When I was about nine years old, my father, a truck driver and Teamster, was seriously injured at work. He was 35 years old with 3 young kids at home. That work  injury and its consequences took everything from him—his ability to work, his livelihood, everything. And it transformed out family.  It is hard to even believe, but his case dragged on for 17 years. And at the end of it all, his own lawyer sued him for more fees. That's when I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.

That's why I became a Chicago work injury lawyer.  For almost 30 years, I have been making sure what happened to my father NEVER happens to you or your family. Whether you've been hurt at work in Humboldt Park, hurt in a factory in Bedford Park or even in an office in the Loop, I am here to help you and your family.

With me, there is never any money out of pocket.  Not a penny.  I only get paid when we win.  You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—because injuries don't wait for business hours, and neither should your lawyer.

I've spent over $100,000+ to learn from the best lawyers on the planet -- how to try cases, how to strategize, how to turn insurance company dirty tricks around on them, and how to make a case impossible for an insurance company to win. Not one in 300,000 lawyer have graduated from BOTH the world-renowned Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College and the esteemed "The Edge" litigation program. I am relentless in making sure I provide you the absoute best legal representation available anywhere.

And I did it for one reason: so YOU get the very best representation possible.

In my heart, your fight is my fight.

Why Choose Scott DeSalvo as Your Chicago Work Injury Lawyer

When you're hurt on the job, you are under a lot of pressure. It is easy to make the wrong decision.  But choosing the right lawyer menas you get communication and top skills and talent applied with awinning strategy in your case.  You need to be paid and you need the medical care necessary to get you abck to work.  Work with a guy who can deliver in your work injury case.

Here's what sets me apart:

Almost 30 Years Fighting for Chicago Workers

I've been representing injured workers since 1998—almost 30 years of experience handling thousands of workers' compensation and work injury cases throughout Chicago and Cook County-- and all over Illinois (Dupage, Will, you name it).  I've seen every tactic insurance companies use, and I know how to beat them.

I Handle BOTH Workers' Comp AND Third-Party Claims

This important:  most lawyers handle only workers' compensation OR personal injury—not both. I do BOTH, which means I can maximize your total recovery. If defective equipment, a negligent subcontractor, or another driver caused your work injury, you may have BOTH a workers' comp claim AND a third-party lawsuit. Most lawyers miss the third-party claim. I don't. ANd I work on them together to strategically put you in the best, strongest position for maximum money.

Proven Results: Millions Recovered for Injured Workers

Over almost 30 years, I've recovered millions of dollars in workers' compensation benefits and third-party settlements for injured workers. From construction workers to nurses, warehouse employees to delivery drivers—I've helped hundreds of Chicago workers get the compensation they deserve.  From Wrigley to West Lawn, Midway and O'Hare, I help people all over Chicago the suburbs.

Located Directly Across from the Workers' Compensation Commission

My Chicago office is down the street from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. I walk to hearings. I know the arbitrators and commissioners. We have appeared in those hearing rooms hundreds of times. This location and experience give my clients an advantage.

I Come to You

Can't get to my office because you're injured? No problem. I meet injured workers at their homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, or anywhere convenient. Your recovery is the priority—not travel to a lawyer's office.

No Fee Unless We Win

Workers' compensation cases: 20% fee (set by Illinois law)

Third-party personal injury cases: 33 1/3% (or 40% if litigation required)

I advance all costs—medical records, expert witnesses, court fees, everything. If we don't win, you don't pay me anything. Zero.

Available 24/7/365

Work injuries happen at all hours. Construction site accidents. Overnight warehouse injuries. Weekend manufacturing accidents. That's why I offer free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Call me RIGHT NOW at (312)-500-4500. It's free. There's no pressure. Let's talk about your case.

World-Class Trial and Settlement Training

Graduate of Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College

Graduate of "The Edge" program

Member of Chicago Bar Association

Member of Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)

Member of American Association for Justice (AAFJ)

Dozens of jury trials and hundreds of workers' comp hearings

I've invested over $100,000 in advanced training that most lawyers never pursue. Why? So injured workers get the absolute best representation possible.

Types of Chicago Workers I Represent

I've represented injured workers from virtually every industry and occupation in Chicago. If you've been hurt on the job, I can help—no matter what you do for a living.

Construction & Building Trades

Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians

Ironworkers, steelworkers, welders, pipefitters

Roofers, masons, concrete workers, bricklayers

Heavy equipment operators (cranes, bulldozers, excavators)

Construction laborers and helpers

Painters, drywall installers, tile setters

Scaffolding workers and riggers

Demolition workers

Road construction workers (IDOT projects)

Manufacturing & Industrial Workers

Factory workers and assemblers

Machine operators and machinists

Forklift drivers and heavy equipment operators

Quality control inspectors

Production line workers

Maintenance technicians and mechanics

Tool and die makers

Caterpillar and John Deere employees

Auto industry workers

Steel mill workers

Glass workers

Chemical plant workers

Warehouse & Logistics

Amazon warehouse workers

UPS drivers and warehouse workers

FedEx drivers and package handlers

Warehouse workers and stock clerks

Delivery drivers (all types)

Material handlers and freight movers

Distribution center employees

Inventory specialists

Shipping and receiving clerks

Healthcare Workers

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)

Medical technicians and lab workers

Physical therapists and occupational therapists

Home healthcare workers

Hospital staff (all departments)

Nursing home workers

Emergency room staff

Radiology technicians

Pharmacy technicians

Transportation & Delivery

Commercial truck drivers (CDL)

Delivery drivers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, food delivery)

Rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft)

CTA bus and train operators

Metra railroad workers

School bus drivers

Taxi and limousine drivers

Ambulance drivers and EMTs

Tow truck drivers

Airline workers (covered by different laws—see below)

Food Service & Hospitality

Restaurant workers (cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers)

Hotel staff (housekeeping, maintenance, front desk)

Grocery store workers

Food processing and packaging workers

Catering staff

Bakery workers

Fast food employees

Bar staff

Retail & Office Workers

Retail sales associates

Stock clerks and inventory workers

Cashiers

Office workers and administrative staff

Customer service representatives

Receptionists and secretaries

Data entry clerks

Bookkeepers

Government & Municipal Employees

City of Chicago employees

State of Illinois workers

Road construction crews (IDOT)

Sanitation workers

Park district employees

Public works employees

City hall staff

State troopers (work injuries only—not covered by workers' comp for line-of-duty injuries)

Education

Teachers (all levels)

School staff and administrators

Gym teachers and coaches

Janitors and maintenance staff at schools

Cafeteria workers

Bus drivers and aides

Librarians

Special education staff

Emergency Services & First Responders

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

Paramedics

911 dispatchers

Emergency room staff

Hospital security

Note: Chicago police officers and firefighters have different benefit systems—see special section below

Service Industries

Security guards

Janitors and custodians (all settings)

Landscapers and groundskeepers

Building maintenance workers

Mechanics and auto technicians

HVAC service technicians

Electricians (service calls)

Plumbers (service calls)

Gym and fitness instructors

Hair stylists and barbers

Dry cleaning workers

Special Categories

Union workers (all trades—I understand union contract benefits)

Undocumented workers (you have rights under Illinois law regardless of immigration status)

Part-time workers (entitled to workers' comp)

Temporary workers (staffing agency employees)

Independent contractors (may actually be employees—I can prove it)

Gig economy workers (complicated status—call me)

If You Don't See Your Job Listed...

