⚖️ Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorney

Injured at Work in Chicago? Get the Compensation You Deserve.

Insurance companies and employers have attorneys protecting their bottom line. You need someone in your corner. David Schwaner has recovered millions for injured Illinois workers — and he works on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

✅ No fee unless we win
✅ Free consultation
✅ 98% case recovery rate
✅ Available 24/7
Free Case Evaluation
No fee unless we win. Confidential.

Confidential · Attorney-client privilege applies · No obligation

★★★★★ 5-Star Rated on Avvo & Google | 98% Case Recovery Rate | $30M+ Recovered for Illinois Workers | No Fee Unless We Win

Common Work Injuries We Handle

Illinois workers' compensation covers injuries that occur in the course of employment — from sudden accidents to occupational diseases developed over time.

🧠 Traumatic Brain Injury
🦴 Spinal Cord Injury
🦾 Fractures & Broken Bones
✂️ Amputations
🔥 Burns & Chemical Exposure
⌨️ Repetitive Stress / Carpal Tunnel
🏗️ Construction Accidents
🚚 Transportation Accidents
💉 Occupational Disease
👁️ Eye & Vision Injuries
🫁 Respiratory Injuries
🩻 Soft Tissue Injuries

Do You Qualify for Workers' Comp Benefits?

Illinois law (820 ILCS 305) requires most employers to carry workers' comp insurance. Here's what you need to qualify:

1

You were injured at work or due to your work

Your injury must have occurred "in the course of employment" — meaning it happened while performing job duties or in a work environment. This includes injuries during work travel, at off-site work locations, and occupational diseases.

2

You reported your injury within 45 days

Illinois law requires you to notify your employer within 45 days of the accident. Failing to report promptly can jeopardize your claim. Always report in writing and keep a copy.

3

You file your claim within the statute of limitations

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), you have 3 years from the date of injury (or 2 years from the last compensation payment) to file with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

4

Your employer has workers' comp insurance

Illinois law requires most employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. If your employer is uninsured, you can still recover through the Commission's special fund.

What Benefits Can You Recover?

Illinois workers' compensation provides several types of benefits for injured workers. An experienced attorney can help maximize what you receive.

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Medical Benefits

100% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses — including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future medical treatment.

💰

Wage Replacement (TTD)

Temporary Total Disability pays 2/3 of your average weekly wage while you're unable to work — tax-free. Paid every two weeks.

Permanent Disability (PPD/PTD)

Permanent Partial or Total Disability benefits compensate you for lasting impairment to your body, based on the injured body part and degree of disability.

🎓

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you can't return to your previous job, workers' comp may cover job retraining, education, and placement assistance so you can re-enter the workforce.

🕊️

Death Benefits

If a workplace injury results in death, surviving dependents may receive weekly death benefits and up to $8,000 in burial expenses.

How We Handle Your Workers' Comp Case

We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on recovering.

1

Free Consultation

We review your case at no charge and explain your rights under Illinois law.

2

Investigation

We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and employer documentation.

3

File Your Claim

We file with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and handle all deadlines.

4

Negotiate

We fight the insurance company for maximum benefits — medical, wage replacement, and disability.

5

Hearing / Settlement

If they won't pay fairly, we take it to arbitration or trial. We don't stop until you're compensated.

Illinois Workers' Comp Law & Your Rights

⏱ Key Deadlines (820 ILCS 305)

  • Report injury to employer: within 45 days
  • File claim with IWCC: 3 years from injury date
  • Or 2 years from last compensation payment
  • Death claims: 3 years from date of death

⚖️ Your Rights Under Illinois Law

  • Choose your own treating physician (after first visit)
  • Cannot be fired for filing a workers' comp claim
  • Benefits are tax-free at the federal level
  • Right to appeal denied claims to IWCC arbitrator
  • Right to legal representation at no upfront cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers to the questions injured Chicago workers ask most.

In Illinois, you must report your work injury to your employer within 45 days. You then have 3 years from the date of injury (or 2 years from the last compensation payment) to file a formal claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
No. Illinois law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing a workers' compensation claim. If you are fired, demoted, or harassed after filing, you may have an additional legal claim against your employer.
Illinois workers' comp covers medical expenses (100%), temporary total disability (TTD) at 2/3 of your average weekly wage, permanent partial disability (PPD), vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for surviving family members.
While you can file on your own, having an experienced Chicago workers' comp attorney significantly improves your outcome. Insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests — you should too. Schwaner Injury Law handles workers' comp on contingency: no fee unless you win.
Disputes are common. An experienced attorney can gather medical records, witness statements, and employment records to prove your injury occurred at work. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission has arbitrators who resolve disputes based on evidence.
Yes. Illinois workers' compensation covers occupational diseases and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back injuries caused by daily work tasks — not just sudden accidents.
Generally, workers' comp is the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or other party (not your employer) whose negligence contributed to your injury.
Schwaner Injury Law handles workers' comp cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Your first consultation is completely free.

Why Chicago Workers Choose Schwaner Injury Law

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$30M+ Recovered

David has recovered millions for injured workers and accident victims throughout Illinois.

⚖️

20+ Years Experience

Exclusively representing injured people in Cook County courts and before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

📞

Available 24/7

Call or text anytime — day or night. David personally returns calls the same day.

🚫

Zero Fees Unless We Win

Contingency fee only. You pay nothing upfront and owe nothing if we don't recover for you.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

"Working with David was a pleasure. From the first time I spoke to him I felt at ease. He was always keeping me updated on everything every step of the process and delivered more than expected for me in every way."

Frank T. — Chicago, IL
★★★★★

"I would highly recommend Attorney David Schwaner to anyone. Not only is David knowledgeable and a gifted attorney, he's a very sympathetic individual who takes the time to get to know you and your situation."

Kons T. — Chicago, IL
★★★★★

"Best in Chicago. Dave is connected in the area to several doctors and practices and will assist in making sure everything goes as smooth and professional as possible."

Thumbtack Verified Client

Injured on the Job? Don't Face the Insurance Company Alone.

Illinois workers' compensation law is complicated and designed to protect employers. Get an experienced Chicago workers' comp lawyer fighting for you — at no cost unless you win.

Schwaner Injury Law handles workers' compensation claims throughout Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area including Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, and Lake County. We serve clients in Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Springfield, Elgin, Peoria, Waukegan, Cicero, Champaign, Bloomington, and communities throughout Illinois. If you were injured on the job anywhere in Illinois, call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation.

Related Practice Areas

Personal Injury → Brain & Spinal Injury → Slip & Fall → Wrongful Death → Medical Malpractice →