Workplace injuries often include, but are not limited to:
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Individual incidents that lead to a physical injury such as broken limbs; head injury leading to brain damage; herniated or bulging disc(s) in the neck or back; torn rotator cuff or ACL; meniscus.
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Repetitive trauma such as typing, heavy lifting, walking on uneven surfaces that lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis; carpal tunnel; bulging or herniated discs and other serious injuries or chronic conditions.
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Occupational exposure to dangerous substances, such as asbestos or dangerous chemicals.
Workers’ compensation can provide money and benefits to an injured worker, however, temporary disability and permanent disability payments do not always compensate for damages, such as pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation also does not provide punitive damages—to punish an employer for unsafe work environment or dangerous conditions.
Often, an employee injured in the workplace is under the impression that the only compensation available will come from the employer’s workers compensation insurance. This is the general rule, however, there are several situations in which one may be able to recover damages in addition to standard workers’ compensation. For example:
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If one is injured by a defective product.
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If one is injured by a toxic substance, one might be able to bring a toxic tort lawsuit against the manufacturer of that substance.
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If one is injured because of one’s employer’s intentional or egregious conduct, one might be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against an employer.
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If an employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, one might be able to sue in civil court or collect money from a state fund.
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If a third party caused one’s injury, one money, and benefits to an injured worker. However, temporary disability and permanent disability payments are usually quite low and do not compensate for things like pain and suffering.
The experienced attorneys and staff of the Chicago based Law Offices Of Joseph Younes, P.C. help injured workers understand their rights regarding a workers’ compensation claim, as well as pursuing a third party negligence case outside of the workers’ compensation system.
Not all accidents are the result of negligence. Some accidents are unavoidable. The Law Offices of Joseph Younes, P.C. offers a NO CHARGE CASE EVALUATION that will establish if grounds for a case exists and, if so, will vigorously pursue a rapid resolution. All fees are paid upon successful recovery of the workers’ compensation claim.
Please contact us today for a NO CHARGE CASE EVALUATION as a first step in resolving your workers’ compensation case.
