Navigating the complex landscape of workers’ compensation and personal injury claims can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with an injury sustained on the job in Illinois.

Many folks wonder whether they can pursue both avenues simultaneously.

In this post, we’ll explore whether you can file a personal injury claim while also receiving workers’ comp benefits in Illinois, shedding light on what’s allowed and what considerations you need to keep in mind when pursuing both types of compensation.

Work injuries can have a significant impact on individuals and businesses alike, affecting productivity, finances, and overall well-being.

In Illinois, like in many other states, certain types of work injuries are more prevalent than others. Understanding the most common work injuries in Illinois can help employers and employees alike take proactive measures to prevent accidents and ensure a safer work environment.

In a recent ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that an employee’s injuries from everyday activities, like bending, kneeling, and reaching, are compensable under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. This, however, will only be the case if the employee is reasonably expected to perform those actions incidental to their assigned duties.

The decision came after Kevin McAllister, the claimant, injured his right knee while he was working as a sous-chef at a restaurant in Illinois. His job duties included checking in orders, arranging the walk-in cooler, and preparing and cooking food.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission has announced an “emergency” amendment under The Rules of Evidence — Section 9030.70(a).  Under the “emergency” amendment a rebuttable presumption has been created for “first responders” and “front-line workers” who are diagnosed with COVID-19 during a COVID-19-related state of emergency.

The rebuttable presumptions include: (a) the exposure will be presumed to have arisen out of and in the course of the COVID-19 First Responder or Front-Line worker’s employment and that (b) the exposure will be presumed to be causally connected to the hazards or exposures of COVID-19 First Responder or Front-Line Worker’s employment.

As the spread of COVID-19 continues to affect people on a global scale, we have to remember there are those that are putting their lives on the line every day to protect and care for others. For healthcare workers and first responders like paramedics, firemen, and police officers in the line of fire of the virus, there is the potential for these individuals to lose wages and time off of work, medical expenses, and other related losses if they get sick or injured due to new hazards that exist due to the virus.

It has yet to be seen how workers’ compensation cases will be handled when filing for contracting the coronavirus. We are closely monitoring the situation to determine how we can best serve clients during this difficult time. As just one example of a similar situation, today, the Chicago Tribune reported that a Chicago Police Officer contracted COVID-19 and passed away. The Tribute reported that officials are considering his death an on-duty death which would provide his family certain benefits they would otherwise not be entitled to. This ruling may provide some insight on how workers’ compensation claims may be handled.

As a dedicated employee, it’s likely you don’t want to be out on workers’ compensation. Being unable to work because of physical injuries sustained on the job can result in emotional distress and conditions like depression. Additionally, going back to work will likely result in earning what you were previously making – which is probably more than your workers’ comp benefits.

As a result, you may want to rush going back to work; however, it’s important to understand what the process is for returning to work and what your rights are. This will help you make the right decision for when to return to work, so you maximize your chances of making a full recovery.

Driving in winter weather conditions such as snow or ice makes it more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. If a driver hits a patch of ice or doesn’t give their vehicle enough time to stop, they can cause an accident. Commercial truck drivers often need to travel through inclement weather for work, but if they lose control of their vehicle, the resulting truck accident can be devastating.

With a skilled lawyer at their side, a truck or commercial vehicle driver can have peace of mind knowing that their workers’ compensation claim may have a better chance of being secured. If a driver is struggling a to receive benefits they’re entitled to, hiring a lawyer can assist you in getting the benefits an injured individual is entitled to. Let’s take a look at how workers’ compensation works for those who have to travel to do their job.

You know what cold feels like. The longer you’re outside, the more your body responds to the frigid temperatures and tries to retain its heat. You may experience muscle shivers, the hair on your skin rising, and uncontrollable teeth chattering. Hopefully, when you experience that, you can get to a warmer location quickly. But what happens when you have to work in those conditions, and you’re stuck outside? If you don’t warm up soon enough, you could develop frostbite.

If you’re working in extremely cold temperatures and you sustain frostbite, you may have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to seek recovery for your injuries and any time away from work. Frostbite is often a much more serious condition than people realize, and it needs to be treated quickly and efficiently to avoid any long-term damage.