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Unusual Work Injuries Leading to Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers' Compensation AttorneyWhen it comes to workplace compensation injuries, most refer to specific body parts where the injured employee is eligible to receive a statutorily scheduled monetary compensation. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, includes all injuries that could arise within the workplace – injuries that are related to the work an employee performs or other work-related injuries sustained outside of the workplace.

In Illinois, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for all workers. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employers are liable to provide the following benefits to employees who suffer an injury on the job:

  • Total disability benefits equating to the 2/3rdof the workers’ average gross weekly wage for the entire time the employee is incapacitated.
  • Permanent total disability benefits if an employee loses a body part during work or while conducting a job outside the workplace premises.
  • Rehabilitation expenses, including medical expenses
  • Giving an injured employee light-duty jobs

Most injuries covered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act are liable for compensation. However, there are certain injuries that are unusual, where an employee was rightly awarded a benefit’s compensation. These injuries are known as non-scheduled injuries. Here is a list of some of the injuries that could be covered under workers’ compensation.

Mental Stress that Leads to Physical Injury

If you find yourself under undue mental stress at work, and if that negative stimulus leads to a physical injury, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation. Talk to a competent workers’ compensation attorney to highlight your work-related injuries. A mental physical injury arises when a worker develops a heart problem due to workplace stress.

Injuries caused by Mental Stress

Over time, overworked and stressed workers can suffer from mental illness. These psychological illnesses are caused by the negative stimulus they receive. The stimulus can be harassment or bullying from co-workers or superior officers, unusual work-related tasks that are not a part of the job description, and undue stress at work. Some mental health injuries could be covered under workers’ compensation if you have a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who represents all aspects of your injuries in court.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about workers’ compensation and unusual injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

See more on our Illinois Workers’ Compensation FAQs page.

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Unusual Work Injuries Leading to Workers’ Compensation Claims

When it comes to workplace compensation injuries, most refer to specific body parts where the injured employee is eligible to receive a statutorily scheduled monetary compensation. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, includes all injuries that could arise within the workplace – injuries that are related to the work an employee performs or other work-related injuries sustained outside of the workplace.

In Illinois, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for all workers. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employers are liable to provide the following benefits to employees who suffer an injury on the job:

  • Total disability benefits equating to the 2/3rdof the workers’ average gross weekly wage for the entire time the employee is incapacitated.
  • Permanent total disability benefits if an employee loses a body part during work or while conducting a job outside the workplace premises.
  • Rehabilitation expenses, including medical expenses
  • Giving an injured employee light duty jobs

Most injuries covered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act are liable for compensation. However, there are certain injuries that are unusual, where an employee was rightly awarded a benefit’s compensation. These injuries are known as non-scheduled injuries. Here is a list of some of the injuries that could be covered under workers compensation.

Mental Stress that Leads to Physical Injury

If you find yourself under undue mental stress at work, and if that negative stimulus leads to a physical injury, you could be eligible for workers compensation. Talk to a competent workers compensation attorney to highlight your work-related injuries. A mental physical injury arises when a worker develops a heart problem due to workplace stress.

Injuries caused by Mental Stress

Over time, overworked and stressed workers can suffer from mental illness. These psychological illnesses are caused by the negative stimulus they receive. The stimulus can be harassment or bullying from co-workers or superior officers, unusual work-related tasks that are not a part of the job description and undue stress at work. Some mental health injuries could be covered under workers compensation if you have a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who represents all aspects of your injuries in court.

If you wish to find out more about workers’ compensation and unusual injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Hand and Wrist Injuries Following a Car Crash

Auto Accident AttorneyThe most common injuries caused by car accidents are injuries to the hand and the wrist, which are often a result from the force of the impact. In some cases, hand and wrist injuries can prove to be very serious and can severely impact a person’s day-to-day life.

Some fractures heal and realign; therefore, they may not need a surgical incision. Severe hand fractures are treated with surgical procedures, wires, plates and pins to secure bones that are fractured in multiple places. Physical therapy may be used to ensure a full recovery from wrist and hand injuries.

Types of Wrist and Hand Injuries

There are several types of hand and wrist injuries, which include the following:

Joint Dislocation:

A human hand contains multiple joints that are prone to dislocation after a car accident. Joint dislocation needs proper treatment. Without treatment, permanent damage can have a lasting effect on a person’s quality of life. If you feel the defendant was responsible for your hand and wrist injuries, you are entitled to compensation. Speak to a competent personal injury and auto accident attorney to discuss your case.

Fractures:

A car accident often results in fractures and broken bones in the wrist and hand. The most common injury from a car accident is a broken wrist or a scaphoid fracture, where the small bone in the wrist breaks. If you are partly responsible, then you as the plaintiff might be liable for contributory fault.

