Assembly Line Workers’ Compensation Claims

Helping Assembly Line Workers Across Illinois Recover Benefits for Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses

The manufacturing industry is a key component of the American economy, and assembly line workers play an important role in that sector. In Illinois, many assembly line workers get injured on the job every year. If you get hurt or sick while in the course of your job duties, you can apply for assembly line workers’ compensation. 

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our attorneys can build a strong case and help you earn the benefits you deserve through your employer’s insurance company. Assembly line work can be dangerous, and you deserve to be compensated for your financial losses. 

Our Chicago workers’ compensation attorney team can represent assembly line employees statewide. 

What Are Common Injuries Sustained by Assembly Line Workers in Illinois?

Injured employees must be able to prove that their accidents occurred while in the course of their employment. Therefore, the cause of your injury will play an important role in the claims process. 

Here are some common work-related injuries in manufacturing settings:

• Repetitive stress injuries from constant, repeated motions
• Carpal tunnel syndrome from assembly tasks
• Tendonitis and bursitis from overuse
• Back and neck injuries from prolonged standing or awkward postures
• Crush injuries from conveyor belts or machinery
• Cuts, punctures, or amputations from tools and equipment
• Slip and fall accidents on the production floor
• Hearing loss from loud factory environments

What Benefits Are Available to Injured Assembly Line Workers in Illinois?

Workers’ compensation insurance offers monetary benefits to make up for an injured worker’s losses. A successful claim can yield the following payments under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/):

• Medical expense coverage – Costs for surgery, emergency care, rehabilitation, medication, and assistive devices
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – Wages for lost income caused by your injuries
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – Partial wages caused by limited work capacity
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – Partial wages to cover the difference in income after your injuries
• Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits – Ongoing payments to make up for permanently lost wages
• Vocational rehabilitation and maintenance benefits – For the costs of training for new job duties
• Death benefits for surviving dependents – Family members can recover funeral and burial costs and lost income if the assembly line employee dies

Assembly line workers can have their futures compromised when they suffer significant injuries on the job. Workers’ compensation provides an opportunity to seek financial security during their recovery. 

How to File an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claim

You must follow the appropriate procedures to give your workers’ comp claim the best chance of success:

• Report your injury to your employer or supervisor within 45 days 
• Seek medical attention immediately and state that the injury is work-related
• Document the incident with accident reports, photos, and witness statements
• File your claim within three years of the injury or two years of the last benefit payment
• File an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) to uphold your rights
• Keep detailed records of medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses
• Work with our top-rated attorneys to ensure proper calculation of benefits and identification of all liable parties

What Are Common Challenges When Filing for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny workers’ compensation benefits. Whether you suffer from repetitive stress injuries, fall injuries, or exposure to harmful chemicals, the insurers may use the following tactics to undermine your claim:

• Disputing whether it was a work-related injury
• Claiming it was a pre-existing condition
• Claiming you filed an accident report too late

Our legal team can overcome these disputes with additional evidence. We will guide you through the appeal process through IWCC hearings.

Are There Other Options for Compensation for Assembly Line Injuries?

When someone other than the employer is at fault for your serious injuries, you could seek a third-party liability lawsuit. This action can grant additional damages, such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life. Potentially liable parties could include defective equipment manufacturers, negligent contractors, and unsafe property owners. 

Under the Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/), fault can be allocated among multiple parties for severe injuries. This is a useful statute for third-party liability cases. 

Additionally, you should know you have two years from the date of the work-related injuries to pursue legal action under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202.

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help 

Our legal services play an essential role in helping employees recover compensation for their workplace injuries. IL Work Injury can accomplish the following tasks associated with your claim:

• Investigate workplace safety compliance
• Gather OSHA reports and medical evidence
• Assess medical treatment bills and lost income
• Handle negotiations with insurers
• Litigate with the IWCC

How Common Are Assembly Line Accidents in Illinois?

Since 2020, there have been eight reported incidents involving assembly line worker injuries in Chicago alone. Two of these accidents resulted in the death of a worker. 

These cases involved repetitive motion injuries, assembly line machinery incidents, and chemical exposure. 

Book a Free Consultation

IL Work Injury Lawyer cares about employees in the manufacturing sector and their families. When you get hurt due to slippery floors, repetitive stress on your body, or dangerous equipment, our experienced legal team can defend your rights and fight for maximum compensation.

We operate on a contingency fee payment structure. This means there are no upfront costs for our legal services. You owe nothing unless we win your case, and that payment is deducted directly from the settlement amount. 

Additionally, our lawyers can speak with you during a free consultation to discuss your assembly line case. During this conversation, you can ask any questions about the legal process. We represent clients statewide from our office in Chicago.

Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with the best work injury lawyers in the Windy City.