Here's what probably happened.
You were doing your job—maybe at one of the shops along North Avenue, working at a restaurant, doing construction, handling deliveries, whatever pays the bills—and you got hurt.
Could've been a slip on a wet floor. Could've been lifting something heavy and feeling your back pop. Could've been a piece of equipment that wasn't maintained properly. Could've been another worker not paying attention. Doesn't really matter how it happened.
What matters is you're hurt, you can't work, and now you're wondering who's going to pay your bills while you're laid up.
I'm going to tell you something that might piss you off: Your employer's insurance company is already looking for ways to deny your claim. Right now. While you're sitting at home in pain, they're building a case against you.
That's just how it works. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but after representing injured workers since 1998, I know the game.
My name's Scott DeSalvo, and I'm a workers compensation lawyer. I've been doing this for over 25 years, and I've handled probably close to a thousand work injury cases from all over the Chicago area, including plenty from Elmwood Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Here's what I do: I fight to get you every dollar you're entitled to under Illinois law. And you don't pay me a cent unless I win your case. Not one penny.
You can call me right now—literally any time, day or night—and we'll talk about what happened and what we need to do next.
Fair enough?
I could give you some polished marketing story, but that's not really my style. Here's the truth.
When I was a kid—nine years old—my father got seriously injured at work. He was a truck driver, Teamster, union guy. Hard worker. Provided for our family.
One day he got hurt bad enough that he couldn't work anymore. That injury changed everything for us. We struggled. The bills piled up. And his workers comp case dragged on for 17 goddamn years.
Seventeen years of insurance companies jerking him around. Seventeen years of lawyers who didn't give a crap about him. And at the end of it all? His own attorney sued him to get more money out of his settlement.
That experience—watching what happened to my father—is why I do this work. I represent injured workers exclusively. I never, ever represent insurance companies or employers. Only the people who got hurt and need someone to fight for them.
When you hire me, you're getting someone who takes this personally. Because I've seen what happens when injured workers don't have a real advocate in their corner.
Let me tell you about the kinds of cases that come through my door from Elmwood Park.
Elmwood Park's got plenty of restaurants and food service businesses along North Avenue, Harlem, and Grand. Kitchen work and food service is more dangerous than people think:
Slip and fall accidents on greasy kitchen floors. I've seen broken wrists, shattered ankles, head injuries. Restaurants are supposed to keep floors clean and dry, but when you're slammed during dinner rush, that doesn't always happen.
Burns from grills, ovens, fryers, and hot liquids. Grease burns are nasty and can cause permanent scarring.
Cuts from knives and slicers. Sometimes minor, sometimes severe enough to cause nerve damage or loss of function.
Back injuries from lifting heavy food supplies, cases of beverages, bags of flour or rice. This stuff adds up over time.
Repetitive motion injuries from constant food prep work. Your hands, wrists, and shoulders take a beating.
Restaurant owners often pressure injured workers to keep working or to not report injuries because they're worried about their insurance rates. Don't fall for that.
The retail shops and small businesses throughout Elmwood Park create their own injury risks:
Slip and fall accidents from wet floors, especially during winter when people track in snow and ice.
Back and shoulder injuries from stocking shelves and moving inventory.
Ladder falls while reaching high shelves or changing light bulbs.
Cuts and injuries from box cutters and other tools.
Repetitive stress from cashier work—scanning items, handling heavy bags, standing on hard floors all day.
Small business owners sometimes try to convince workers not to file claims because "we're like family" or "it'll hurt the business. " Your bills don't care about that. File your claim.
With older buildings in Elmwood Park constantly being renovated and new construction going up, construction workers face serious hazards:
Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs. These can cause catastrophic injuries or death.
Power tool injuries—saws, drills, nail guns. I've represented workers who lost fingers or suffered permanent hand damage.
Back injuries from lifting materials, repetitive bending, and working in awkward positions.
Getting struck by falling materials or equipment.
Electrical injuries and burns.
Construction injuries can be complicated because there might be multiple contractors involved. You need a lawyer who understands how these cases work.
Elmwood Park workers who drive for a living—delivery drivers, route drivers, transportation workers—face unique risks:
Vehicle accidents while driving for work.
Loading and unloading injuries from lifting packages, furniture, or supplies.
Slip and fall accidents on customer properties, especially in winter.
Back and neck injuries from hours of driving and repetitive getting in and out of vehicles.
