Employers are generally free to do what’s necessary within their organization, including demoting and firing employees. However, when these negative actions are retaliatory, this crosses a line and leaves employers vulnerable to legal consequences. If you believe you’re experiencing workplace retaliation, you’re not alone, and you may have legal options. Foote, Mielke, Chavez & O’Neil — and the law —…
If you’ve been injured on the job and received workers’ compensation benefits, you may be wondering, “Will my workman’s compensation claim affect my future employment?” You’re protected under the law if you’ve been involved in a workers’ comp case, and potential employers cannot hold that against you as a condition of hire. In fact, Illinois law strictly regulates what employers can…
Geneva, IL (Law Firm Newswire) January 20, 2022 – We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Chavez has been named an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers℠. To be selected as an Emerging Lawyer, a candidate must be of proven character and display an outstanding aptitude for the practice of law early in their career. Emerging Lawyers, who are selected by their…
Most workers in Illinois are covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides employees who are injured during the course and scope of employment with financial assistance. Unfortunately, however, not all workers’ compensation claims are approved. In fact, there are multiple reasons that workers’ compensation claims are denied in Illinois, including: Incomplete reports Poor recordkeeping Insufficient evidence Preexisting conditions The injury…
If you get hurt at work in the state of Illinois, you may be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, not all employers are required to carry such insurance. In this article, we explain when workers’ compensation is required in the state of Illinois. Employer/Employee Relationship Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (“IWCA”), an employer/employee relationship is required for a…
When determining a person’s eligibility for workers’ compensation, it’s important to determine whether he or she is an employee or an independent contractor. Employees are eligible for worker’s compensation in Illinois—independent contractors are not. However, depending on the circumstances, some independent contractors may be considered employees under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, thereby making them eligible for worker’s compensation following…
Cold weather presents unique hazards to workers. Fortunately, many cold-weather injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. In this article, we discuss workers’ compensation and cold weather injuries. Common Cold Weather Injuries Cold weather injuries can be painful and even fatal. Therefore, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms of common cold-weather injuries. Common cold-weather injuries include: Frostbite: Frostbite…
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who are injured in the course of employment. In other words, it provides financial compensation to employees who are injured on the job. Although most employees are generally familiar with the concept of a workers’ compensation claim, there are several misconceptions about workers’ compensation…
Workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits provide injured persons an opportunity to obtain financial compensation for their injuries. However, there are several important differences between the two. In this article, we explain the differences between workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits. Fault In most personal injury cases, an injured party must prove that someone else caused his or…
Most workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance provides wage and medical benefits to people who are injured or become ill at work. Unfortunately, not all workers’ compensation claims are successful. In this article, we explain what to do if your workers’ compensation claim is denied. Determine the Reason for the Denial If your workers’ compensation…
