25 Years of Victory: Win in Workers' Compensation Case

At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law, we believe in fighting for the rights of injured workers, and our victory for Richard is a testament to our commitment. Richard, a dedicated machinist, suffered a debilitating knee injury due to repetitive trauma at work, which significantly impacted his ability to perform his usual duties.

Richard’s Story

Richard had been a loyal employee at a local machine shop since 1997, working as a machinist. His job involved programming, setting up tools, running and changing parts, and performing inspections on a CNC machine. After 20 years of employment, Richard's workload increased dramatically, requiring him to operate two machines and perform heavy lifting, bending and climbing. This intense physical labor led to severe pain and swelling in his left knee, exacerbating a pre-existing condition, and ultimately, incapacitating him from working. His employer and their workers’ compensation insurance company refused to accept that his injury caused permanent restrictions that prevented him from ever working as a machinist again, resulting in him having to find new employment at a significantly reduced wage.

Key Takeaways

Richard's story is a powerful reminder of the physical toll that demanding work environments can take on employees. Despite his dedication and hard work, the increased workload and repetitive trauma led to significant health issues. His experience underscores the importance of proper workplace accommodations and the need for employers to recognize and address the physical injuries and limitations of their workers.

Results Achieved

Black & Jones Attorneys at Law successfully argued that Richard was entitled to wage differential benefits due to his partial incapacity that prevented him from pursuing his usual line of employment. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission modified the Arbitrator's decision, awarding Richard wage differential benefits to compensate him for the loss in earning capacity that resulted directly from his workplace injury. This victory ensures that Richard receives fair compensation for his reduced earning capacity and acknowledges the impact of his work-related injury.

The Experience to Win

This case highlights the critical role of workers' compensation in protecting employees who suffer injuries due to their job duties. It serves as a reminder to employers about the importance of maintaining safe working conditions and providing appropriate accommodations for injured workers. The decision also emphasizes the importance of having experienced legal counsel who can effectively demonstrate the link between work activities and injuries through comprehensive documentation and expert medical opinions.

If you or someone you know has been injured at work, don't hesitate to reach out to Black & Jones Attorneys at Law. Our experienced team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you achieve justice.