Call anyway at (312)-500-4500. I've handled workers' comp cases for virtually every type of worker in Chicago. If you were hurt while working, you likely have rights under Illinois workers' compensation law—and I can help.

Chicago Work Injury Statistics: The Reality of Workplace Accidents

Workplace injuries happen every single day in Chicago. The numbers are staggering, and they represent real people—construction workers, warehouse employees, factory workers, nurses, delivery drivers, and thousands of others just trying to make a living.

Illinois Workplace Injury Statistics:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission:

Over 150,000 workplace injuries occur in Illinois annually

Construction workers account for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities

Manufacturing and warehouse workers suffer over 25,000 injuries per year

Healthcare workers experience one of the highest rates of workplace injuries

Transportation and delivery workers face significant injury risks daily

Average workers' compensation claim takes 12-18 months to resolve

Denied claims represent approximately 30% of all initial workers' comp filings

Cook County Workplace Accident Data:

45,000+ workplace injuries reported in Cook County annually

Fatal workplace accidents claim 50-70 workers' lives each year in the Chicago area

Construction site accidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities

Back and spinal cord injuries are the most common type of work injury

Repetitive stress injuries have increased 40% over the past decade

Common Industries with High Injury Rates in Chicago:

Construction - Falls, equipment accidents, electrocution, struck-by accidents

Manufacturing - Machinery accidents, chemical exposure, repetitive motion injuries

Warehousing/Logistics - Forklift accidents, falling objects, lifting injuries

Healthcare - Needlestick injuries, patient handling injuries, workplace violence

Transportation/Delivery - Vehicle accidents, loading/unloading injuries

Hospitality/Restaurant - Slip and falls, burns, cuts, repetitive stress

What This Means for You:

These number represent real injuries to real injured workers. Each statistic represents a real person, a real family devastated by a work injury. Insurance companies know these numbers too, and they use them to minimize what they pay you. They'll claim your injuries aren't serious, or that you were partially at fault, or that your medical treatment was excessive.

That's why you need an experienced Chicago work injury lawyer who knows how to fight back. Someone who's handled thousands of cases and recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across Chicago and Cook County.

Special Worker Protection Laws in Illinois and Chicago

Some Chicago workers are covered under different worker protection systems—NOT the standard Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. If you're a railroad worker, maritime worker, airline employee, or Chicago police officer/firefighter, special rules apply. Understanding which system covers you is critical to getting the benefits you deserve.

Railroad Workers: FELA Claims (Federal Employers' Liability Act)

If you work for a railroad—Metra, Amtrak, Union Pacific, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, or any freight railroad—you are NOT covered by Illinois Workers' Compensation. Instead, you're covered by the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), a federal law dating back to 1908.

FELA is fundamentally different from workers' compensation:

You Must Prove Employer Negligence

Unlike workers' comp (which is no-fault), under FELA you must prove your employer's negligence caused or contributed to your injury. This could be:

Defective equipment or machinery

Inadequate training or supervision

Unsafe work practices or procedures

Failure to maintain safe working conditions

Violation of federal railroad safety regulations

BUT the Benefits Are Much Greater:

Full lost wages (not just 2/3 like workers' comp)

Pain and suffering damages (not available in workers' comp)

Loss of quality of life

Past and future medical expenses

No caps on damages (workers' comp has statutory limits)

Can file in federal or state court

FELA applies to all railroad workers:

Train engineers and conductors

Brakemen and switchmen

Track maintenance workers

Signal maintainers

Carmen (car repairers)

Electricians and mechanics

Clerical staff injured on railroad property

Any worker injured in the course of railroad employment

Why FELA cases are complex:

Railroads have teams of lawyers and investigators who arrive at accident scenes within hours. They take statements, photograph everything, and build a defense before you even leave the hospital. You need an experienced FELA lawyer immediately.

I handle FELA claims for railroad workers injured throughout Illinois. I know the federal regulations. I know how railroads defend these cases. And I know how to prove employer negligence to get you full compensation.

If you're a railroad worker injured on the job, call me immediately at (312)-500-4500. Don't give ANY statement to the railroad's investigators until you talk to me.

Maritime Workers: Jones Act and Longshore Act

If you work on Illinois waterways—the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, or Illinois River—you may be covered by federal maritime law, not Illinois workers' compensation.

The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920)

The Jones Act covers "seamen"—workers who spend a substantial amount of time working aboard vessels. This includes:

Tugboat operators and deckhands

Barge workers

Commercial fishing boat crews

Vessel captains and mates

Marine engineers

Boat pilots

Jones Act benefits include:

Full lost wages (not 2/3 like workers' comp)

Pain and suffering damages

Maintenance and cure (daily living allowance plus medical care until maximum medical improvement)

Must prove employer negligence (like FELA, but burden is lower—even slight negligence qualifies)

Unseaworthiness Claims

In addition to Jones Act negligence claims, injured seamen can sue vessel owners for "unseaworthiness"—failing to provide a seaworthy vessel. This is a strict liability claim (no need to prove negligence). Unseaworthiness includes:

Defective equipment

Inadequate crew

Improper procedures

Dangerous conditions on vessel

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)

If you work on or near navigable waters but don't qualify as a "seaman," you may be covered by the LHWCA. This includes:

Dock workers and longshoremen

Ship loaders and unloaders

Harbor construction workers

Ship repair workers

Marina workers

LHWCA provides workers' comp-style benefits but with different rules and benefits than Illinois workers' comp.

Maritime injury law is highly specialized. If you work on or near water and were injured on the job, call me at (312)-500-4500 to discuss which law covers you and what benefits you're entitled to.

City of Chicago Police Officers and Firefighters

Chicago police officers and firefighters are NOT covered by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. This is critical to understand. If you're a Chicago cop or firefighter injured on duty, you're covered by the Chicago Police/Fire Pension Fund, which provides different benefits under different rules.

