Illinois Workers’ Compensation Injury Coverage

If you’ve sustained an injury on the job, you’re most likely seeking workers’ compensation coverage to help you heal and move on with your life. The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore is a steadfast legal advocate for all those who’ve sustained on-the-job injuries and is here to fight for the full and fair compensation you need. Contact a dedicated Illinois workers’ compensation attorney from our firm for a free case evaluation today.

The 10 Most Common Work Injuries

Workplace injuries can happen in an instant or develop slowly over time. No matter the cause, if you were hurt on the job, you deserve proper medical care and financial support during your recovery. Below are ten of the most common injuries sustained by Illinois workers across a wide range of industries:

1. Back and Spinal Injuries: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive movements, or sudden falls can all lead to serious back injuries, including herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and chronic lower back pain. These injuries often require long-term treatment and may prevent workers from returning to their previous duties.
2. Shoulder Injuries: Repetitive overhead work, lifting, or bracing during a fall can cause rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and impingement syndromes. Shoulder injuries often require surgery and extensive physical therapy, significantly limiting a person’s range of motion and ability to work.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma from falling objects, slips and falls, or equipment accidents can result in concussions, skull fractures, and more severe brain injuries. Even a “mild” TBI can lead to memory issues, headaches, and cognitive problems that interfere with both work and daily life.
4. Neck Injuries: Whiplash, cervical strains, and pinched nerves are common in workplace accidents involving vehicle collisions, falls, or heavy lifting. These injuries can cause persistent pain, numbness, and reduced mobility.
5. Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls, machinery malfunctions, and sudden impacts frequently lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or hands. Fractures often require immobilization, surgery, and time away from work to heal properly.
6. Knee and Leg Injuries: Jobs that involve standing, climbing, or walking on uneven surfaces can lead to torn ligaments, meniscus damage, or crushed lower extremities. These injuries often result in partial disability or the need for long-term accommodations.
7. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and other RSIs develop over time due to repeated motions, poor ergonomics, or awkward positioning. Office workers, assembly line employees, and drivers are all at risk.
8. Occupational Illnesses: Prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals, dust, or fumes can cause respiratory diseases, skin conditions, or even cancers. These illnesses may develop gradually but are just as serious as physical trauma.
9. Burns and Electrical Injuries: Workers in manufacturing, construction, and food service face a higher risk of burns from chemicals, steam, open flames, or electrical current. Burns can cause nerve damage, infection, or long-term disfigurement.
10. Crush Injuries and Amputations: Heavy machinery and equipment accidents can result in crushed limbs or the loss of fingers, hands, or entire limbs. These devastating injuries are life-altering and often lead to permanent disability.

Injuries Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Illinois

Fortunately, virtually all work-related injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance in Illinois, some of which include:

• Back Injuries
• Carpal Tunnel
• Head Injuries
• Shoulder Injuries
• Spine Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Amputation
• Arm Injuries
• Burns
• Crush Injury
• Cuts & Lacerations
• Dismemberment
• Hearing Loss
• Heavy Lifting Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Neck Trauma
• Overexertion Injuries
• Paralysis
• Repetitive Motion Injuries
• Carpal Tunnel
• Toxic Chemical Exposures
• Workplace Sprain & Strain Injuries
• Preexisting Conditions
• Wrongful Death

Benefits Available for Work Injuries in Illinois

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides injured employees with a range of benefits designed to ease the burden of a workplace injury and help support recovery. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to the following benefits:

• Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury. This includes hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment — with no out-of-pocket cost to you. You have the right to choose your own doctor within certain limits set by Illinois law.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your doctor says you’re unable to work while recovering, you may receive TTD benefits — typically two-thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage — until you’re cleared to return to work.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work in a limited or light-duty capacity and earn less than before, TPD benefits may help make up the difference by paying two-thirds of the wage loss.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If your injury results in permanent damage but you can still work in some capacity, you may be entitled to PPD benefits. These are calculated based on the extent of your impairment, wages, and whether your disability is scheduled, unscheduled, or based on wage differential.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If your injuries leave you permanently unable to work in any capacity, you may qualify for PTD benefits — typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage for life.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you can’t return to your prior job, you may be eligible for vocational retraining, counseling, and job placement assistance — all at no cost to you — to help you transition into a new line of work.
• Death Benefits: In the tragic event a worker dies as a result of a job-related injury or illness, surviving dependents (such as a spouse or children) may receive death benefits, including funeral and burial expenses and two-thirds of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage.
• Mileage Reimbursement and Ancillary Costs: You may also be reimbursed for travel to and from doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and pharmacies, as well as other injury-related expenses that the law recognizes as necessary.

Contact an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

No matter the injury, if you’ve been hurt on the job, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and the legal team here at the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore stands ready to fight for those benefits. We understand that a work injury can significantly impact those hurt for months, or even years to come, which is why we pledge to do everything in our power to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.