Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorneys Blog

As previously posted, a couple of politicians running for office in Illinois have mentioned workers compensation reform as part of their platform. Now, others are jumping on the bandwagon, claiming that workers compensation reform is necessary to attract businesses to Illinois. Make no mistake about it, this push is most likely being encourage by the insurance industry.

It is important for Illinois workers to understand that "reform" means that you will lose your rights to compensation if you are injured at your place of employment. This should be especially alarming to older workers and workers for whom physical labor is a part of their jobs. If you are a member of one of these groups, even if you are not currently disabled due to a work injury, you should be concerned. If you are a member of one of these groups, the chances of being injured in the future are higher. Do not wait until you are injured to find out that you will not be receiving adequate compensation to take care of yourself and your family because the workers compensation laws have been "reformed" to favor employers. Act now. Call your representatives and preserve this important right.

Winters a Candidate for Lieutenant Gov, Rockford Register-Star, Jul 22, 2009

Gubernatorial candidate Dillard stops in Jacksonville, Journal-Courier, July 28, 2009

Continue reading "The Winds of Change are Blowing: More Illinois Political Candidates Are Talking About Workers Compensation Reform" »

Regardless of the job, Illinois workers who do physical labor and work around machines are at risk of serious injuries at work. A good example of this is a recent injury involving a carnival worker.

On July 9, 2009, 41-year-old carnival worker Mark Packingham of Springfield, Illinois was working on setting up a Ferris Wheel at the Christian County Fair. His left arm was caught and crushed during set-up and he was rushed to a local area emergency room.

Of course, this injury is covered under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act, and Mr. Packingham is entitled to benefits, including being paid for time off work while recovering from his injury, coverage of his medical expenses for treatment related to his injury and an amount of compensation for permanent disability related to the injury itself.

Carnival Worker Injured At Christian County Fair, IllinoisHomePage.net, July 7, 2009