Three Types of Benefits for Chicago Police and Firefighters:

1. Ordinary Disability Benefits (Injured OFF Duty)

If you're injured outside the line of duty (off-duty injury, non-work-related):

Available ONLY if disabled more than 30 days

Available ONLY if not eligible for regular salary

50% of your pre-injury salary

One year of benefits for every four years of service (maximum 5 years)

Example: 12 years of service = 3 years of ordinary disability benefits

2. Duty Disability Benefits (Injured ON Duty)

If you're injured in the line of duty while performing your duties:

Available if not eligible to receive regular salary

75% of your pre-injury salary (this is the general rule)

Can be reduced to 50% in certain cases depending on circumstances

Payable while unable to perform duties

Can continue for extended periods depending on severity

3. Occupational Disease Benefits (Heart Attacks/Heart Conditions)

Special category for Chicago police/firefighters with:

At least 10 years of service AND

Heart attack or other disabling heart condition

Available if NOT eligible for Duty Disability Benefits

65% of salary

Illinois law presumes heart conditions in police/fire with 10+ years are job-related

Why This Matters:

Chicago police and firefighters injured on duty often don't realize they're NOT in the workers' comp system. Different deadlines apply. Different procedures. Different benefits. If you file the wrong claim with the wrong agency, you can lose benefits.

Additional Claims You May Have:

Even though you can't file workers' comp, you CAN file:

Third-party personal injury claims if someone other than the City caused your injury (vehicle accidents, defective equipment, negligent contractors, etc.)

Section 1983 federal civil rights claims in certain circumstances

State law tort claims in some situations

If you're a Chicago police officer or firefighter injured on duty, call me at (312)-500-4500. I understand your unique benefit system and can help you navigate it while pursuing any third-party claims you may have.

Union Workers: Maximizing Your Benefits

I represent union workers from all trades and industries throughout Chicago. Union members have rights and benefits beyond standard workers' compensation, and I know how to coordinate union contract benefits with workers' comp to maximize your total recovery.

Union contracts often provide:

Disability pay in addition to workers' comp

Continued health insurance during disability

Job protection and return-to-work rights

Union pension benefits

Light duty work provisions

Supplemental accident insurance

Legal defense funds

Unions I've worked with include:

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA)

International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)

International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC)

International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

United Steelworkers (USW)

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Unite Here (hospitality workers)

And many others

Why union workers should hire a lawyer who understands union benefits:

Many workers' comp lawyers don't understand union contracts. They settle your workers' comp claim without considering:

Your union disability pay (which might offset what insurance pays)

Your right to return to work under the union contract

Union pension benefits you might be entitled to

Supplemental insurance through the union

I work with union representatives and review your union contract to ensure you get EVERY benefit you're entitled to—both through workers' comp AND your union.

If you're a union member injured on the job, call me at (312)-500-4500. I speak your language and fight for union workers.

Airline Workers: Federal Law May Apply

Airline workers may be covered by different laws depending on their job duties:

Flight Attendants and Pilots: Generally covered by Railway Labor Act, not state workers' comp

Ground Crew (Ramp Agents, Baggage Handlers): May be covered by Illinois workers' comp

Mechanics: Depends on whether working on aircraft or ground equipment

Airline worker injury law is complex. If you work for United, American, Southwest, or any airline and were injured on the job, call me at (312)-500-4500 to discuss which law covers you.

Occupational Diseases: When Your Illness is Work-Related

Not all work injuries happen in a single accident. Many workers develop diseases and illnesses over time from workplace exposures. Illinois recognizes occupational diseases under the Illinois Occupational Diseases Act (820 ILCS 310/1 et seq.), which provides benefits separate from but similar to the Workers' Compensation Act.

The key difference: Occupational diseases develop gradually from workplace exposures, not from a single traumatic accident.

Common Occupational Diseases We Handle

Respiratory Diseases:

Asbestosis - From asbestos exposure (construction, insulation, demolition)

Silicosis - From silica dust (sandblasting, concrete cutting, mining)

Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis ("Black Lung") - Coal dust exposure

Occupational Asthma - From workplace chemicals, dust, or fumes

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - From industrial exposures

Berylliosis - From beryllium exposure (aerospace, electronics)

Chemical pneumonitis - From toxic inhalations

Hearing Loss:

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - The most common occupational disease in Illinois

Caused by prolonged exposure to loud machinery, construction equipment, manufacturing noise, airports, etc.

Must show hearing loss directly related to workplace noise exposure

Can file claim even after retirement if hearing loss occurred during employment

Skin Conditions:

Contact dermatitis from chemicals

Chemical burns

Skin infections from workplace exposures

Allergic reactions to workplace substances

Chloracne from chemical exposures

Repetitive Stress Injuries (Cumulative Trauma):

Carpal tunnel syndrome - From typing, assembly work, tool use

Tendonitis - From repetitive motions

Rotator cuff injuries - From overhead work, reaching, lifting

Back conditions - From repetitive lifting, bending, twisting

Epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow) - From repetitive arm motions

Knee injuries - From constant kneeling, climbing, squatting

Toxic Exposures and Poisoning:

Lead poisoning (construction, battery manufacturing, painting)

Mercury poisoning (dental workers, industrial)

Solvent exposure (painters, cleaners, chemical workers)

Pesticide exposure (agricultural, landscaping)

Chemical poisoning (manufacturing, laboratories)

Cancers Related to Workplace Exposures:

Mesothelioma - Almost always from asbestos exposure (latency period of 20-50 years)

Lung cancer - From asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust, radon, other carcinogens

Bladder cancer - From chemical exposures (rubber, dye, paint industries)

Leukemia - From benzene exposure (petroleum, chemical industries)

Nasal and sinus cancers - From wood dust, certain chemicals

Skin cancer - From prolonged sun exposure (outdoor workers)

Infectious Diseases:

COVID-19 (see detailed section below)

Hepatitis B and C - Healthcare workers from needlestick injuries

Tuberculosis (TB) - Healthcare workers, corrections officers

HIV - Healthcare workers from needlestick exposures

MRSA and other drug-resistant infections

Bloodborne pathogen exposures

Heart Conditions (Special Presumption for First Responders):

For firefighters and police officers with 10+ years of service, Illinois law presumes that heart attacks and heart disease are occupational

The burden shifts to the insurance company to prove it's NOT work-related

Applies to heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and other cardiac conditions

Neurological Conditions:

Peripheral neuropathy from toxic exposures

Chronic toxic encephalopathy (brain damage from chemicals)

Parkinson's disease (linked to pesticide exposure)

Memory and cognitive impairment from solvent exposure

Filing Deadlines for Occupational Diseases

CRITICAL: Occupational disease claims have different deadlines than injury claims:

You must file within 3 years of:

The date of disablement (when you become unable to work due to the disease), OR

The date of last exposure to the hazardous condition

You must notify your employer within 90 days of becoming disabled or learning the disease is work-related

For diseases with long latency periods (like mesothelioma from asbestos, which can take 40+ years to develop), the filing deadline starts when you're diagnosed and disabled—not when you were first exposed.

