My great grandfather founded one of Illinois largest trade unions, Pipe fitter's Local No. 597 in Chicago. Having worked as a union pipe fitter, I remember that many of my co-workers were uneasy about filing a workers' compensation claim. Many of my fellow employees told me that if you file a claim you'd get fired. As a practicing workers' compensation attorney, I have not found this to be the case. Most employers recognize that an injured worker should be compensated for a workplace injury.
The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act was proposed by the employers of Illinois. The Act took away the right of an injured employee to pursue a remedy in a court of law. While most employers recognize the need for workers' compensation, they have successfully lobbied to decrease the benefits paid to injured workers. Organized labor has resisted these efforts, not only for its members, but also for the entire work force of Illinois.
Illinois law provides that an injured worker shall receive compensation for lost wages, medical care and disability. Illinois law provides that an injured worker has the absolute right to have an attorney represent his interests. Hiring an attorney does not create these benefits. Hiring a qualified workers' compensation attorney should, however, ensure that an injured worker receives the proper settlement for his injury. |
