On-the-Job Accidents

Workplace Injury Attorney in Joliet, IL

Fighting for the rights of injured workers. EAM LAW helps you navigate workers’ compensation and third-party claims to maximize your recovery.

Workplace Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your rights after being injured at work in Illinois.

Is workers' compensation my only option if I'm injured at work in Illinois?
Not always. While most on-the-job injuries are covered by Illinois’ no-fault workers’ compensation system, you may also have a separate personal injury lawsuit, known as a ‘third-party claim,’ if someone other than your employer or a co-worker was responsible for your injury. Examples include a defective machine manufacturer, a negligent driver making a delivery, or a subcontractor on a construction site.
Workers’ compensation provides specific benefits (medical bills, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability) without needing to prove fault. A third-party personal injury claim requires you to prove another party’s negligence but allows you to recover a wider range of damages, including pain and suffering, which are not available through workers’ comp. An experienced attorney can manage both claims to maximize your total recovery.
Your health is the priority, so get emergency medical care if needed. You must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the accident in Illinois. When you see a doctor, make sure you tell them the injury happened at work. Finally, contact a workplace injury attorney to understand all of your rights.
Yes. Under Illinois law, you have the right to choose your own doctor. If your employer participates in a Preferred Provider Program (PPP), you are allowed two choices of doctors from within that network. If not, you have two choices of any doctor at your own expense. Your choice of doctor is a critical right that an attorney can help protect.
It is common for employers or their insurance carriers to deny valid claims. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision by filing an application with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. An attorney is essential for this process, as it involves gathering medical evidence, taking depositions, and arguing your case before an arbitrator.

Why Choose EAM LAW for Workplace Injury Cases?

Injured on the Job?

Don't just assume workers' comp is your only option. Contact us to explore all avenues for your recovery.