Proving Occupational Disease Claims

These cases are more complex than injury claims because you must prove:

You have the disease

The disease arose from conditions at work

The workplace exposure was the cause (or a significant contributing cause)

You meet the filing deadlines

I work with medical experts who specialize in occupational medicine to prove your disease is work-related. Industrial hygienists, pulmonologists, toxicologists, and other experts provide opinions linking your disease to workplace exposures.

Multiple Employer Claims

If you worked for multiple employers over your career and were exposed to the hazardous condition at more than one job, Illinois law allows claims against multiple employers. For example:

Asbestos exposure at several construction jobs over 30 years

Noise exposure from multiple factory jobs

Chemical exposures at different plants

I identify all responsible employers and pursue claims against each to maximize your recovery.

If you believe you have a work-related illness or disease, call me immediately at (312)-500-4500. Occupational disease claims are complex and have strict deadlines. The sooner I'm involved, the better.

COVID-19 Workers' Compensation Claims

Healthcare workers, first responders, and other frontline workers who contracted COVID-19 while working may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits under Illinois law.

Who Qualifies for COVID-19 Workers' Comp Benefits?

Illinois law creates a rebuttable presumption that COVID-19 is work-related for:

Healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, CNAs, medical technicians, home health aides, nursing home staff, hospital employees)

First responders (police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics)

Corrections officers and jail/prison staff

Grocery store workers (during peak pandemic periods)

Other frontline essential workers exposed on the job

"Rebuttable presumption" means: The law presumes you contracted COVID-19 at work. The burden is on the insurance company to prove you didn't—they must show you were exposed elsewhere. This makes it easier for frontline workers to win claims.

For other workers (not in presumed categories): You can still file a COVID-19 workers' comp claim, but YOU must prove you were exposed at work through:

Documented workplace outbreak

Co-worker infections

Customer/client exposure

Employer's failure to provide PPE or follow safety protocols

Benefits Available for COVID-19 Claims

Medical Treatment:

All reasonable and necessary COVID-19 treatment

Hospitalization costs (including ICU, ventilator)

Doctor visits and specialists

Prescription medications

Rehabilitation for long-term effects

Mental health treatment for COVID-related PTSD, anxiety, depression

Lost Wages (Temporary Total Disability):

2/3 of your average weekly wage while unable to work

Tax-free benefits

Covers time in isolation, quarantine, hospitalization, and recovery

Permanent Disability Benefits for "Long COVID":

If COVID-19 causes lasting impairments that affect your ability to work, you may be entitled to:

Permanent partial disability benefits

Wage differential if you can't return to your previous job

Permanent total disability in severe cases of long COVID

Death Benefits:

If COVID-19 proves fatal, family members may receive:

2/3 of the deceased's average weekly wage (up to $500,000 or 25 years, whichever is greater)

$8,000 in burial expenses

Long COVID and Workers' Compensation

"Long COVID" or "Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2" (PASC) includes:

Chronic fatigue

Respiratory problems

Heart issues (myocarditis, POTS)

Cognitive impairment ("brain fog")

Neurological problems

Depression and anxiety

If long COVID prevents you from working or limits your ability to do your job, you're entitled to ongoing workers' comp benefits. I work with pulmonologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and other specialists to document long COVID impairments and prove their impact on your work capacity.

Why COVID-19 Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies routinely deny COVID-19 claims by arguing:

You were exposed outside of work (family, community)

Your employer provided adequate PPE

You didn't follow safety protocols

Your symptoms are exaggerated

Long COVID isn't a recognized condition

I fight these denials with evidence:

Documented workplace outbreaks

Co-worker infections

Employer's failure to provide proper PPE

Violation of CDC or OSHA guidelines

Medical expert testimony about long COVID

Filing Deadlines for COVID-19 Claims

Under Illinois law, you must:

Notify your employer within 45 days of testing positive or being diagnosed

File your claim within 3 years of diagnosis/disablement

Don't wait. Even if you recovered from acute COVID-19, if you develop long COVID symptoms months later, call me. You may still have a claim.

If you contracted COVID-19 while working as a healthcare worker, first responder, or other essential worker, call me at (312)-500-4500 for a free consultation. I'll evaluate your claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Understanding Illinois Workers' Compensation Law

Illinois has specific laws protecting injured workers. But navigating the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act is complicated, and insurance companies count on you not understanding your rights. Let me break it down.

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act

Under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/1 et seq.), if you're injured on the job, you're entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault. This is called a "no-fault" system. Your employer's workers' compensation insurance should cover:

Medical Benefits:

All reasonable and necessary medical treatment

Hospital stays and surgeries

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Prescription medications

Medical equipment (braces, crutches, wheelchairs)

Mileage to and from medical appointments

Temporary Total Disability (TTD):

If you can't work at all while recovering, you receive:

2/3 of your average weekly wage

Tax-free benefits

Payments continue until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD):

If you have permanent limitations or loss of use of a body part:

Percentage of disability x statutory rate

Based on AMA guidelines and medical evidence

Can be substantial for serious injuries

Permanent Total Disability (PTD):

If you can never work again due to your injuries:

2/3 of your average weekly wage for life

Must prove inability to perform any gainful employment

Difficult to obtain but potentially worth millions over a lifetime

Wage Differential:

If you return to work but can't earn what you used to:

2/3 of the difference between old wages and new wages

Payable for the rest of your working life

Can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars

Vocational Rehabilitation:

Job retraining if you can't return to your old job

Job placement assistance

Education expenses for new career

Your Right to Choose Your Own Doctor

This is CRITICAL and most injured workers don't know it:

You have the right to choose your own treating physician.

Under Illinois law, you get to pick the doctor who treats your work injury. The insurance company will try to send you to their "company doctor"—a doctor who works for them and consistently minimizes injuries and clears workers to return to work before they're ready.

You must attend the company doctor exam (it's required), but YOU choose who actually treats you. I can refer you to doctors who:

Actually care about helping you recover

Won't minimize your injuries

Will document your condition properly

Will support your claim if the insurance company fights you

This one decision—choosing your own doctor instead of the company doctor—can be worth tens of thousands of dollars to your case.

The 45-Day Notice Rule

You must notify your employer within 45 days of your work injury (820 ILCS 305/6). This doesn't mean you have to file a formal claim, but you need to tell your employer, preferably in writing, that you were injured at work.

Critical deadlines:

45 days: Notify employer of injury

3 years: Statute of limitations to file workers' comp claim

2 years: Statute of limitations for third-party personal injury claims

What Insurance Companies Won't Tell You: Third-Party Claims

Here's what most injured workers don't know: if someone OTHER than your employer or a co-worker caused your injury, you may have BOTH a workers' compensation claim AND a personal injury lawsuit against the third party.

