of your case.

With decades of experience handling work injury claims in Northern Illinois, our Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys have represented clients who are dealing with a wide range of different injuries and medical conditions. No matter the nature and severity of your work injuries, we are prepared to help. Some of the most common work-related injuries include the following:

• Back injuries;
• Neck injuries;
• Ruptured discs;
• Carpal tunnel;
• Rotator cuff tears;
• Tennis elbow;
• Ulnar nerve compression;
• Foot injuries;
• Knee injuries;
• Sprains & strains;
• Fractures;
• Amputations;
• Burns and other scarring;
• Dermatitis; and
• Breathing disorders such as asbestosis and silicosis.

If you were hurt on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are available to cover your costs. More, specifically, the benefits can include but are not limited to:

• All reasonable and necessary medical care;
• Payment of temporary disability benefits while off work for a work-related condition;
• Vocational rehabilitation for those unable to return to former employment because of the injury; and
• Payment for any permanent or partial disability caused by the injury.

While the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission strive to ensure a fair and expeditious resolution of disputes, the law and the Commission’s procedures can be complex.  The experienced lawyers at Tuite Law will guide each client during and through the legal process of a work-related injury or illness.  If you are having any trouble getting access to the full workers’ comp benefits that you believe you deserve, please call us for a free consultation.  We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you take action to protect your rights.  The insurance company does not get to make the final decision on your case.

Were you injured while on the job in Rockford, Winnebago County, or elsewhere in the surrounding region? It is crucial that you understand that your workers’ comp claim is governed by state law. Here are key points that injured workers in Rockford should know about Illinois law: 

• The Vast Majority of Employees are Covered By Workers’ Comp: In Illinois, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for almost all employers. Businesses and organizations are required by law to provide coverage for the vast majority of workers from the day they start employment, including part-time employees and seasonal workers. 
• Your Workers’ Comp Benefits are No-Fault Benefits: Injured workers in Rockford do not need to prove that their employer was negligent or otherwise at fault for the accident to qualify for benefits. Workers’ compensation in Illinois operates on a no-fault system. It is imperative that injured workers in Rockford are able to secure all available benefits. 
• You Have the Right to Appeal a Workers’ Comp Denial: Unfortunately, too many workers in Rockford struggle to get their workers’ comp benefits. If your claim was denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process involves several stages. A top-tier Rockford, IL workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate the challenges of the appeals process. 

For a number of different reasons, workers’ compensation claims are sometimes unfairly denied or underpaid by insurers.  If your workers’ comp claim was denied, you need to take immediate action to preserve your rights and protect your interests.  While you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file an appeal, the longer you wait to take action, the more challenging it will be to build a successful claim.  Our office will work to make sure that any injured worker receives each and every benefit he or she is entitled to under the law.

If you were hurt in the job in Rockford, you should file for workers’ compensation benefits. Your workers’ comp claim is your exclusive legal remedy against your own employer. With that being said, you may also have an additional cause-of-action against a non-employer third party. These are called third party liability claims. Some defendants that may be held liable include: 

• Contractors; 
• Subcontractors; 
• Property owners; 
• Equipment manufacturers; and
• Motorists. 

Pursuing a third-party claim can allow you to recover damages for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future earning capacity—there are benefits that are typically available under workers’ compensation. A third party liability claim is a fault-based personal injury claim. It is not an “either/or” option. You can file a third party liability lawsuit even if you file for workers’ comp. Have questions about a third party liability case? Our Rockford, IL workers’ comp lawyers can help.

Workers’ compensation claims are complicated. Following a work-related accident, it is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At Tuite Law, we have extensive experience advocating for justice and the maximum benefits for injured workers. You can depend on our firm when it matters most. Our case results demonstrate what we can do for injured workers. Along with other things, our Rockford workers’ comp lawyers are prepared to: 

• Hear you story and answer questions about your workers’ comp claim. 
• Investigate you job-related injury/illness—gathering relevant evidence.
• Handle all of the workers’ compensation claims paperwork.
• Take your claim as far as needed to help you maximize your benefits. 

If you or your family member was hurt on the job in Illinois, the last thing you need is another bill to pay.  Many people are worried about the cost of obtaining a great lawyer. Fortunately, this is not an issue with Tuite Law.  Our top-rated Rockford work injury lawyers handle workers’ compensation claims on a “contingency fee” basis.  No “up-front” payment is needed.  We don’t charge a fee unless we are successful in obtaining benefits for you.  Further, the first consultation with our office is free.

At Tuite Law, our Rockford, IL our workers’ compensation lawyers are strong, committed advocates for injured workers. If you are struggling to obtain your full workers’ comp benefits, we are here to help.  To set up a free, no obligation review of your work injury claim, please contact our law firm right away.  With a law office in Rockford, we represent injured workers throughout Northern Illinois, including in Winnebago County, Ogle County, Stephenson County, Kane County, DeKalb County, Boone County, LaSalle County, Lee County, Whiteside County, and Cook County.