I'll never forget the call I received from a construction worker in Oak Park whose life changed in an instant when scaffolding collapsed at a renovation site on Lake Street. He was a father of two young kids with a stay-at-home wife, and a fall from two stories had left him with multiple fractures, a herniated disc, and the very real fear that he'd never be able to return to the physically demanding work that had supported his family for over a decade. When he tried to file a workers' compensation claim, his employer's insurance company immediately started questioning whether his injuries were as serious as he claimed and suggested he could return to "light duty" within weeks.
As an Oak Park IL workers comp lawyer, I've seen this scenario play out far too often. You've been injured on the job—whether it's at a construction site, in one of Oak Park's many retail businesses along Madison Street, at a restaurant, in a warehouse near the Eisenhower, or at any other workplace—and suddenly everything feels uncertain. You're in pain, worried about medical bills, and concerned about how you'll support your family while you can't work. Meanwhile, the insurance company that's supposed to help you seems more interested in denying or minimizing your claim.
For almost 30 years, I've fought for injured workers throughout Cook County and the surrounding areas. Whether you're in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, or Berwyn, you deserve an attorney who understands Illinois workers' compensation law and will fight to get you every benefit you're entitled to. Here's my promise: no money out of pocket, and no fee until we win your case. I also offer free consultations 24/7/365—because workplace injuries don't happen on a convenient schedule, and you shouldn't have to wait for business hours to get legal help.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide benefits to employees injured on the job. In theory, it's supposed to be straightforward—you get hurt at work, you file a claim, and you receive medical care and wage replacement. In reality, the system is complex, and insurance companies routinely deny valid claims or try to minimize what they pay.
If you've been injured at work in Oak Park, Illinois workers' compensation should provide several types of benefits. Medical expenses cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment. You shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket for medical care related to your work injury.
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits replace a portion of your lost wages while you're unable to work during recovery. You're entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state-mandated maximums. These benefits continue until you're released to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits compensate you if your injury results in permanent limitations or loss of function, even if you can return to some type of work. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits apply if your injuries are so severe that you can't return to any type of gainful employment.
Vocational rehabilitation services help you retrain for different work if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. Death benefits are available to surviving family members if a workplace injury results in death.
Oak Park's diverse economy means workplace injuries occur in many different settings. Construction injuries are common given the ongoing renovation and development work throughout the village—falls from heights, injuries from falling objects, power tool accidents, and scaffolding collapses. I've represented workers injured at job sites throughout Oak Park's residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Repetitive stress injuries affect workers in offices, retail stores, and other settings where the same motions are performed repeatedly. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back injuries from lifting develop gradually over time but can be just as disabling as sudden traumatic injuries.
Slip and fall accidents happen in restaurants, retail stores, warehouses, and other workplaces, often resulting in broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries. Vehicle accidents involving delivery drivers, truck drivers, sales representatives, and others who drive for work are covered by workers' compensation.
Exposure injuries include breathing problems from toxic fumes, chemical burns, or illnesses from long-term exposure to hazardous substances. Assault and violence injuries can occur in retail settings, healthcare facilities, or any workplace where employees interact with the public.
Despite Illinois law requiring employers to provide workers' compensation coverage, insurance companies frequently deny valid claims or make it difficult for injured workers to receive the benefits they're entitled to.
Insurance companies often dispute whether the injury is work-related, especially with repetitive stress injuries or conditions that develop over time. They may argue the injury occurred outside of work or is due to a pre-existing condition rather than workplace activity.
They commonly question the severity of injuries, sending injured workers to "independent medical examinations" conducted by doctors who work regularly for insurance companies and have a financial incentive to downplay injuries. These doctors often conclude that injuries are less serious than your treating physician says, or that you can return to work sooner than medically appropriate.
Insurance companies may claim you waited too long to report the injury, even though Illinois law gives workers 45 days to provide notice. They use any delay in reporting to argue the injury isn't work-related or isn't as serious as claimed.