Examples of third-party work injury claims:

Defective equipment: Injured by a machine? Sue the manufacturer

Vehicle accidents: Delivery driver hit by another driver? Sue that driver

Subcontractor negligence: Injured on a construction site by another company's worker? Sue that company

Premises liability: Injured at a worksite you don't own? Sue the property owner

Product liability: Injured by defective safety equipment? Sue the manufacturer

Third-party claims are worth FAR more than workers' comp alone because you can recover:

Full lost wages (not just 2/3)

Pain and suffering (not available in workers' comp)

Future earning capacity

Punitive damages in some cases

I handle both workers' compensation AND third-party claims for injured workers. Most lawyers only do one or the other. I do both, maximizing your total recovery.

Types of Work Injuries We Handle

I've spent almost 30 years representing injured workers throughout Chicago and Cook County. I've handled every type of workplace injury imaginable, from construction accidents to repetitive stress injuries to catastrophic injuries that change lives forever.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in Chicago. I've represented carpenters, electricians, plumbers, laborers, crane operators, and every other trade injured on construction sites.

Common construction accidents:

Falls from heights: Scaffolding collapses, ladder falls, unprotected edges, roof accidents

Struck-by accidents: Falling tools or materials, swinging equipment, vehicle accidents

Caught-in/between: Trench collapses, equipment crushing injuries, caught in machinery

Electrocution: Contact with power lines, defective tools, improper wiring

Equipment accidents: Forklift accidents, crane accidents, power tool injuries

Construction site third-party claims:

Construction sites involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, equipment owners, and property owners. If a subcontractor's negligence or defective equipment caused your injury, you likely have a third-party claim worth far more than workers' comp alone.

Industrial and Manufacturing Accidents

Chicago's industrial and manufacturing facilities employ thousands of workers operating heavy machinery, working with chemicals, and performing repetitive tasks that cause serious injuries.

Common industrial accidents:

Machinery accidents: Caught in presses, conveyors, packaging equipment, assembly line machines

Chemical exposure: Burns, respiratory injuries, toxic exposure, skin conditions

Explosions and fires: Gas leaks, combustible dust, welding accidents

Forklift accidents: Struck by forklifts, falling loads, crushing injuries

Repetitive stress injuries: Carpal tunnel, tendonitis, back injuries from repeated lifting

Machine guarding violations:

OSHA requires proper machine guarding. If defective or missing guards caused your injury, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer in addition to workers' comp.

Warehouse and Logistics Injuries

Chicago is a major logistics hub with massive warehouses and distribution centers throughout the area. Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and countless other companies employ tens of thousands of warehouse workers who face daily injury risks.

Common warehouse injuries:

Back and spinal injuries: Heavy lifting, awkward positions, repetitive bending

Forklift accidents: Struck by forklifts, falling pallets, crushing injuries

Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, debris, uneven surfaces

Falling object injuries: Poorly stacked inventory, dropped items from heights

Repetitive motion injuries: Constant lifting, scanning, packing

Amazon and major employer claims:

Large companies have aggressive legal teams that fight legitimate workers' comp claims. They pressure injured workers to return too soon, deny injuries are work-related, and minimize disabilities. You need an experienced lawyer who won't be intimidated by corporate lawyers.

Healthcare Worker Injuries

Nurses, CNAs, medical technicians, and other healthcare workers have one of the highest rates of workplace injuries in Chicago. Hospitals, nursing homes, and medical facilities are dangerous workplaces.

Common healthcare worker injuries:

Patient handling injuries: Back injuries from lifting patients, pulling patients, repositioning

Needlestick injuries: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, HIV, hepatitis risks

Workplace violence: Assaults by patients, verbal abuse, physical attacks

Slip and falls: Wet floors, cluttered hallways, rushing between patients

Repetitive stress injuries: Constant patient care, computer work, equipment operation

Transportation and Delivery Driver Injuries

Delivery drivers, truckers, Uber/Lyft drivers, and other professional drivers face significant injury risks both from vehicle accidents and from the physical demands of loading/unloading.

Common driver injuries:

Vehicle accidents: Crashes, rear-end collisions, intersection accidents

Loading/unloading injuries: Back injuries from lifting packages, slip and falls

Repetitive stress injuries: Getting in/out of vehicles hundreds of times daily

Assault and robbery: Attacks on delivery drivers in dangerous areas

Third-party vehicle accident claims:

If you're a delivery driver injured in a crash caused by another driver, you have BOTH a workers' comp claim AND a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This can result in much higher compensation.

Slip and Fall and Premises Liability at Work

Workers injured in slip and fall accidents at work are entitled to workers' compensation. But if you were injured at a location NOT owned by your employer, you may also have a premises liability claim.

Examples:

Construction worker slips at a client's property

Delivery driver falls at a customer's location

Service technician injured at a facility they're servicing

Sales representative falls at a client's office

Repetitive Stress and Cumulative Trauma Injuries

Not all work injuries happen in a single accident. Many workers develop injuries over time from repetitive motions, awkward positions, or cumulative trauma.

Common repetitive stress injuries:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: From typing, assembly work, tool use

Rotator cuff injuries: From overhead work, reaching, lifting

Back injuries: From repeated lifting, bending, twisting

Tendonitis: From repetitive motions in hands, elbows, shoulders

Knee injuries: From constant kneeling, climbing, standing

Illinois recognizes repetitive trauma claims: You don't need a single accident. If your job duties caused your injury over time, you're entitled to workers' compensation benefits (820 ILCS 305/1(d)).

Catastrophic Workplace Injuries

Some work injuries change everything. Paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries. Amputations. Burns. These catastrophic injuries don't just affect the worker—they devastate entire families.

My father's catastrophic injury took everything from our family. I understand what you're facing. I know what it's like to watch your family struggle because of a workplace injury. That's why I fight so hard for workers with catastrophic injuries.

Catastrophic work injuries include:

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Falls, crushing injuries, vehicle accidents

Traumatic brain injuries: Falls, struck-by accidents, explosions

Amputations: Machinery accidents, caught-in equipment, crushing injuries

Severe burns: Chemical exposure, electrical accidents, explosions, fires

Loss of vision or hearing: Chemical exposure, explosions, head trauma

Multiple fractures and broken bones: Falls, struck-by accidents, vehicle crashes

Catastrophic injury claims require:

Life care planning to calculate lifetime medical costs

Vocational experts to prove inability to work

Economic experts to calculate lifetime lost earnings

Pursuit of permanent total disability benefits

Aggressive third-party claims when applicable

Results: What I've Recovered for Injured Workers

Over almost 30 years, I've helped hundreds of injured Chicago workers recover millions of dollars in compensation. Every case is different, but here are examples of results I've achieved:

Construction Accident Settlements:

$1,250,000 - Construction worker fell from scaffolding, spinal cord injury, permanent disability (workers' comp + third-party claim against general contractor)

$875,000 - Electrician electrocuted by defective equipment (workers' comp + product liability claim)

