Sustaining an injury at work can put everything at risk—your health, your income, and your future. While the federal workers’ compensation program and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act are designed to protect injured employees, securing the full benefits you are entitled to is not always straightforward. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys approach every case with a trial-ready mindset, backed by the resources and experience to take complex claims as far as necessary.
Although the system is intended to be navigated without legal representation, the reality is often very different. Employers and insurance carriers frequently delay, dispute, or deny valid claims. When that happens, you need more than basic guidance—you need a litigation-driven firm prepared to stand up to powerful insurance companies. Our attorneys have the legal firepower and financial strength to pursue your claim aggressively and fight for the full compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.
Get help filing your claim and securing benefits today. Call our workers’ compensation attorneys for a free consultation at 800-985-1819.
How our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys secure maximum benefits for our clients
Work-related injuries happen every day in Illinois, and Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has proudly supported many of those injured for three generations. Our firm handles thousands of cases per year, and we have recovered over a billion dollars for injury victims and their families through verdicts, administrative rulings, directed judgments, or out-of-court settlements.
Testimonials from injured Chicago workers we’ve helped rebuild
Among those successful cases are injury victims who were previously denied representation by others. We do not shy away from challenging cases or going to court. The dedication our firm has to client success is clear in our results and testimonials.
“Zibi and his team were amazing. He made sure I was informed at every step. He even sent me a book so that I could educate myself on what to expect. Great experience from beginning to end. I’m truly grateful for their hard work.”
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“They were very attentive to our situation. They made us feel like family. Our case took years but they held out hands and gave us top notch legal advice. Our calls and e-mails had a very quick turn around to ensure we were knowledgeable about every part of the case.”
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“Anne and Alex did an amazing job! When I was confused or concerned about anything in my workers’ comp case, they were patient and always explained everything so clearly. Thanks to them, my case felt like a smooth, easy, and stress-free process.”
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What to expect in a workers’ compensation case from our experienced attorneys
Workers’ compensation cases can be intricate and complicated. A firm practiced in workers’ compensation law will work on your behalf to help you through the process. Our reputation for record-setting verdicts lets insurance companies know that the injured workers we represent are serious about their case. Some of what we do to help includes:
- Investigating the injury: If you were injured due to employer negligence, it may be more appropriate to pursue a lawsuit instead of a workers’ compensation claim
- Completing and filing the necessary paperwork
- Providing referrals to appropriate physicians and specialists
- Communicating with the insurance company or attorneys
In addition to supporting your case in the more transactional needs, our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys deeply understand the benefits provided to you by workers’ compensation law. Knowing what is available helps us identify qualifying factors in your case to ensure you have appropriate access to claims for compensation due to temporary total disability, permanent total disability, or even vocational rehabilitation benefits.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will help you identify all possible avenues to compensation
Workers’ compensation payments typically cover the cost of your medical care related to the injury you received while working, a portion of your average weekly wage for time you miss due to the injury, and some supportive services if you cannot return to your job or field.
However, if your employer’s negligence caused your injury and you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, our team may help you recover additional damages. The specific type and amount you recover is dependent on the details of your situation, but may include:
- Full coverage of lost wages
- Medical costs
- Costs to modify your home due to permanent disability
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to the same field
- Pain and suffering
Damages for losses such as pain and suffering are recoverable in personal injury lawsuits after a work injury because we show evidence that your employer was the cause of your injuries and, therefore, responsible for the resulting emotional damage you sustained.
The “no-fault” workers’ compensation system
In Illinois, an injured worker is entitled to medical care and compensation. Whether you or your employer was at fault for causing the injury does not matter.
However, with a no-fault system, state law limits the benefits you are entitled to. Minimum and maximum benefits are fixed based on the “statewide average weekly wage,” or “SAWW.”
For example, the minimum and maximum benefit rates for the period January 15, 2026, to July 14, 2026, are as follows:
Death, permanent total disability, amputation, or loss of an eye:
- Maximum weekly benefit: $2,008.60
- Minimum weekly benefit: $753.25
Temporary total disability:
- Maximum weekly benefit: $2,008.60
- Minimum weekly benefit: $400 to $600.00 (amount varies based on the number of dependents)
As for death benefits, weekly benefits in a fatal claim are paid to the surviving spouse for life, not to exceed the greater of 25 years or $500,000.00, and to minor children of the decedent until they reach age 18. Benefits may continue past age 18 if the child is enrolled in school, but in no event past age 25. If the deceased left no surviving spouse or minor child, benefits may be available to other dependent family members.