Injuries from defective equipment like hand trucks or dollies.
Driver injuries can get tricky with workers comp versus regular auto insurance. You really need someone who knows how to navigate this.
H3: Office and Professional Injuries
Even office workers in Elmwood Park's business district get hurt:
Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries from typing and computer work.
Back and neck injuries from poor ergonomics and sitting all day.
Slip and fall accidents in parking lots, stairways, or bathrooms.
Injuries from defective office furniture or equipment.
Office injuries don't get taken as seriously as they should, but chronic pain from repetitive stress can be just as debilitating as more dramatic injuries.
After 25 years fighting these insurance companies, I've seen all their tricks. Here's what they do.
The Recorded Statement Trap
They'll call you right after your injury, acting all friendly and concerned. "We just need to get your statement about what happened." Sounds reasonable, right?
Wrong. That recorded statement is a trap. They're looking for anything you say that they can twist to deny your claim. "I wasn't paying attention for a second" becomes "He admits he was negligent." "My back's been a little sore lately" becomes "Pre-existing condition."
Don't give them a recorded statement without talking to me first. Seriously.
The Delay Tactic
Insurance companies figured out decades ago that desperate people accept bad settlements. So they drag things out. They "need more information." They're "reviewing your file." They're "waiting for records."
Meanwhile, you're not getting paid. Bills are stacking up. Rent's due. You need groceries.
Then they offer you $3,000 to settle when your case is worth $30,000. And because you're broke, you might take it.
That's why I exist. To push these cases forward and make sure you don't get taken advantage of when you're vulnerable.
The Pre-Existing Condition Lie
Here's their favorite scam: "Your injury was pre-existing. "
Even if you've never had a problem with that body part in your entire life, they'll claim it. They'll dig through your medical records looking for anything—anything at all—they can point to.
Got a sports injury in high school 20 years ago? Pre-existing. Mentioned back stiffness at a physical once? Pre-existing.
But here's what they don't tell you: Illinois law says that even if you had a pre-existing condition, if work made it worse, you still have a valid claim. And I've won those cases over and over.
The Company Doctor Scheme
They'll send you to "their" doctor for an examination. This doctor is being paid by the insurance company—hundreds of dollars per exam—and guess what they always say?
"Nothing wrong with him. He can go back to work."
Even when you can barely stand. Even when your own doctor says you need surgery. The insurance company doctor magically finds nothing wrong.
I know which doctors the insurance companies use in this area. I know their histories. And I know how to fight their bogus reports.
The Pressure to Settle Fast
When you're injured and broke, any money sounds good. They know this. So they offer you a quick settlement—way less than what you deserve—and pressure you to sign fast before you have time to think about it or talk to a lawyer.
Once you sign, you're done. You can't come back later when you realize your injury is worse than you thought.
Never sign anything without showing it to me first. Ever.
Most Elmwood Park workers have no clue what they're actually entitled to under workers compensation law. Let me educate you.
Every medical expense related to your work injury should be covered. And I mean everything:
Emergency room visits
Hospital stays
Surgery and anesthesia
Doctor appointments (and you get to choose your own doctor)
Physical therapy
Medications
Medical equipment like crutches or braces
Diagnostic tests—X-rays, MRIs, CT scans
Mileage reimbursement for driving to appointments
No co-pays. No deductibles. 100% covered by workers comp insurance.
If they're refusing to pay for treatment your doctor says you need, call me. That's illegal and we can fix it.
If your doctor takes you completely off work, you get temporary total disability benefits—TTD for short. That's two-thirds of your average weekly wage, paid every week until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
These checks are supposed to start within 14 days of your injury being reported. If they don't, the insurance company owes you penalties.
A lot of workers wait months for their first check because they don't know any better. That's illegal. I can get that fixed immediately.
When you're done with treatment but you still have permanent problems—chronic pain, limited range of motion, can't lift as much as before—you're entitled to permanent partial disability benefits.
The amount depends on what body part was injured and the severity of your permanent restrictions. This is where having a good lawyer really matters because I fight to maximize your disability rating, which directly affects your settlement amount.
For catastrophic injuries that prevent you from ever working again, permanent total disability can provide compensation for the rest of your life.
Can't do your old job anymore because of your restrictions? You might be entitled to vocational rehabilitation or retraining benefits.
And if you have to take a lower-paying job because of your limitations, we can fight to get you "wage differential" benefits—compensation for the difference between what you used to make and what you can make now. Over the course of your working life, that can add up to serious money.