$725,000 - Carpenter struck by falling materials, traumatic brain injury

$550,000 - Construction laborer injured in trench collapse (workers' comp + third-party claim)

$425,000 - Roofer fell through unprotected opening, multiple fractures

Industrial Accident Settlements:

$950,000 - Factory worker caught in machinery, amputation of fingers (workers' comp + product liability)

$675,000 - Warehouse worker struck by forklift, back injury requiring surgery

$525,000 - Manufacturing worker injured by defective press, shoulder injury

$385,000 - Chemical exposure causing respiratory injury and disability

Workers' Compensation Awards:

$450,000 - Permanent total disability award for back injury preventing all work

$325,000 - Wage differential award for injured worker forced into lower-paying job

$275,000 - Permanent partial disability for shoulder injury

$185,000 - Multiple injuries requiring surgeries and extensive treatment

Third-Party Work Injury Claims:

$825,000 - Delivery driver injured by drunk driver while working

$575,000 - Worker injured at client site due to dangerous property condition

$495,000 - Service technician injured by defective equipment

$375,000 - Nurse injured in vehicle accident en route to patient home visit

Repetitive Stress Injury Claims:

$225,000 - Carpal tunnel and shoulder injuries from assembly line work

$165,000 - Back injury from repetitive lifting at warehouse

$145,000 - Rotator cuff injury from overhead work

These results demonstrate what's possible when you have an experienced Chicago work injury lawyer who understands both workers' compensation AND third-party personal injury claims. Insurance companies know I'm willing to fight, and they take my clients' claims seriously.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they show my commitment to getting injured workers every dollar they deserve.

Almost 30 Years Fighting for Injured Chicago Workers

My father was a Teamster, a truck driver, catastrophically injured at work when I was just nine years old. His injury changed our family forever. We grew up poor. His 17-year battle with workers' compensation and his own lawyers taught me everything about what's wrong with the system—and motivated me to spend my career fixing it for other families.

I've been a licensed attorney since 1998, and I've dedicated my entire career to representing injured workers—never insurance companies, never corporations. Just regular working people like my father, like you, who got hurt on the job and need someone to fight for them.

Real Trial Experience in Workers' Compensation Courts

I've had dozens of jury trials in personal injury cases and appeared before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission hundreds of times. I've taken on every major workers' compensation insurance carrier in Illinois—Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Hartford, Gallagher Bassett, Broadspire, all of them.

My workers' compensation experience includes:

Hundreds of hearings before arbitrators and commissioners

Dozens of trials on disputed claims

Appeals to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court

Emergency 19(b) petitions to force immediate medical care

Section 19(h) petitions to change treating physicians

Section 8(a) disputes over medical treatment

Wage differential claims under Section 8(d)(1)

Permanent total disability claims under Section 8(f)

Insurance companies and their lawyers know I understand the Workers' Compensation Act inside and out. They know I've tried cases and won. They know I won't back down. That's why my clients get better settlements.

Advanced Training That Sets Me Apart

I've spent over $100,000 on advanced trial training that most lawyers never even consider:

Graduate of the world-renowned Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College - Intensive trial advocacy training

Graduate of the prestigious "The Edge" program - Advanced settlement and trial techniques

Continuous education in workers' compensation law and personal injury litigation

Member of the Chicago Bar Association - Active in the legal community

Member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) - Protecting injured workers' rights

Member of the American Association for Justice (AAFJ) - National advocacy for injury victims

Member of the Workers' Compensation Lawyers Association - Specialized focus on work injuries

Not one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have. I did it for one reason: so injured workers get the very best representation possible.

Located  Near the Workers' Compensation Commission

My office is in downtown Chicago—down the street from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. I walk to hearings. I know the arbitrators and commissioners. I've appeared in these hearing rooms hundreds of times over almost 30 years.

But I also come to you. I meet injured workers at their homes, at hospitals, at coffee shops in their neighborhoods—wherever you're comfortable. I've represented construction workers from job sites all over Chicago, warehouse workers from facilities throughout Cook County, and injured workers from every industry and neighborhood.

How I'm Different From Other Work Injury Lawyers

I Handle BOTH Workers' Comp AND Third-Party Claims

Most lawyers do one or the other. I do both. This means I can:

Maximize your total compensation by pursuing all available claims

Coordinate workers' comp and third-party cases for best results

Identify third-party defendants other lawyers miss

Handle complex cases involving multiple insurance companies

I Treat Every Client Like Family

My father was treated terribly by his workers' comp lawyers. That will NEVER happen with me. When you call my office, you get personal attention. Your calls get answered. Your questions get answered. You're not just a case number.

Proprietary Case Processing

I've developed systems that help me discover more about your case, earlier. I identify third-party claims other lawyers miss. I document injuries properly from day one. I beat the insurance company to the punch.

Only Paid When You Win

Workers' compensation cases: 20% fee (set by Illinois law)

Third-party personal injury cases: 33 1/3% (or 40% if litigation required)

I advance all costs. If we don't win, you don't pay me a penny.

Available 24/7/365

Work injuries don't happen on a schedule. That middle-of-the-night construction accident. The weekend warehouse injury. The holiday manufacturing accident. Call me anytime at (312)-500-4500.

Client Testimonials: Real Injured Workers, Real Results

Robert Martinez - Construction Worker, Back Injury

"I fell off a ladder at a construction site and hurt my back bad. The workers comp insurance company denied everything, said I wasn't really hurt. Scott fought for me and got me surgery, disability benefits, and then went after the general contractor for not providing a safe ladder. He got me over $400,000 total. He changed my life."

Jennifer Thompson - Warehouse Worker, Shoulder Injury

"I hurt my shoulder at work from lifting. My employer made me see their company doctor who said I was fine and sent me back to work. Scott got me to a real doctor who found I needed surgery. He fought the insurance company every step and got me paid while I recovered. I'm grateful every day."

Michael Johnson - Factory Worker, Amputation

"I lost three fingers in a machine accident. Scott not only got my workers comp benefits, but he found out the machine was defective. He sued the manufacturer and got me a settlement that lets me support my family even though I can't do the same work anymore. He's a fighter."

David Rodriguez - Delivery Driver, Back Injury from Crash

"I was delivering packages when a drunk driver hit me. I didn't know I could sue the other driver since I was working. Scott explained I had both workers comp and a personal injury case. He handled both and got me over $600,000. Without him, I would have only gotten a fraction of that."

Sarah Williams - Nurse, Back Injury from Patient Lifting

"After 15 years as a nurse, my back gave out from lifting patients. The hospital's insurance company fought my claim, said it wasn't work-related. Scott proved my injury was from years of patient care. He got me permanent disability benefits and a wage differential because I can't do floor nursing anymore."

These testimonials are real, written in my clients' own words, on file at my office. I build relationships with injured workers. I fight for them like family. That's why they refer their friends and family members to me.

