Chicago Workers' Compensation Attorney Blog

More and more Illinois residents are heading back to work, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports unemployment rates in 351 of the 372 metropolitan were lower during this November than last. More than 15 metro areas across the country unfortunately reported higher unemployment rates, while about five metro areas reported their unemployment rates stayed about the same from the previous year. There were more than eight metro areas that reported an unemployment rate of at least 15 percent, while about 25 metro areas reported the unemployment rates were less than 5 percent. An unemployment rate of less than 5 percent is quite impressive nowadays for anywhere. With the decrease in unemployment rates in a majority of metropolitan areas, more and more people are heading back to work in the New Year, and risks for work-related accidents in Illinois and elsewhere are expected to increase as well.

Our Chicago workers compensation attorneys understand that the preliminary 2010 results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate there were nearly 4,550 fatal work accidents throughout that year. This is the most recent data available. These statistics were tallies during a time when the work force was smaller and equipped with fewer employees as the economy was suffering. As the economy recovers and more people are heading back to work, the risks for these types of accidents are expected to increase significantly. Please use the New Year as a time to reevaluate workplace safety!

The unemployment rate for the nation during November was more than 8 percent, which is a reduction from the 9.3 percent unemployment rate just a year ago.

There were 31 metropolitan divisions that recorded an annual unemployment rate decrease in November. Chicago was one of these fortunate areas.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its preliminary statistics for the number of fatal work-related injuries in 2010.

Fatal on-the-job fatal injuries by event or exposure during 2010:

-Total number of work-related fatalities: Nearly 4,550.

-Transportation-related fatalities: Nearly 1,800.

-Assaults and violent acts: More than 800.

-Contact with equipment and objects: More than 730.

-Falls-related fatalities: Nearly 640.

-Exposure to harmful environments or substances: Nearly 410.

-Explosions and fires: Nearly 200.

As we said before, these statistics were tallied during a time when the unemployment rate was higher than it is today. With a lower unemployment rate, there are more people back on the job. With more people on the job, the rate for on-the-job injuries and fatalities spikes. The New Year is an excellent time to reevaluate the safety of your job. Employers are urged to use this time to step up injury prevention programs to help to reduce these dangerous statistics.

Continue reading "Metro Areas' Unemployment Rates Decrease, Increasing Risks for Work-Related Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere" »

Two men are lucky to be alive after a crane toppled over, reports the Chicago Tribune.

Our Chicago workers' compensation attorneys know that construction remains the deadliest occupation in Illinois. Of the 158 work place fatalities in 2009, 27 were in construction.

The two construction workers were on a South Side bridge project when a lift-crane toppled over, hitting one of them. The accident happened on the 9900 block of South Genoa Avenue in the Washington Heights neighborhood around 10 a.m. As the crane fell over, it hit the upper body of a 59-year-old worker but thankfully he was not crushed. He was taken to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn and though his injuries were serious they did not appear to be life threatening. The operator of the crane was also injured and was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park and was reported to be in good condition. Law enforcement launched an investigation to determine what caused the accident.

Common causes of crane accidents:

-Cranes tip over or collapse because the ground beneath them is uneven or unstable or the load is above the crane’s capacity.

-Contacting power lines is the leading cause of crane accidents. If any part of the crane hits a live power line the electrocution of the crane operator, as well as any other workers in the area can occur.

-Crane assembly and disassembly needs be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After assembly tests should be done to determine the stability of the crane to avoid an accident.

-A crane boom collapse happens when it is extended beyond the manufacturer’s instructions. Over extension can lessen the crane’s capacity to carry loads, and can cause tremendous stress the mechanical, structural and hydraulic components of the crane.

Tips to prevent crane accidents:

-Properly train crane operators and those working around cranes.
-Cranes should have regular maintenance to prevent part failures.
-Crane loads need to be properly rigged to avoid workers being crushed.
-Never overload a crane, know the cranes load capacity.
-Make sure the crane assembly and disassembly is done properly and performed on level ground.

Continue reading "Two Illinois workers injured when crane topples on Chicago's South Side" »

Last Sunday, the Chicago Tribune published an article about a man who found himself facing bankruptcy because of an insurance company’s interpretation of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. According to the article, the man was severely injured in a work-related accident that occurred on the farm that he rented. His medical bills ultimately rose above $87,000.

The man did have health insurance through a second job, which was in manufacturing. However, his insurance company claimed that his plan did not cover injuries suffered while at work (as long as that work was for profit). The insurance company suggested that the man should file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

In fact, most injuries suffered as part of farm-related work are not covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. According to the Tribune article, after the Department of Insurance opened an investigation into the denial of coverage for the man’s injuries, and after the Department’s Director stated in an email that the company’s assertions about workers’ compensation coverage were incorrect, the insurance company did begin to pay the worker’s medical bills.

People who suffer work-related injuries in Illinois and are not sure whether or not they qualify for workers’ compensation benefits should consult with an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. The Illinois Workers Compensation Commission website (though somewhat difficult to navigate) also offers a lot of useful information, including answers to several lists of Frequently Asked Questions.

Continue reading "Illinois Man Improperly Instructed to File Workers’ Compensation Claim" »