The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Noll Law Office Explain Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace safety should always be a top priority for employers and employees, but on-the-job accidents can and do happen for various reasons. While any required job has the potential for injury, some workplace injuries are more common than others.
The Illinois worker’s compensation lawyers at the Noll Law Office are here to guide you through the workers’ compensation process with in-depth knowledge of the Illinois system and unwavering support for you, the injured worker. They recognize that these claims can be complex, and your employer or their insurer might not be willing to assist you or provide you with the full benefits you deserve. With extensive litigation experience under their belts, the attorneys are well-equipped to advocate for you and seek the benefits you need and deserve.
When you choose the Noll Law Office, you can expect personalized attention from seasoned attorneys who prioritize your needs. Your initial consultation will be with the same attorney who will be managing your case, ensuring consistency and familiarity with the specifics of your situation. To get started with your worker’s compensation claim, call the office at (217) 414-8889 or reach out online for a free consultation.
Workers’ Compensation Injuries By-the-Numbers
It’s essential for employers and the workers they hire to be aware of the most common types of injuries to help prevent accidents and create a safer working environment. According to a recent State of Illinois Department of Insurance’s Worker’s Compensation Report, the most common injuries (for both hospital and non-hospital accidents) included back pain, rotator cuff and shoulder injuries, and head injuries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,607,900 nonfatal injuries and illnesses recorded in private industries in 2021 alone. Of these cases, 1,062,700 required the employees to miss days from work. Overall, the median number of days away from work due to injuries was 12 (in 2020). Sprains, strains, and tears accounted for 266,530 cases, while back injuries made up 128,220 cases. Falls, slips, and trips were also frequent, with 211,640 cases reported that year.
Although less common, fatal work-related injuries still happen more frequently than they should, with 5,190 recorded across all sectors in 2021. The most frequent causes of these fatalities were roadway incidents, with 1,253 cases, and falls, slips, and trips, with 850 cases.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries in Illinois?
Some of the most commonly reported work-related injuries (and cases the Noll Law Office handles) include:
Spine and spinal cord injuries – Often caused by falls, vehicle collisions, or heavy lifting. These injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or limited mobility. Treatment can involve surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care, depending on the severity.
Amputations – The loss of an appendage, such as an arm or leg, is often caused by incidents involving machinery, equipment, or vehicles. Prosthetics and rehabilitation may be necessary for the worker to regain some level of functionality and independence.
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions – TBIs and concussions can result from falls, blows to the head, or objects striking a worker. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may require extensive medical care, including cognitive and physical therapy.
Fatal injuries -Workplace fatalities can be devastating for the families of the deceased. Common causes include falls, transportation incidents, and contact with equipment. Surviving family members may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including funeral expenses and financial support.
Broken bones – These are common workplace injuries caused by falls, vehicle accidents, or contact with heavy objects. Treatment may include immobilization, surgery, or physical therapy, depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
Shoulder injuries – Workplace shoulder injuries may require surgery, especially when involving rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or fractures. These injuries can occur from repetitive motion, lifting heavy objects, or accidents. Recovery often involves physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Burns and electrocutions – These happen frequently due to electrical, chemical, or fire-related incidents. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, pain management, and rehabilitation.
Hearing loss – Hearing loss can result from prolonged exposure to loud noises or sudden, loud sounds in the workplace. Depending on the severity, treatment options may include hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve the worker’s quality of life.
Repetitive strain injuries – Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can develop from repetitive motions or maintaining awkward positions over time. Treatment may involve occupational therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Industries with the Highest Number of Workers’ Compensation Claims in Illinois
Certain industries have a higher rate of workers’ compensation claims in Illinois due to the nature of the work and the hazards associated with it. Here are some of the industries with the highest number of claims in Illinois:
- Health services and education – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this sector had the highest number of workplace injury claims in 2020 in Illinois.
- Construction – Construction work often involves heavy lifting, working at heights, and operating heavy machinery, all of which can lead to on-the-job injuries.
- Manufacturing and warehouse work – These industries often involve repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and working with dangerous equipment, increasing the likelihood of injuries.
- Transportation and warehousing – Workers in these sectors often face risks related to vehicle accidents, heavy lifting, and working with hazardous materials.
- Emergency services – Police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and EMTs are regularly exposed to dangerous situations that put them at a higher risk of injury.
- Retail and wholesale trade – Employees in these sectors may face hazards such as lifting heavy objects, slips and falls, and exposure to hazardous materials.
- Life sciences – Workers in the life sciences industry, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, infectious agents, and other risks that can lead to injuries and illnesses.
- Advanced manufacturing – Major employers in Illinois, such as Caterpillar, Deere & Company, Boeing, and Illinois Tool Works, are part of the advanced manufacturing sector. Workers in this industry may face risks associated with operating complex machinery, heavy lifting, and working with hazardous materials.
- Agribusiness and food processing – Employees in the agribusiness and food processing sectors (another major employer in Illinois) are often exposed to heavy machinery, extreme temperatures, and repetitive tasks, increasing the risk of workplace injuries.
Reporting and Seeking Compensation for Workplace Injuries
Illinois’ Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) establishes the benefits available to injured workers, such as medical expenses, a portion of average weekly wages, permanent loss of use benefits, and disability benefits.
Reporting a workplace injury as soon as possible is crucial since failure to take immediate action could negatively impact your eligibility to claim benefits. After a workplace injury, take the following steps:
- Notify your employer immediately
- Seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor
- Document the incident and keep any evidence such as photos of your injuries and the scene, and witness statements
- Contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney for help with your claim
How the Noll Law Office Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, turn to a law firm with specific experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Illinois. When you hire the Noll Law Office to represent you, you can expect:
- Experienced representation from a firm with deep ties to the community – Daniel and Sarah Noll are fifth-generation lawyers in the Noll-Herndon family. Unlike larger firms, they provide personalized representation to each client they take, so you will never be handed off to a less-experienced attorney from another city.
- Open communication – The Noll Law Office values open communication with its clients, listening to their stories and working together to achieve their goals. You can expect regular updates and one-on-one meetings throughout your case.
- Aggressive advocacy – The Noll Law Office approaches each case with the mindset of taking it to trial, which means the attorneys will be ready to take your case as far as it needs to go to secure a positive outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured or has become ill on the job, don’t hesitate to contact the Noll Law Office for a free case evaluation. The attorneys will be ready to put their experience and in-depth knowledge of Illinois worker’s compensation practice and procedures to work for you.