Ligament Injuries:

Injuries to the ligaments and tendons can have a severe impact on moving your hand and wrist, such as grabbing and lifting objects. Ligaments can be seriously injured in an automobile accident.

Puncture Wounds:

Debris from the vehicle involved in an accident can pierce the skin on a person’s wrists and hand, resulting in severe damage. In order to prevent infection, proper treatment is essential with punctured wounds.

Hand and wrist injuries are painful, as well as expensive, due to expensive medical bills, physical therapy charges and other procedures. If you are unable to work, you may also suffer loss of wages. In rare cases, a person’s ability to perform work may also be permanently impacted.

The signs and symptoms of hand and wrist injuries are often spontaneous and may include swelling, bruising and pain. Injuries like hand and wrist injuries are usually diagnosed with X-rays and treated the same way as orthopedic injuries – the bones are immobilized, set and given time to heal.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about auto accidents or hand and wrist injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation by contacting the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 and speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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How to Avoid Parking Lot Auto Accidents

Personal Injury AttorneyMany people think auto accidents occur on congested roads and busy highways. You will be surprised to know several auto accidents occur in parking lots. One of the main reasons for parking lot accidents is distraction. Fellow passengers’ behavior, cell phone use and any other electronic device usage are generally the leading causes behind distracted driving. Here are some tips to help you stay alert and avoid a parking lot accident.

Determine the Right of Way

The most effective method of avoiding a parking lot accident is to comprehend who has the right-of-way when driving in a parking lot. Most parking lots – especially indoors lots, have confined spaces, which allows minimal movement. With limited space to work with, it’s natural for a parking lot to get congested. To determine the right-of-way, consider the cars already moving through the thoroughfare as having the way of right, over the cars in the feeder lane. However, exiting the main thoroughfare automatically allocates the right-of-way to the vehicle coming across the feeder lane.

Be Watchful of Dimly Lit Parking Lots

Some indoors and outdoors parking lots have spots that are not well lit. If the driver is not careful, these dimly lit areas within a parking lot can result in accidents. While parking or backing up, be watchful of people, pets and other vehicles. Staying alert and looking around before backing up is key to ensure you and others around you are safe. Children are particularly susceptible to backover auto accidents in parking lots. Drivers have to be cautious by looking out for young children around their vehicle before backing away.

How to Make a Claim in a Parking Lot Auto Accident?

If you are a victim of a parking lot accident, you will need a practiced auto accident attorney to make a claim for compensation for your injuries. In Illinois, the person who violates the right-of-way in a parking lot accident is held liable for the crash. However, if the plaintiff is held partially responsible, under comparative negligence, which resulted in the auto accident, the plaintiff will be required to compensate the defendant.

Keeping the aforementioned tips in mind will help keep parking lots safe and help reduce the number of auto accidents caused by unnecessary distractions.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about auto accidents and personal injuries, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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How to Avoid Parking Lot Auto Accidents

Many people think auto accidents occur on congested roads and busy highways. You will be surprised to know several auto accidents occur in parking lots. One of the main reasons for parking lot accidents is distraction. Fellow passengers’ behavior, cell phone use and any other electronic device usage are generally the leading causes behind distracted driving. Here are some tips to help you stay alert and avoid a parking lot accident.

Determine the Right of Way

The most effective method of avoiding a parking lot accident is to comprehend who has the right-of-way when driving in a parking lot. Most parking lots – especially indoors lots, have confined spaces, which allows minimal movement. With limited space to work with, it’s natural for a parking lot to get congested. To determine the right-of-way, consider the cars already moving through the thoroughfare as having the way of right, over the cars in the feeder lane. However, exiting the main thoroughfare automatically allocates the right-of-way to the vehicle coming across the feeder lane.

Be Watchful of Dimly Lit Parking Lots

Some indoors and outdoors parking lots have spots that are not well lit. If the driver is not careful, these dimly lit areas within a parking lot can result in accidents. While parking or backing up, be watchful of people, pets and other vehicles. Staying alert and looking around before backing up is key to ensure you and others around you are safe. Children are particularly susceptible to backover auto accidents in parking lots. Drivers have to be cautious by looking out for young children around their vehicle before backing away.

How to Make a Claim in a Parking Lot Auto Accident?

If you are a victim of a parking lot accident, you will need a practiced auto accident attorney to make a claim for compensation for your injuries. In Illinois, the person who violates the right-of-way in a parking lot accident is held liable for the crash. However, if the plaintiff is held partially responsible, under comparative negligence, which resulted in the auto accident, the plaintiff will be required to compensate the defendant.

Keeping the aforementioned tips in mind will help keep parking lots safe and help reduce the number of auto accidents caused by unnecessary distractions.