Understanding the Workers' Compensation Case Process

Most injured workers have never dealt with workers' compensation before. The system is confusing, insurance companies are intimidating, and you're worried about your job, your health, and your family. Let me walk you through exactly what happens.

Step 1: Immediate Actions After Your Work Injury

Report the injury immediately - Tell your supervisor or employer within 45 days (preferably in writing). Keep a copy of your report.

Seek medical treatment - Get medical care right away. If it's an emergency, go to the ER. For non-emergencies, tell your employer you need treatment.

Don't give recorded statements to insurance adjusters - Be polite but say you need to speak with a lawyer first.

Document everything - Photos of the injury, accident scene, equipment involved, witnesses present.

Call me at (312)-500-4500 - The sooner I get involved, the better I can protect your rights. My consultation is free.

Step 2: Choosing Your Doctor (CRITICAL)

The insurance company will try to send you to their "company doctor." You must attend the exam (it's required), but YOU have the right to choose your own treating physician.

I can refer you to:

Doctors who actually care about helping you recover

Orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, neurologists

Physical therapists and rehabilitation facilities

Doctors who won't minimize your injuries

Doctors who will properly document your condition

This decision alone can be worth tens of thousands of dollars to your case.

Step 3: Filing Your Workers' Compensation Claim

I file your Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. This starts the official process.

The claim includes:

Your employer and insurance information

Description of how the injury occurred

Nature and extent of your injuries

Medical treatment received

Lost time from work

The insurance company has 30 days to respond:

Accept the claim and pay benefits (rare)

Deny the claim entirely (common)

Accept some parts, deny others (very common)

Step 4: Emergency Relief When Necessary

If the insurance company denies benefits or medical treatment you need urgently:

Section 19(b) Petition:

I can file an emergency petition to force the insurance company to pay for medical treatment, including surgery, while the case is pending. We get a hearing within weeks.

Section 19(h) Petition:

If you're stuck with a company doctor who won't properly treat you, I file to change your treating physician to a doctor who will actually help you.

Step 5: Medical Treatment and Documentation

Your doctor provides treatment and documents your:

Diagnoses

Treatment plan

Work restrictions

Disability ratings

Permanency evaluations

Prognosis and future medical needs

I stay in constant contact with your medical providers and obtain all records and reports needed to prove your case.

Step 6: Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

When your doctor says you've recovered as much as you're going to, you've reached MMI. At this point:

Your doctor assigns a permanency rating (if applicable)

We can fully evaluate your claim's value

We know your work restrictions

We can calculate permanent disability benefits

Step 7: Settlement Negotiations

I prepare a comprehensive settlement demand showing:

All medical expenses

All lost wages (TTD benefits)

Permanent disability rating and benefits owed

Future medical needs

Wage differential if you can't return to same work

Third-party claim potential

The insurance company responds with:

A counter-offer (usually much lower)

More medical evaluations (trying to reduce your rating)

Surveillance (trying to catch you doing activities they claim you can't do)

I negotiate back and forth, fighting for every dollar you deserve.

Step 8: Arbitration Hearing (If No Settlement)

If we can't reach a fair settlement, we go to arbitration before a workers' compensation arbitrator. This is like a trial but less formal.

At arbitration:

Your medical records are admitted as evidence

You testify about your injury and how it affects your life

Your doctor's reports are submitted

The insurance company may present their doctor's reports

I argue why you deserve full benefits

The arbitrator issues a written decision (usually 4-6 weeks after hearing)

I've handled hundreds of arbitration hearings. I know the arbitrators. I know what evidence wins cases. I know how to present your claim effectively.

Step 9: Appeals (If Necessary)

If we disagree with the arbitrator's decision, I can appeal to:

Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (three-commissioner panel review)

Illinois Appellate Court (if Commission decision is unfavorable)

I've handled appeals at both levels and won significant reversals for injured workers.

Step 10: Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

While your workers' comp case proceeds, I simultaneously investigate potential third-party claims:

Defective equipment manufacturers

Negligent subcontractors on construction sites

At-fault drivers if injured in work-related vehicle accident

Negligent property owners where you were injured

Third-party claims follow the same process as any personal injury case—investigation, demand, negotiation, lawsuit if necessary, potential trial.

Timeline Expectations:

Simple accepted claims: 6-12 months to final settlement

Disputed claims: 12-24 months through arbitration

Complex claims with appeals: 24-36 months

Third-party claims: 12-36 months depending on complexity

I always push cases forward as quickly as possible, but I never rush you to settle for less than you deserve.

Types of Benefits Available Under Illinois Workers' Compensation Law

Illinois workers' compensation provides multiple types of benefits. Most injured workers don't know everything they're entitled to. Insurance companies hope you won't ask. Let me break down EVERY benefit available to you.

Medical Benefits (Section 8(a))

You're entitled to:

All reasonable and necessary medical treatment

Emergency room visits

Hospital stays and surgeries

Orthopedic care, pain management, physical therapy

Prescription medications

Medical equipment (braces, crutches, wheelchairs, prosthetics)

Home health care if needed

Mileage reimbursement to medical appointments (current federal rate)

Key points:

Medical benefits have NO cap or time limit

You choose your treating physician (not the insurance company)

Pre-approval is NOT required for treatment your doctor recommends

If insurance denies treatment, I file a Section 19(b) petition to force payment

Temporary Total Disability - TTD (Section 8(b))

If you're completely unable to work while recovering:

2/3 of your average weekly wage (AWW)

Tax-free benefits

Payments continue until you return to work or reach MMI

No waiting period if off work more than 3 days

Retroactive to day 1 if off work more than 14 days

Example: If you earn $900/week, your TTD rate is $600/week (2/3 x $900).

Temporary Partial Disability - TPD (Section 8(a))

If you return to light duty work at reduced wages:

2/3 of the difference between your old wages and new wages

Encourages return to work while protecting your income

Example: You earned $900/week. You return to light duty earning $500/week. You receive $267/week TPD (2/3 x $400 difference).

Permanent Partial Disability - PPD (Sections 8(d), 8(e))

When you have permanent limitations or loss of use of a body part:

Scheduled Loss Awards - Section 8(e):

For specific body parts with set number of weeks:

Hand: 205 weeks

Arm: 253 weeks

Foot: 167 weeks

Leg: 215 weeks

Eye: 162 weeks

Thumb: 76 weeks

Other fingers, toes: varies

Calculation: Percentage of loss x weeks for body part x 60% of your AWW

Example: 30% loss of use of hand = 30% x 205 weeks x 60% of $900/week = $33,210

Whole Person Awards - Section 8(d)(2):

For injuries to the back, neck, or other non-scheduled body parts:

Based on percentage of whole person disability

Doctor assigns disability rating using AMA Guidelines

Payment amount depends on age and disability percentage

Can be worth $50,000 to $200,000+ for serious injuries

Man-as-a-Whole Awards:

For injuries affecting multiple body parts or your overall condition:

More comprehensive evaluation

Can result in higher compensation

Requires experienced medical evaluation

Permanent Total Disability - PTD (Section 8(f))

If you can NEVER work again due to your injuries:

2/3 of your average weekly wage

For the rest of your life

Subject to maximum weekly rate (changes annually)

Must prove inability to perform ANY gainful employment

PTD is worth millions over a lifetime: If you're 40 years old earning $900/week and awarded PTD, that's $600/week for life—potentially $1.5+ million in lifetime benefits.

