You Built This State. Let Us Fight for You.

You’ve spent your career building Illinois. When a workplace injury puts that career at risk, you need someone who understands what you’re up against.

Black & Jones has decades of experience representing Illinois construction workers and tradespeople, from ironworkers and electricians to operators and welders. We’ll guide you through the legal process, communicate with the insurance company and pursue the workers’ compensation benefits that may be available under Illinois law.

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EXAMPLES OF CASES WE'VE WORKED ON

Falls from ladders
Falls from scaffolding
Falls from roofs
Struck-by accidents
Caught-in/between accidents
Heavy equipment injuries
Machinery accidents
Crush injuries
Amputation injuries

Back injuries
Neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Repetitive trauma injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Shoulder injuries
Knee injuries
Tendonitis
Burns

Electrical injuries
Asbestos exposure
Silica exposure
Chemical and fume exposure
Hearing loss
Ironworker injuries
Steel erection injuries
Fatal workplace injuries

Filing a Claim: What You Need to Know

Report the Injury Within 45 Days

Illinois law gives you 45 days to report a work injury. For repetitive or cumulative injuries, the 45-day period generally begins when you know or reasonably should know that your condition is work-related.

You don’t need a formal written statement to notify your employer of a workplace injury. A phone call, text or conversation with your supervisor, foreman, dispatcher or another person of authority should be sufficient. Keep it simple and factual, and talk to us before giving any recorded statement.

Get Treatment & Maintain Your Records

See a doctor as soon as possible and give an accurate, consistent account of how you were injured. Your medical records can play an important role in supporting your workers’ compensation claim, so seek treatment early and consistently and make sure what you tell your doctor matches what happened and that your records reflect your symptoms and treatment.

If there are witnesses, photos or video of the incident or the hazard that caused it, preserve them.

File with the IWCC — Not Just Your Employer

Reporting your injury to your employer is not the same as filing a workers’ compensation claim. A formal claim is filed with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) through its electronic filing system.

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident or injury to file your claim. Missing the deadline can jeopardize your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

We Work For You

We represent you — not your employer, not the insurance company. Count on us to:

Return calls within 24 business hours
Communicate with your medical professionals
Correspond directly with the insurance company
File your claim with the IWCC on time
Advise you on union, employer and benefit issues
Fight for the full value of your claim
Protect your ability to return to your trade

Initial Consultation

The insurance companies aren’t thinking about your best interests. So, get in touch with us first. We’ll explain your options and ensure you’re taking all the right steps.

Filing Your Claim

Next is filing a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). You must do so within 3 years of the accident or 2 years from when you were last paid a benefit. We may be able to get this deadline extended in certain circumstances.

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On a Union Job? A Few Things to Know

If you’re a union worker, report the injury promptly to your employer. You may also want to notify your union so your representative can help you understand any procedures or benefits available under your collective bargaining agreement. When appropriate, ask whether a union steward can be present when you report the injury or discuss related employment issues.

Some unions may also recommend a “union-approved” attorney. You are not required to use them, and choosing your own attorney does not put your union benefits at risk. You have the right to choose a workers’ compensation attorney you trust to handle your case.

Trades FAQs

Can I lose my job over a workers’ compensation claim?

Illinois law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim or exercising their rights. If you believe you were fired, disciplined, threatened or otherwise discriminated against because you exercised your workers’ compensation rights, speak with an attorney about your legal options.

What if I can’t do this work anymore?

If your injury prevents you from returning to your trade—whether welding, ironwork, bricklaying, electrical work or another skilled trade—you may be entitled to additional benefits beyond your medical and disability benefits. Navigating this is an important part of a serious trade injury case, and it's exactly where experienced representation matters most.

What if I need more treatment down the road?

Depending on how your case is resolved, you may still be entitled to coverage for future medical treatment related to your work injury. We'll walk you through what that looks like for your specific injury and case.

What happens to my pension, vacation and health insurance while I’m out?

These benefits can depend on your union agreement, employer and specific benefit plans. We can help you understand what's protected and fight for what you're owed.

How long do I have to report a work-related injury?

In Illinois, you generally have 45 days to notify your employer of a work injury. For repetitive or cumulative injuries, the deadline generally begins when you know or should know that your condition is work-related.

Do I have to use my employer’s or union’s attorney?

No. You have the right to choose your own workers’ compensation attorney. You do not have to use an attorney recommended by your employer or union, and choosing your own attorney does not affect your right to union benefits.

Won't Back Down

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits May Be Available?

Medical treatment: Necessary, approved medical care related to your work injury may be covered while you undergo treatment to recover.

Temporary total disability (TTD): If you cannot work, or your employer cannot accommodate your work restrictions, you may receive roughly two-thirds of your average weekly wage.

Benefits after maximum medical improvement (MMI): Once your condition has stabilized, you may be entitled to additional compensation based on the severity and lasting impact of your injury, including its effect on your ability to return to your trade.

Protection from retaliation: Your employer cannot fire you or refuse to rehire you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim or exercised your rights under Illinois law.

Other Things You Should Know

A few important details about Illinois workers’ compensation may not be obvious at first:

Your job offer can determine where you file. If you were hired in Illinois, you may be able to file a claim here even if the jobsite or accident occurred in another state.

Immigration status does not eliminate your rights. Undocumented workers in Illinois may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related injury.

Amputation and disfigurement may qualify for additional benefits. Illinois law provides specific benefits for certain serious injuries, separate from other disability benefits.

Workers' Comp for Construction Workers & Skilled Trades