The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently reports that manufacturing is one of the more dangerous industries for workers. In Illinois, thousands of workers are injured on the job every year. If you are one of them, know that you have rights and help is available.
A Chicago factory workers’ injury lawyer from McCready Law could advocate for you, offer legal advice, and help you get your medical bills covered. Contact a local workers’ comp attorney to seek the benefits you may deserve if you were injured while working in a factory.
State law mandates that most employers provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees, regardless of the employee’s immigration status. An injured factory worker has 45 days to report the accident to their employer. An official workers’ compensation insurance claim must be filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within three years of the injury. Workers’ compensation benefits may include medical coverage, lost wages, and damages for permanent disability.
Workers’ compensation benefits are generally provided on a no-fault basis, meaning it does not matter if the worker or employer made a mistake contributing to the accident. However, accepting workers’ compensation means the employee cannot sue the employer. Even if the employer did not follow safety regulations, the claim for benefits would proceed through the system. A Chicago attorney could guide an injured factory worker through this process.
The process begins by reporting the injury to the employer in writing before the 45-day deadline. The employer then informs their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, and the carrier will decide whether to accept or deny the claim. During this time, the worker has the right to see any doctor they choose, with some exceptions.
If the injury claim is disputed, the case may proceed to arbitration before the Workers’ Compensation Commission. An arbitrator, who is a professionally trained neutral party similar to a judge, will hear evidence from both sides and make a decision. That decision could be appealed through various levels of the court system, and most disputes are settled during this process. If the injured factory worker decides to work with a Chicago attorney, the lawyer could handle all the deadlines, documentation, and communications with the other parties involved.
Workers’ compensation usually prevents lawsuits against employers, but a third party could still be sued if someone other than the employer caused the injury. In a factory, common third parties include suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturers of defective machinery, parts, or tools. A product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer may be possible if a machine defect caused the injury.
For example, if a third-party technician improperly maintained equipment, they could be held liable. A lawyer in Chicago could investigate the factory worker’s accident to identify all potentially liable parties. This type of lawsuit may allow the recovery of additional damages beyond workers’ compensation, including for pain and suffering.
McCready Law has been representing injured factory workers for almost three decades. The team has recovered millions of dollars for their clients and has received an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
We will listen to your story, explain your options, and work to achieve the best result possible. Contact McCready Law to schedule a free legal consultation and case review with a Chicago factory workers’ injury lawyer now.