They may offer early settlements that sound good but are actually far less than what your claim is worth, especially if you're still treating and the full extent of your injuries isn't yet known. Once you settle, you can't go back for more money later, even if your condition worsens.
Navigating Illinois workers' compensation system while you're injured and worried about your family's finances is overwhelming. That's where I come in.
I handle all aspects of filing your workers' compensation claim, ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time. I communicate with your employer's insurance company so you don't have to deal with their tactics and pressure. I make sure you're getting all the medical treatment you need and that bills are being paid as they should be.
If your claim has been denied, I investigate why and build the case to overturn that denial. I gather medical evidence, witness statements, employment records, and any other documentation needed to prove your injury is work-related and compensable. I've successfully overturned countless claim denials and recovered benefits for workers who were initially told they weren't entitled to anything.
When the insurance company sends you to their doctor, I prepare you for what to expect and ensure the examination is fair. If the insurance doctor's opinion doesn't match your actual condition, I work with your treating physicians to challenge those findings with solid medical evidence.
If settlement is appropriate, I negotiate to get you the maximum amount possible. This includes not just current medical expenses and lost wages, but future medical needs and permanent disability. I make sure you understand exactly what you're agreeing to before you sign anything.
If your case goes before an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, I represent you throughout the process. I present evidence, examine witnesses, cross-examine the insurance company's witnesses, and argue your case effectively. My almost 30 years of experience means I know how to win these hearings.
In some cases, someone other than your employer may be liable for your workplace injury. For example, if you're injured in a work-related car accident caused by another driver, you may have both a workers' compensation claim against your employer and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
If you're injured by defective equipment or machinery, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. If you're working at a construction site and are injured due to another contractor's negligence, you may have a claim against that contractor.
These third-party claims can provide compensation beyond what workers' compensation offers, including full lost wages (not just two-thirds), pain and suffering, and other damages not available through workers' comp. I evaluate every case to determine whether additional claims exist beyond the workers' compensation claim.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
If you've been injured at work, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your claim. Report the injury to your supervisor or employer immediately—Illinois law requires notice within 45 days, but sooner is always better. Get it in writing if possible, or at least send a follow-up email documenting that you reported it.
Seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor. Tell the doctor exactly how the injury happened and that it occurred at work. Be honest about your symptoms and limitations—downplaying your injuries to seem tough can hurt your claim later.
Keep detailed records of everything—medical appointments, prescriptions, how your injury affects your daily activities, any communications with your employer or their insurance company, and all expenses related to your injury.
Don't give recorded statements to the insurance company without talking to an Oak Park IL workers comp lawyer first. Insurance adjusters will use these statements to find reasons to deny or minimize your claim.
Most importantly, contact me as soon as possible. The sooner I get involved, the better I can protect your rights and build a strong case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately—you need someone on your side doing the same.
I've spent almost 30 years fighting for injured workers because I believe working people deserve someone who will stand up to powerful insurance companies on their behalf. When you're hurt on the job, you're facing a system that's designed to minimize what you receive—you need someone who knows how to navigate that system and win.
My experience with Illinois workers' compensation law means I understand the statutes, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission procedures, and the tactics insurance companies use. I've handled hundreds of workers' comp cases and know how to maximize benefits for injured workers.
You don't pay me anything unless we win your case. No money out of pocket, no upfront fees—I only get paid when you do. This means I take on all the financial risk of handling your case, and I'm as motivated as you are to win.
I'm available 24/7/365 because workplace injuries can happen any time, and you shouldn't have to wait to get legal help. Whether it's a Saturday morning or a Tuesday night, if you've been hurt at work and need guidance, I'm here.
I know Oak Park and the surrounding communities because I've worked with injured workers throughout Cook County for decades. Whether you work near Oak Park Avenue, along the Eisenhower corridor, or anywhere else in the area, I understand the local employers, the courts, and how to win these cases.
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