Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Injured Employees

A work injury can turn your life upside down in a single shift. One moment you’re focused on getting the job done; the next you’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, missed paychecks, and an employer or insurance company that doesn’t seem to have clear answers. Our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers help injured employees across Illinois pursue the benefits they’re entitled to—and look for any additional claims that may increase their overall recovery.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation – What the System Is (and Isn’t)

Workers’ compensation is meant to be a safety net. In most cases, if you’re hurt on the job, you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong—you’re generally entitled to certain benefits simply because the injury happened in the course of your work. Those benefits can include medical treatment, partial wage replacement if you’re off work, and compensation for permanent limitations.


In practice, though, the system can feel anything but simple. Claims get delayed or denied, medical treatment is questioned or cut off, and light-duty offers are made that don’t match what your doctor actually says you can do. You may be told you have to see a particular doctor, that you “waited too long” to report the injury, or that your condition is really from something outside of work. When you work with a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer who understands how these cases are handled behind the scenes, you get a team focused on protecting your rights, not the insurance company’s bottom line.

Common Work Injury Situations in Chicago and Across Illinois

Warehouse workers with pallet jacks near stacked cardboard, loading bay in background.
Arm with a cast, bent at the elbow, and a bandage around the wrist.
Acute Injuries From Accidents on the Job

Many workers’ comp claims start with a clear, sudden event: a fall from a ladder, a machine injury, a forklift or vehicle incident, a heavy object dropped on a hand or foot, or a sudden twist or impact. These injuries can cause fractures, torn ligaments, back and neck damage, head injuries, or other trauma that makes it impossible to just “finish the shift and walk it off.” We work to document exactly how the injury happened and ensure it’s properly connected to your job duties in the claim file.

Outline of a head with a storm cloud and lightning inside.
Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries

Not every work injury comes from one dramatic accident. Repetitive lifting, bending, typing, standing, or tool use can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, chronic back and shoulder problems, and other conditions that build up over time. Employers and insurers often try to blame these injuries on “getting older” or hobbies outside of work. We gather medical records, job descriptions, and, when needed, expert opinions to show how your normal job duties caused or aggravated your condition.

Construction site with a building and crane.
Construction, Warehouse, and Industrial Injuries

In physically demanding jobs—on construction sites, in warehouses, factories, and plants—workers face hazards every day: heavy machinery, forklifts, scaffolding, power tools, and exposure to chemicals. In these environments, a workers’ compensation claim may be just one part of the picture; there may also be third-party claims against other companies on the job or equipment manufacturers. We help you understand how workers’ comp fits together with any potential personal injury claims so you don’t accidentally harm one by pursuing the other.

Stethoscope, plus sign, and sphere representing healthcare.
Office, Retail, and Healthcare Workplace Injuries

Work injuries don’t just happen on construction sites. Nursing staff hurt their backs lifting patients, retail workers slip on unsafe floors, and office staff develop neck and shoulder injuries from years at a computer. Because these settings don’t “look dangerous,” insurers sometimes downplay injuries as minor or unrelated to work. We focus on the facts of your job, your diagnosis, and your restrictions—not stereotypes about what an “injured worker” is supposed to look like.

Person bending over with pain in back.
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions

Many workers have some prior neck, back, or joint issues before an on-the-job incident makes things significantly worse. Insurers often seize on those old problems to argue that nothing truly new happened at work. Illinois law, however, generally recognizes that when work aggravates or accelerates a preexisting condition, that can still be a compensable injury. We work to show the before-and-after difference, using medical records and your own story to establish how the job changed your health.

What to Expect From Our Workers’ Compensation Team

From the moment you contact us, our goal is to make a confusing process easier to navigate. You can expect a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm to listen to what happened, review where your claim stands now, and give you a straightforward assessment of your options.


While you focus on medical treatment and your family, we typically:


  • Review your accident report, claim forms, and any letters from the insurance company
  • Obtain and analyze your medical records, work restrictions, and diagnostic imaging
  • Help you understand which doctors you can see and what your rights are regarding treatment
  • Address delayed or denied claims, including filing appropriate petitions or requests for hearings
  • Evaluate any “light-duty” or return-to-work offers to ensure they match your actual restrictions
  • Calculate your temporary total disability (TTD) or wage loss benefits and challenge underpayments
  • Assess whether you may have additional third-party personal injury claims beyond workers’ comp


We handle communication with adjusters and defense lawyers so you’re not left answering leading questions or pressured into accepting low settlements. Throughout your case, we explain each step in plain English, help you weigh decisions like settlement versus continued litigation, and keep you updated so you always know where things stand.