If you wish to find out more about auto accidents and personal injuries, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Injuries Caused by E-Cigarette Explosions

Personal Injury AttorneyWhat is an E-Cigarette?

Electronic cigarettes popularly known as e-cigarettes or e-cigs are special devices which use a liquid containing propylene glycol and glycerin with nicotine and other different types of artificial flavors – like chocolate, vanilla, blue berry, mango and many others. A lithium-ion battery, which is used to heat up the coils and aerosolize the liquid, powers these devices. The heat turns the liquid into vapor, which users inhale and exhale.

How does an E-Cigarette Work?

Over time, e-cigarettes have become popular among the young and the old alike. People of all ages use electronic cigarettes – they consider them to be a safer and better alternative to a regular cigarette. The main power source of these devices is a battery that aerosolizes the chemically-based artificial flavors and a liquid.

Injuries Caused by E-Cigarette Explosion

The battery and the heated coils are susceptible to overheating and exploding. Some e-cigarettes and vaping products have caused serious burn injuries to consumers. If you have suffered from an e-cigarette injury, it is essential to consider speaking with a personal injury attorney to see if the product you used had a manufacturing defect. An e-cigarette explosion can result in severe injuries, like third-degree burns, lacerations and loss of vital body parts such as the eyes, nose, teeth or tongue.

Apart from burns caused by an explosion, e-cigarette consumers inhale and exhale dangerous additives – which are as harmful as nicotine. The particles and artificial flavors can lead to lung diseases and the organic compounds and other heavy metals can cause cancer.

People have experienced different types of explosions caused by removable lithium-ion batteries. These accidental fires and explosion are more common than usual during normal use. Explosions caused by people carrying spare batteries in their pockets are also more common, as they also come with an explosion hazard.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) drafted a law in 2016 where the agency extended its regulatory authority to all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or ENDS such as e-cigarettes and vaping products. Any electronic cigarette product released or replaced after Feb. 15, 2007, must submit a pre-market application to the FDA before release. The FDA will confirm its safety after a thorough inspection.

Ensuring the safety of you and others around you is essential while using an e-cigarette. When vaping or while attempting to replace the lithium-ion batteries, take all the necessary precautions.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about personal injuries and e-cigarette burn injuries in particular or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Serious Burn Injuries

Personal Injury AttorneyIn the United States each year, burn injuries send more than 1.1 million people to the emergency room. Some of the most severe burn injuries require intensive care in a specialized hospital with a burn unit. Burn injuries are caused by an accident at home, at a workplace or any other location. If you believe the burn injuries you’ve sustained are caused by the negligence of another individual, you have the right to hold the other party liable for compensate for your expensive burn injury treatment. Speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney which specializes in burn injuries will go a long way in getting the compensation you deserve.

What to do if you are a Burn Injury Victim?

If you suffered from a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligence at the workplace or in an accident, the first thing to consider is to determine who is at fault? Insurance companies have a difficult time denying burn injury cases. Since burn injuries cannot occur anonymously, being burnt by hot surfaces, dangerous chemicals and hot oil injuries are instantly visible.

If you were injured at your workplace, an experienced personal injury attorney will determine if the company or a restaurant you work for had the necessary safety measures in place to ensure a safe workplace environment. The next thing to investigate is to determine if your injuries were caused by human error or negligence. To prove negligence, you will need evidence and an attorney to support your negligence claim.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

After a burn injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent skin damage and infection. Minor burns might not require expensive medical treatment to heal. However, more severe burns could require multiple surgical procedures and intensive aftercare treatments, which could be expensive. Under the Worker’s Compensation Act Illinois, a burn injury victim who was injured at work must be compensated for their injuries and their follow up medical treatments.

With the right attorney by your side, a burn injury case is winnable. If you are successful in proving the negligence of the other party caused you severe emotional and physical trauma, you will be rewarded with full compensation.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about personal injuries and burn injuries in particular or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Your Rights as a Passenger in an Auto Accident

Auto Accident LawyerIf you were injured in an auto accident as a passenger, it’s natural to be confused about your legal rights and obligations. After sustaining injuries in an auto accident as a passenger, to make a claim against the driver for damages, you might need to hire a skilled auto accident attorney to help with your case. An attorney will help you understand your rights as an injured passenger in an auto accident.

Determining Fault

Determining fault is the first step in claiming damages for any minor or serious injuries you suffered in an auto accident. Most people believe Illinois is a no-fault state, which is incorrect. Illinois follows comparative negligence, or a tort system.

Determining “fault” in an auto accident indicates the individual who is to be held responsible for the car crash is financially liable to compensate you for the injuries you’ve sustained. Compensation includes compensation for lost wages, emotional pain and trauma, medical expenses and property damage.