If your injury left you with serious scarring or disfigurement, you can receive additional compensation for that under Illinois law.
I've been handling workers comp cases in Elmwood Park and the surrounding communities since the late 90s. That experience matters.
I Know the Local Employers
I've handled cases involving businesses all over Elmwood Park—restaurants on North Avenue, retail shops, construction companies, medical offices, you name it. I know which employers fight every claim and which ones are reasonable.
I Work With Local Medical Providers
I've built relationships with doctors and specialists in the area who understand workers comp cases and provide solid medical documentation. This matters more than you might think—good medical documentation is often the difference between winning and losing.
I Understand Elmwood Park Industry Patterns
After handling hundreds of cases from this area, I understand the common injury patterns and risks specific to Elmwood Park's business mix. That helps me build stronger cases faster.
The Commission Arbitrators Know Me
I appear before the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission regularly. I'm not some lawyer who avoids hearings. The arbitrators know me, know I come prepared, and know I don't file frivolous claims. That professional credibility benefits my clients.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
Time matters in workers comp cases. Don't wait. Here's your action plan.
Step One: Report Your Injury Immediately
Tell your supervisor or manager right away. Even if you think it's minor. Even if you're worried about getting in trouble. Report it and get it documented in writing.
Illinois law requires you to report workplace injuries within 45 days, but waiting that long can hurt your case. Do it now.
Step Two: Get Medical Treatment
See a doctor as soon as possible. Emergency room if it's serious. Otherwise, see your regular doctor or a specialist. Don't "wait and see if it gets better." You need medical documentation from day one.
Step Three: Document Everything You Can
If it's safe to do so, take photos of where the accident happened. Take photos of any dangerous conditions or defective equipment. Write down exactly what happened while it's fresh in your memory. Get names and contact information of anyone who witnessed it.
Step Four: Don't Sign Anything
The insurance company will send you forms. Don't sign them without showing them to me first. Seriously. Some of those forms can screw up your case if you sign them.
Step Five: Call Me
Pick up the phone and call me at (312) 500-4500. I'm available 24/7—yes, literally. Middle of the night, weekend, holiday, doesn't matter. If you're hurt and worried, I'm available.
The sooner I get involved, the better I can protect your rights and build your case.
You can. Here's how it works.
You pay me exactly nothing upfront. No retainer. No consultation fee. Zero dollars.
I work on contingency, which means I only get paid if I win your case. My fee comes out of your settlement or award. If we lose, you owe me nothing.
For workers comp cases, Illinois law sets the attorney fee at 20%. That's standard across the board—every workers comp lawyer in the state charges the same rate by law.
I even advance all the case costs—filing fees, medical record fees, expert witness fees, everything. You never pay a dime out of pocket.
So you literally cannot afford NOT to hire a lawyer. The insurance company has a team of lawyers protecting their money. You need someone protecting yours.
H2: Pre-Existing Conditions Don't Disqualify You
This stops so many people from even calling a lawyer. They think, "Well, I hurt my back a few years ago, so I probably can't file a claim."
That's wrong.
Illinois workers compensation law is clear: If your work injury aggravated, worsened, or accelerated a pre-existing condition, you still have a valid claim.
I've won substantial settlements for workers with prior back problems, old shoulder injuries, previous knee surgeries—all kinds of pre-existing conditions.
The key is being honest about it from the beginning. Don't hide it. The insurance company will find out through medical records anyway, and if you lied about it, your credibility is destroyed.
But if we're upfront about the pre-existing condition and prove that work made it significantly worse, we win. I've done it hundreds of times.
Legally? No. It's illegal under both Illinois and federal law for your employer to fire you or retaliate against you for filing a workers compensation claim.
In reality? Some employers do it anyway. They just make up a different reason—poor performance, attitude problems, "not a good fit"—to cover their tracks.
If you believe you've been fired because you filed a workers comp claim, call me immediately. These are called "retaliatory discharge" cases, and I handle them. They're harder to prove than straight workers comp cases, but they're absolutely winnable with the right evidence.
There are a lot of workers comp lawyers out there. Here's why I'm different.
I've Had Elite Training Most Lawyers Never Get
I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College—one of the most prestigious trial training programs in the country. I've also completed "The Edge" program. Combined, I've invested over $100,000 and thousands of hours learning from the best trial attorneys in America.
