A Landmark Victory in Workers' Compensation: Justice Served for Our Client

At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law, we are thrilled to share about a pivotal victory for our client, Joan. This win not only highlights our dedication to advocating for injured workers, but also sets a precedent which has had significant and far-reaching implications in the realm of workers' compensation law in Illinois.

Joan’s Story

Joan, a committed caregiver at an assisted living facility, experienced a severe injury while performing her duties. While assisting a resident in the shower, Joan felt a sudden "pop" in her neck as she reached to remove a soap dish, which was causing a slipping hazard. This incident led to immediate and intense pain, radiating down her right arm, significantly impacting her ability to perform her job. Her employer denied liability and refused to cover her treatment.

Key Takeaways

Joan's journey is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by workers in physically demanding roles. Despite her immediate and severe pain, Joan continued to work, demonstrating her dedication and resilience. Her case underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing workplace hazards and the critical need for legal support in navigating the complexities of workers' compensation claims. Joan's persistence and Black & Jones’ knowledge were pivotal in challenging the initial denial of her claim.

Results Achieved

Black & Jones Attorneys at Law were willing to fight for Joan, and we prepared the case for trial. At trial, the insurance company was so confident they would win because “reaching” was something people do in their everyday lives. Black & Jones argued tenaciously that their position was wrong and that our client was within the course and scope of her job. We argued that although “reaching” was something people do every day in life, the fact that her job duties required a task that involved reaching to ensure the safety of her patient, brought the action within the scope of her employment.

Our relentless advocacy resulted in a favorable decision from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, which was affirmed by the Appellate Court. Joan was awarded compensation for her medical expenses, temporary total disability benefits and permanent partial disability benefits. This outcome not only provided Joan with the financial support she needed, but also validated her experience and the legitimacy of her injury. It also set a precedent that will impact thousands of similar cases in the future, expanding the coverage of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act to cover injuries that once were thought to be purely personal.

We’re on Your Side

This case serves as a crucial reminder for employers in the healthcare and assisted living sectors to ensure safe working environments for their employees. The decision reinforces the principle that injuries sustained while performing job-related duties, even those involving seemingly minor tasks like reaching for an object, are compensable. Legal professionals should note that the importance of aggressive and articulate representation before the courts can result in successful appeals in workers' compensation cases.

If you or someone you know has been injured at work, don't face the complexities of workers' compensation alone. At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you achieve the justice you need to move forward.