Comparative Negligence

To be compensated for your injuries as a passenger, you will need to prove the negligence of the driver with assistance from an accomplished auto accident attorney. To receive compensation, you will have to prove the driver of the vehicle was:

  1. Distracted while driving i.e. texting, eating or attending a phone call
  2. Speeding or aggressive driving
  3. Tailgating
  4. Driving under the influence
  5. Road rage

To prove negligence, your attorney will need to prove any single – or some, of the aforementioned driver’s behavior. If you are a passenger, you should be aware Illinois has a comparative negligence law where each party bases the compensation on the percentage of fault. For example, if you were a passenger and the other vehicle that hit you is found to be 50% responsible, then the other party is only eligible to pay 50% of the compensation. Similarly, if the driver of the vehicle you were in is held 80% responsible for the auto accident, then the driver is required to compensate 80% of your expenses.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about personal injuries as a passenger in an auto accident, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Workers’ Compensation Act in Illinois

Workmans' Compensation AttorneyWorkers’ Compensation Act is a state-mandated benefit system, which incorporates compensating employees by paying for any medical cost associated with their job-related injuries and illnesses. Workers’ compensation is for almost every employee in Illinois – it usually begins from the minute you start working.

Who Handles Employees’ Compensation Claims in Illinois?

All workers’ compensation claims in Illinois are managed at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). The IWCC is a government agency, which manages all claims associated with workers’ compensation between employers and employees. The agency acts as an impartial court, which responds to different compensation claims. If you feel you have been denied your right to workers’ compensation benefits, speak with a workers’ compensation attorney today to get all the information you need about filing a complaint.

Injuries Covered Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act

The Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to cover all work-related injuries. Any injury caused by repetitive use of a body part at work such, as a fracture in the arms or leg due to excessive usage in a mining or construction work, will fall under this act. The Workers’ Compensation Law covers stroke and similar illnesses caused by stress at work. There are people who have pre-existing conditions, which are made worse by their job.

However, the workers’ compensation does not cover any injury related, but not limited to, a recreational activity such as a picnic, holidays, contact sports and any other recreational or sports activity. Similarly, if you have a slip and fall accident, or any other form of injury at a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center, then those injuries will not be covered under the workers’ compensation benefits.

When to File a Claim

If you’re an employee and you suffer from any workplace-related injury or disease, then it’s your right to duly notify the concerned authorities at your workplace. It’s essential to discuss your case with your employer through Human Resources and the supervisor.

As an employee, you need to notify the company within 45 days of the accident so the workplace accident can be accurately documented. You will need the services of a competent workers’ compensation attorney to determine you are entitled to workers’ compensation. You will need to prove you were injured on duty and your injury or illness is caused by the conditions in the workplace.

If your employer’s insurance company in any circumstance fails to provide your compensation benefits following a workplace accident, then you have the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation. The procedure for pursuing an Illinois workers’ compensation claim is challenging and complicated and you will need an experienced attorney to assist you in filing the complaint.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about this topic or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Summer Sport Injuries

Athletic and sporting activities are essential for maintaining a healthy mind and a strong body. Indulging in sports is a good way to get physical exercise – particularly for children and young adults who spend most of their time glued to the screens. Sports can help develop teamwork, leadership and social skills. Despite the many benefits of summer sports, there is a considerable risk of injury involved in all sports.

What Causes a Summer Sports Injury?

Sports injuries have resulted in different major and minor injuries over the years. Traumatic brain injury is one of the most common summer sports injuries. According to 2016 report, traumatic brain injuries and other sports injuries accounted for 70% of ER visits.

The causes of summer sports injury vary. In some cases, the injury is caused by wearing the wrong or faulty safety gear, not following the rules or guidelines or the playing field is not constructed according to the safety guidelines. If you feel your summer sports injury was caused by negligence, then you should discuss it with a leading skilled personal injury attorney.

Swimming Pool Injuries

Swimming pools in summers are the busiest because swimming is one of the most popular sporting activities for both children and adults. Swimming pool-based games are a popular. If the public or private swimming pool service provider failed to construct a pool facility according to the Swimming Facility Code in Illinois, it could result in injuries, and in n extreme cases, fatalities.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall are common in contact sports such as ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, basketball and many other sports. If you believe a summer sports injury was deliberate or the sports center that provided the field and the equipment practiced negligence, then you should speak to an experienced attorney today to discuss your slip and fall accident.

To establish negligence, the plaintiff and the attorney have to prove the injury was caused because the defendant failed to maintain the standard of care promised when the plaintiff was using the sports facility. Poorly maintained sports grounds and fields can lead to a serious slip and fall accident. The safety gear or providing the wrong sized shoes, helmets and gloves can also be the leading cause of negligence which may have led to your slip and fall injury.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about this topic or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.