Why does this matter to you? Because insurance companies know when they're up against a real trial lawyer. They settle better with lawyers they respect.
I Actually Try Cases
I've had more than 30 jury trials and hundreds of workers comp hearings before the Commission. Most lawyers retire without half that trial experience.
When insurance companies see my name on a case, they know I'm not bluffing about going to trial if their offer isn't fair.
I Treat Clients Like Human Beings
You're not a file number. You're not just another case. When you call, I call you back. When you have questions, I answer them. When you're worried, I listen.
That's just basic respect, but you'd be surprised how many lawyers don't do it.
Three Principles That Guide Everything I Do
1. Treat every injured worker like family - with honesty, respect, and genuine care about what happens to you.
2. World-class legal skills - I've invested heavily in my training and education to give you every possible advantage.
3. Systems that get results faster - I've developed proprietary case management processes that help me build stronger cases and get better settlements in less time.
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
I'm not going to lie to you. Some cases settle fast, some take a while.
Quick cases—straightforward injury, full recovery, reasonable insurance company—might settle in a few months.
Typical cases take 6-12 months from injury to settlement. You need time to complete medical treatment and understand the full extent of your permanent limitations.
Complex cases—denied claims, serious injuries, hearings before the Commission—can take 1-2 years or longer.
I push every case as hard as I can. I don't make money sitting around waiting, and neither do you. But I'll never pressure you to accept a bad settlement just to close a case quickly.
Your long-term wellbeing is more important than my short-term paycheck.
I represented a restaurant worker from Elmwood Park who slipped on a greasy kitchen floor and shattered her ankle. She needed surgery and months of physical therapy.
Her employer—a small restaurant owner she'd worked for for years—pressured her not to file a workers comp claim. "We're like family," he told her. "This will hurt my insurance rates. Can't you just use your health insurance?"
She called me after waiting three weeks and getting no help with her medical bills. By then, she'd maxed out her credit cards paying for treatment.
I filed her claim immediately. Fought the insurance company's denial. Got her surgery approved and all her medical bills covered. Got her every penny of lost wages she was owed. And won her a solid settlement for her permanent ankle problems.
She needed that money. She has kids to feed. Rent to pay. The "we're family" restaurant owner wasn't helping her with any of that.
That's why you file your claim and get a lawyer. Because when push comes to shove, you need someone actually looking out for you.
Can't tell you without knowing way more about your specific situation. Your injury, your medical treatment, your recovery, your wage loss, your permanent restrictions—all of that factors in. Anyone who gives you a number on a phone call before knowing anything is lying.
"I already talked to the insurance company. Did I screw up my case?"
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on what you said. Call me and let's figure out where we stand and whether we can fix it.
"Can I pick my own doctor? "
Yes. Under Illinois law, you have the right to choose your treating physician. The insurance company might require you to see their doctor for an exam, but you don't have to use that doctor for actual treatment.
"Can I switch lawyers if I already have one? "
Absolutely. If your current lawyer isn't returning your calls, isn't pushing your case, or you just don't trust them—fire them and hire me. I'll work out the fee arrangement with your old lawyer. You pay the same amount either way.
"What if I don't have health insurance? "
We'll figure it out. Doctors can file medical liens, agreeing to wait for payment until your workers comp case settles. Plus, workers comp insurance should be covering your treatment anyway.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
My office is at 1000 Jorie Blvd, Ste 204, Oak Brook, IL 60523 .
But I also meet clients wherever is convenient for them.
While this page focuses on Elmwood Park, I handle workers comp cases throughout the surrounding communities:
River Grove, Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Northlake, Bellwood, River Forest, Oak Park, Maywood, Schiller Park, Stone Park—basically anywhere in this part of Cook County where workers are getting hurt on the job.
You got hurt doing your job. It's not your fault. You were working—cooking, serving customers, making deliveries, doing construction, whatever—and something went wrong.
Now you're injured, scared about money, and the insurance company is looking for ways to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible.
You need help. Real help from someone who's been fighting these insurance companies for over 25 years and knows how to win.
Call me right now: (312) 500-4500
No fee unless we win. Available 24/7. Free consultation.
I'm Scott DeSalvo. I've dedicated my entire legal career to representing injured workers. Let me fight for you.
Stop worrying about this alone. Pick up the phone. Call me. Let's talk about what happened and how we're going to fix this.
I'm here. Call me now.
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Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
Fax: 1 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