Standing Up to Employers, Insurers, and Claims Adjusters

After a work injury, you may feel caught between your employer and the insurance company. Supervisors might pressure you to “use your own insurance,” discourage you from making a claim, or suggest you come back to full duty before you’re ready. Adjusters may question your need for treatment, send you to “independent” medical exams, or stop checks without clear explanation.


At Alberts & Eiler, P.C., we’re prepared to push back against those tactics. Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience working both for and against insurance companies and have completed over 100 jury trials as a team. We understand how workers’ comp claims are evaluated internally—what triggers denials, what evidence changes minds, and which arguments get attention when it’s time to negotiate.


Because we intentionally maintain a smaller caseload, your claim gets the focused, hands-on attention it deserves. We take the time to understand what your job was like before the injury, what tasks you can no longer perform, and how reduced hours, modified duties, or being out of work altogether have affected your finances and your life. When insurers delay, deny, or underpay, our willingness to take disputes before an arbitrator or, where appropriate, to trial helps show that we’re serious about enforcing your rights.

Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Chicago and Across Illinois

  • What should I do right after I’m hurt at work?

    Get medical help first, especially if the injury is serious. As soon as you can, report the injury to a supervisor or appropriate person at your workplace, following any written procedures if they exist. Be as clear as possible that the injury happened at work or while performing work duties. If there were witnesses, note their names. Keep copies of any incident reports you complete and any paperwork you’re given. Avoid minimizing your symptoms (“it’s nothing”) and be cautious about signing broad forms without understanding them. Talking with a workers’ compensation lawyer early can help you avoid mistakes that insurers later use against you.

  • Do I have to prove my employer did something wrong to get workers’ comp?

    In most cases, no. Workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system, which means you usually don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. The key questions are whether you were an employee (not an independent contractor in the eyes of the law) and whether the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. There are exceptions and defenses, but many claims are valid even when no one did anything “wrong” in the traditional sense.

  • Can I choose my own doctor, or do I have to see the company’s doctor?

    Rules about choosing doctors can be confusing and may depend on your specific circumstances and any employer-provided networks or panels. In general, you have rights regarding who provides your care and the ability to obtain opinions from physicians who are not hired by the insurance company. We can explain how those rules apply in your case, help you navigate requests to see “independent” medical examiners, and make sure you understand the impact of your choices.

  • What types of benefits are available through workers’ compensation?

    Workers’ compensation can provide several categories of benefits, including coverage for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury; partial wage replacement while you are unable to work or earning less because of restrictions; and, in many cases, compensation for permanent partial or total disability if your injury leaves lasting limitations. In some situations, vocational rehabilitation or job retraining benefits may also be available. We work to ensure you receive every category of benefit you’re entitled to and evaluate whether additional personal injury claims may provide further compensation.

  • What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied or my checks stop?

    Denials and benefit cutoffs are unfortunately common. The insurance company may claim your injury wasn’t work-related, that you’re ready to return to full duty, or that you missed some deadline. A denial is not the end of the story. You may have the right to challenge the decision, present additional evidence, and have your case heard by an arbitrator or commission. We review the reasons for the denial, gather the necessary medical and factual support, and pursue your remedies through the appropriate channels.

  • Can I sue my employer instead of filing for workers’ compensation?

    In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer for a work-related injury, meaning you generally can’t sue your employer in a standard personal injury lawsuit for the same incident. However, you may have separate claims against other parties whose negligence contributed to your injury—such as another driver, a property owner, or an equipment manufacturer. Part of our job is to identify whether any third-party claims exist so you can pursue full compensation where the law allows.

  • How long do I have to bring a workers’ compensation claim, and when should I talk to a lawyer?

    There are deadlines for reporting injuries to your employer and for pursuing formal claims, and those time limits can vary depending on the facts. Waiting too long to act can limit or even eliminate your rights. Evidence, witness memories, and claim records are also easier to work with early on. It’s wise to talk with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you realize your injury is affecting your work or your ability to earn a living, even if the claim has already been filed.

Ready to Talk With a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured on the job in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you shouldn’t have to figure out the workers’ compensation system—or deal with employer pressure and insurance tactics—on your own. Our firm combines deep insurance-industry insight, substantial trial experience, and a hands-on, small-firm approach to helping injured workers. We offer free, confidential consultations, and you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation or secure benefits for you.