Qualifying for PTD is difficult but possible with:

Severe spinal cord injuries/paralysis

Traumatic brain injuries

Loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs, or eyes

Other catastrophic injuries preventing all work

Strong medical evidence and vocational analysis

I've won PTD awards for workers insurance companies said didn't qualify. It requires aggressive advocacy and thorough preparation.

Wage Differential - Disfigurement (Section 8(d)(1))

If you return to work but can't earn what you used to:

2/3 of the wage difference

Payable for the rest of your working life

Must prove inability to earn pre-injury wages due to work restrictions

Example: You earned $50,000/year. Due to work restrictions, you can now only earn $30,000/year. You're entitled to 2/3 x $20,000 = $13,333/year for your remaining working life.

At age 40 with 25 years left in workforce: $13,333 x 25 years = $333,325 in wage differential benefits.

This benefit is HUGE and insurance companies fight it hard. They'll argue you could earn more if you tried harder, that jobs are available, that your restrictions aren't that limiting. I fight back with vocational experts, labor market surveys, and proof of your actual limitations.

Disfigurement Benefits (Section 8(c))

For permanent, serious disfigurement to areas normally exposed:

Face, head, neck, hands, arms below elbow

Separate from other disability benefits

Up to 162 weeks of compensation

Based on severity and prominence of scarring

Amount depends on:

Location and size of scarring

Visibility of disfigurement

Impact on appearance

Your age and occupation

Vocational Rehabilitation (Section 8(a))

If you can't return to your old job:

Job retraining and education

Job placement assistance

Testing and evaluation

Modified work trial periods

Insurance companies must pay for:

Reasonable and necessary retraining

Community college courses or trade school

Certification programs

Books and materials

Death Benefits (Section 7)

If a work injury causes death:

Spouse receives: 2/3 of deceased's AWW until remarriage, then lump sum

Children receive: Benefits until age 18 (or 23 if full-time student)

Burial expenses: Up to $8,000

Dependency benefits: for other dependents in some cases

Wrongful death lawsuits: Families may also have wrongful death claims against third parties who caused the fatal injury.

Comprehensive FAQ: Your Work Injury Questions Answered

Areas We Serve Throughout Chicago and Cook County

I proudly represent injured workers throughout Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. No matter where you work or where your injury occurred, I'm here to fight for you.

Chicago Neighborhoods We Serve:

Downtown and Loop Area

North Side: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Uptown, Rogers Park, Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Edgewater

South Side: Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Bridgeport, Beverly, South Shore, Woodlawn, Englewood, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, Roseland, Pullman

West Side: Pilsen, Little Village, Austin, Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, West Town

Near North: River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Old Town

Near South: Chinatown, Printer's Row, South Loop, Bronzeville

Common Construction Sites:

Downtown high-rise construction

O'Hare Airport expansion and maintenance

Midway Airport projects

CTA rail and station construction

IDOT highway construction throughout Cook County

Commercial developments in suburbs

Residential construction across all neighborhoods

Major Industrial Areas:

Bridgeport industrial corridor

Back of the Yards warehouse district

South Side manufacturing facilities

Western Avenue industrial areas

Elston Avenue industrial corridor

Goose Island industrial area

Cook County Suburbs:

North Suburbs: Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood

Northwest Suburbs: Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood

West Suburbs: Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Maywood, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Westchester

Southwest Suburbs: Burbank, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Hills, Palos Heights

South Suburbs: Blue Island, Calumet City, Dolton, Harvey, Markham, South Holland, Lansing, Riverdale, Calumet Park

Other Counties:

I also represent injured workers in:

DuPage County: Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lombard, Carol Stream

Lake County: Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee, Mundelein, Vernon Hills

Will County: Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield

Kane County: Aurora, Elgin, St. Charles, Batavia

Industries I Represent Throughout the Area:

Construction and building trades

Manufacturing and industrial

Warehousing and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.)

Healthcare (hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare)

Transportation and delivery

Hospitality and restaurants

Retail and service industries

Municipal workers and government employees

Get the Help You Deserve After Your Work Injury

Look, if you've been injured at work, you're facing one of the most stressful situations of your life. You're hurt. You can't work. Medical bills are piling up. Your family is worried. And the insurance company is making everything harder instead of helping.

I know exactly what you're going through. My father was catastrophically injured at work when I was nine years old. I watched our family struggle for 17 years while workers' compensation insurance and lawyers failed us. That's why I became a work injury lawyer—to make sure no worker goes through what my father did.

Here's my promise: no money out of pocket. Zero. I only get paid when YOU get paid. If we don't win, you don't owe me a penny.

I advance all costs—medical records, expert witnesses, court costs, everything. You never pay out of pocket.

Here's How to Get Started:

It's easy and zero pressure. I never chase clients. I never hustle and harass people. We talk like friends.

Step 1: Call me at (312)-500-4500 anytime—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Step 2: I listen to what happened and answer your questions about workers' comp and your rights

Step 3: I tell you honestly what I can do for you and whether you have a third-party claim in addition to workers' comp

Step 4: You decide if you want to hire me—your choice, no pressure

Step 5: If you hire me, I immediately start protecting your rights, getting you medical care, and fighting the insurance company

Even if you decide not to hire me, we'll end up as friends. Sound good?

Why You Need to Call NOW

The clock is ticking:

45 days to notify your employer (preferably in writing)

3 years statute of limitations to file workers' comp claim

2 years statute of limitations for third-party personal injury claims

Plus:

Evidence disappears (accident scenes get cleaned up, witnesses forget)

Insurance companies are already building a case against you

Delayed reporting gives them ammunition to deny your claim

The sooner I'm involved, the better I can protect your rights

Every day you wait, your case gets weaker.

Remember My Promise:

Workers' Comp Cases: 20% fee (Illinois law)

Third-Party Cases: 33 1/3% (or 40% if litigation)

No money out of pocket. No fee until we win. Available 24/7/365.

Call Work Injury Attorney Scott DeSalvo today at (312)-500-4500.

I'm located in Oak Brook, Illinois and in downtown Chicago—right down the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. But I can come to you. I meet injured workers at their homes, hospitals, or anywhere convenient.

I look forward to hearing from you and fighting for every dollar you deserve under Illinois workers' compensation law—and beyond.

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