I understand the hesitation. You are already dealing with an injury and lost income. The idea of giving twenty percent of your settlement to a lawyer feels like one more thing working against you. But let me show you why the math actually works in your favor.
Studies consistently show that injured workers who are represented by attorneys receive significantly higher settlements than those who represent themselves. The insurance industry's own data supports this. When an unrepresented worker settles a case, the average payout is substantially lower than when a lawyer is involved. The twenty percent fee does not reduce your net recovery. It increases it, because the total settlement is larger, often dramatically larger, than what you would have gotten on your own.
Here is a real-world example. A worker hurts his shoulder on the job. The insurance company offers to settle the permanent partial disability claim for twelve thousand dollars. The worker thinks that sounds reasonable and is tempted to take it. He calls me instead. I review the medical records, get a proper impairment rating from his treating physician, and determine that the injury warrants a settlement in the range of forty to fifty thousand dollars based on the applicable body part, the percentage of impairment, and his average weekly wage. We settle for forty-five thousand. My fee is nine thousand. His net is thirty-six thousand. Without a lawyer, he would have taken twelve thousand. The lawyer cost him nothing. It made him twenty-four thousand dollars.
But the value goes beyond the settlement number. A workers comp lawyer prevents the insurance company from terminating your benefits prematurely. When the insurer sends you to an IME and the doctor clears you for full duty while you are still in pain, a lawyer knows how to challenge that finding and keep your temporary total disability benefits flowing. Without representation, most workers do not know how to fight a benefit cutoff, and the insurance company counts on that.
A lawyer handles the paperwork and the deadlines so you can focus on getting better. Workers comp cases involve filing requirements, hearing dates, medical evidence submissions, and negotiation with experienced insurance adjusters. Missing a deadline or filing the wrong form can damage your case. These are not things you should be worrying about while you are recovering from an injury.
A lawyer also identifies benefits you did not know existed. Vocational rehabilitation, maintenance benefits during retraining, penalties for late payment of benefits, medical fee disputes, second opinion rights. The workers comp system in Illinois has layers that are not obvious to someone going through it for the first time. An experienced lawyer knows where the additional money is and how to get it.
The twenty percent fee is set by Illinois statute. It is the same whether you hire me or any other workers comp attorney. The difference is experience, results, and accessibility. I have handled close to a thousand of these cases. I know what the insurance companies are going to do before they do it. And I do not charge a dime unless you get paid.
Call me at 312-500-4500. Free consultation. Zero risk.
You might be tempted to handle your work injury claim alone, especially if it seems straightforward. You might also be worried and wondering about what does a workers comp lawyer cost in Illinois. However, the workers compensation system is complex, and insurance companies have experienced lawyers protecting their interests.
If your injury is minor and everything goes smoothly, you may not need legal representation. Cases that typically don't require an attorney include:
For example, if you suffered a minor back strain, saw a doctor once, returned to work immediately, and all bills were paid, you might not need legal help.
You should contact a workers comp lawyer immediately if:
Your Claim Is Denied or Disputed: Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons—some legitimate, others not. They might claim your injury wasn't work-related, that you missed a deadline, or that you weren't "on the clock" when injured. Fighting a denial requires legal expertise.
Your Permanent Disability Rating Is Contested: At the end of treatment, you may be entitled to permanent partial disability (PPD) compensation. This award depends on medical evidence and doctor testimony. An experienced attorney knows how to maximize your PPD rating through proper medical documentation and depositions.
You Can't Get Approved Medical Treatment: If the insurance company won't pre-authorize necessary medical care, many doctors won't continue treating you. An attorney can help secure treatment approvals and ensure your medical bills get paid.
You Can't Return to Your Previous Job: If your injury prevents you from performing your old job duties, or if doctors determine you're fully disabled, insurance companies may try to cut off benefits. This is when legal representation becomes essential.
You're Facing a Hearing: If the insurance company schedules a hearing before an arbitrator or the Workers Compensation Commission, you don't want to go alone. The legal procedures are technical, and mistakes can cost you benefits.
Studies consistently show that injured workers who hire attorneys receive significantly larger settlements than those who go it alone. Here's why:
Workers compensation provides more than just medical coverage. You may be entitled to:
Most injured workers don't know about all these benefits. Insurance companies certainly won't volunteer this information.
Insurance companies often initially pay benefits, then cut them off once they've put you in a difficult position. Common tactics include:
An attorney protects you from these strategies and holds insurance companies accountable.
Your workers comp lawyer will:
This allows you to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal complexities.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
The sooner you consult with a lawyer after a work injury, the better. Early legal guidance helps you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case later.
When you hire an attorney, you'll have expert guidance on questions like:
Every workers compensation attorney offers free consultations. You can discuss your case, learn about your options, and decide whether to hire representation—all at no cost and with no obligation.
During your consultation, you'll:
Remember, you only hire the attorney if you're comfortable with them. The consultation is always free, and you're not obligated to move forward.
Hiring a workers comp attorney involves virtually no financial risk. You pay nothing unless your attorney wins your case. Meanwhile, the potential reward is substantial—both in terms of higher settlements and peace of mind.
If the insurance company has lawyers protecting their interests, shouldn't you have someone protecting yours?
Check out the free guide right now or call us right now.
Workers' comp lawyers in Illinois work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. The attorney fee is 20% of your settlement, and it must be approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. If we don't win your case, you owe us nothing.
No. In Illinois workers' comp cases, the attorney fee is set at 20% and approved by the Commission. There are no hidden costs, no hourly charges, and no retainer fees. Any case-related expenses are discussed with you upfront.
Yes. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission generally approves attorney fees of 20% of the settlement or award. This percentage is the same regardless of which lawyer you hire, so the deciding factor should be the lawyer's experience and track record — not the fee.
The attorney fee typically applies to your final settlement or award, not to your ongoing weekly TTD (Temporary Total Disability) benefit checks. So while your case is pending, your TTD payments come to you without any attorney fee deducted.
No. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, if we don't recover money for you, you don't owe us anything. The risk is on us, not on you. That's why we're selective about the cases we take — we only take cases we believe in.
If you've been injured at work, don't wait to protect your rights. Contact an experienced Illinois workers compensation attorney for a free consultation. Learn what your case is worth, understand your options, and get the guidance you need to secure the benefits you deserve.
Don't sit there and wonder what does a workers comp lawyer cost in Illinois.
The call is free, the advice is valuable, and you only pay if you win. What do you have to lose? Call 312-500-4500.
Scott DeSalvo founded DeSalvo Law to help injured people throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1998, IARDC #6244452, Scott has represented over 3,000 clients in personal injury, workers compensation, and accident cases.
No Fee Unless You Win | Free Consultation | 24/7 Availability Call or Text: (312) 500-4500
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