Chicago’s most injury-prone jobs: What workers in construction, transit, and healthcare should know
Our Chicago workers’ comp attorneys know that a work injury can occur in any occupation. However, some industries are known to carry a higher risk of injury and illness, including:
- Construction
- State government (police, justice system, etc.)
- Private air transportation
- Warehousing and storage
- Local government transit and ground transportation
- Sporting events, entertainment performances
- Nursing and residential care (government or private)
- Sightseeing, tourism
Whether at a desk or a construction site, you are at risk for a work injury.
When the injuries are severe and result in short- or long-term disability, your future can be forever altered. Having a top-rated workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago as you fight for justice and compensation is essential.
Special laws that protect Chicago workers: Jones Act, FELA, and Beyond
Special worker protection laws protect some workers. These are important to be aware of when pursuing a workers’ compensation claim in Chicago.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act applies to those who work on boats or other vessels. Sometimes, if an employee is injured at work because the employer was negligent, the employee can sue for damages.
Damages you can pursue under the Jones Act:
Under the Jones Act, employees have the right to have their medical bills paid and a daily allowance to help them recover from their injuries. These cases often require the help of a Chicago harbor injury attorney to establish that the employer was negligent.
FELA
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act, or FELA, provides specific protections for federal workers, including railroad workers.
Beginning a Chicago railroad claim or any other claim under FELA will require establishing negligence in some aspect of the case. Your employer may have failed to provide reasonably safe working conditions, leading to your injuries.
Talk to a Chicago workers’ Comp attorney who’s fought (and won) complex claims for decades
Work injury cases can often leave injured employees at a significant disadvantage. An inherent power dynamic may lead you to feel you have to accept a workers’ compensation claim to keep your job or prevent yourself from getting in trouble. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney in Chicago, IL, can help even the power dynamic and empower you to stand up for your rights.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can offer experienced representation with a track record of success. We offer free case consultations that you may schedule online or by calling 800-985-1819 with no obligation. You do not have to navigate this situation alone. So call us today.
Commonly asked questions about Chicago workers’ compensation cases
Almost everything in the legal process can seem more complicated than it needs to be, and that can be overwhelming, especially when you are also trying to recover from an injury and possible financial instability. The reality is that many questions you may have will have answers depending on your situation, but some common questions we receive may help you feel more oriented in your situation.
What is the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit?
A workers’ compensation claim is a no-fault way to get your injuries covered. This means that you can access paid medical care and support services without considering whether you were at fault or your employer. The benefit to this is that you often receive payment more quickly and have little, if any, out-of-pocket medical expenses.
A personal injury lawsuit regarding a work injury is one you make because you feel your employer was negligent in their duty to provide a safe working environment, and that negligence caused your injuries. These cases can take much longer because they require evidence to support your claim. However, the compensation you recover is often significantly more because it can include an array of damages that WC does not.
What if my employer is uninsured?
If you have been injured on the job and your employer does not carry the appropriate workers’ compensation policy, you may still have options to recover compensation for your injuries, though working with a firm with experienced work injury attorneys is especially important. Our team can speak with you to determine your eligibility to access the Injured Workers’ Benefit Fund.
Will workers’ compensation cover me, even if I have pre-existing conditions?
We often hear injured workers say that their claim was reduced or denied based on the presence of a pre-existing condition. However, the question is not whether you have a pre-existing condition. What is relevant is whether the work injury exacerbated a pre-existing condition.
How much does a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney cost?
We have all heard those stories of someone who pays tens of thousands of dollars for an attorney. However, our firm works on a contingency-fee model, allowing you to rest assured that you will not have upfront costs that you cannot pay. We will agree upon a fee percentage before working together. When your settlement is paid out, it will typically be sent straight to your attorney, who will deduct the fees and send you the remaining amount with an itemized statement.
Local resources for injured workers in Chicago
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
25 E Washington St Ste 900,
Chicago, IL 6060
- Union Office Hours
- Time and location vary
Pinnacle Pain Management
- Work Injury Pain Management
- 2859 Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60623
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
- Phone: 312-814-6500
