Workplace Injuries Are a Societal Equalizer: No One is Immune

Workplace injuries are frequently associated with construction jobs or careers which utilize heavy equipment. However, it is a common misconception that only these employment opportunities are subject to workplace injuries. While employee injuries can be caused by heavy equipment, it is far more likely for the injuries themselves to have more mundane causes.

Frequency of Workplace Injuries

According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in Illinois, transportation and warehousing industries accounted for the most occupational fatalities in Illinois in 2012 at 22.1%. Following them were manufacturing and construction with 11.7% and 11% respectively. Transportation incidents were actually the leading cause of death across all of the sectors at 35.9%. However, in industries like accommodation and food services, 80.0% of the injuries were actually caused by people or animals. Even among these, 80% of the injury-related fatalities were of waged and salaried workers, as opposed to self-employed individuals.

Workplace safety is not just a concern for everyday people. No one is immune from the potential of workplace accidents. Take, for example, Harrison Ford. According to the Chicago Tribune criminal charges are being brought against the producers of the movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” pertaining to an injury that was sustained by Harrison Ford. In that incident, Ford broke his leg. The injury occurred when a hydraulic door on a set struck Ford in the leg. As a result, Ford was airlifted to a hospital for surgery. The production company is now being charged with multiple breaches of workplace safety.

Making a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois

Not all workplace injuries garner this much attention though. For the most part the injuries are as mundane as slipping on an uneven floor or tripping over a piece of equipment. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) has offices all over the state. The Rockford office is located at 200 S. Wyman Street. All of this information can be found in the IWCC’s Handbook on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases. The Handbook defines workers’ compensation as “a system of benefits provided by law to most employees who experience work-related injuries or occupational diseases.” If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance they can face penalties under Illinois law. The hope is your employer will carry insurance to avoid the hefty penalties associated with breaking the law.

Even if your employer does carry workers’ compensation insurance they may opt not to pay for your injuries. If this happens, you should contact a licensed Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney may be able to assist you in initiating payments, or at least begin the process for filing charges against the employer. Even if you properly file your claim, an attorney may assist you with moving forward, responding to arbitration requests, as well as instances in which a settlement is made, but you are not receiving payment.

Moving Forward with Your Claim

Being injured on the job is never something you want to experience. If you are injured though, the experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys at Fisk & Monteleone LTD. are here to help. Serving the Rockford, Belvidere, Loves Park, Rochelle, Roscoe, Freeport, Marengo, Cherry Valley, and the vast Chicago area, our attorneys are ready to discuss your claim today. Contact us at 815-209-9030 for more information.