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Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Northern Illinois
Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Experienced legal representation for medical malpractice case  in Rockford, McHenry County, Algonquin, and other Illinois communities. Rob and Keith Shindler are personally involved in every case.

Why Choose Shindler & Shindler 

Rockford & McHenry County Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Every day, hardworking men and women across McHenry County, Rockford, Algonquin, and greater Chicago are injured on the job. Illinois law guarantees injured workers the right to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault—but insurance companies and employers often work to minimize or deny valid claims. The workers’ compensation lawyers at Shindler & Shindler fight aggressively to make sure injured workers receive every benefit they are legally entitled to.

Keith Shindler and Robert Shindler are personally involved in every workers’ comp case. We provide the personalized attention of a boutique firm combined with the legal firepower needed to go up against large employers and their insurance carriers in Cook County, McHenry County, and beyond.

Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle

Workers across all industries in the McHenry County area can suffer serious on-the-job injuries, including:

  • Repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Slip and fall accidents on construction sites and warehouse floors
  • Back injuries and herniated discs from heavy lifting
  • Forklift and heavy equipment accidents in Rockford-area factories
  • Burns, chemical exposures, and toxic fume inhalation
  • Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects
  • Electrocution and arc flash injuries
  • Crushing injuries from machinery
  • Occupational diseases, including asbestos-related illnesses
  • Psychological injuries resulting from workplace trauma

Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits You May Be Entitled To

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers in McHenry County and Rockford are entitled to a range of benefits:

  • Medical Benefits: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and medical devices.
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you cannot work at all during recovery, you are entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, tax-free.
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can work light duty at reduced pay, you are entitled to two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and current wages.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensation for a permanent impairment that does not completely prevent you from working.
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you are permanently unable to work, you may receive lifetime wage replacement benefits.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Training and support to help you re-enter the workforce in a new capacity if you cannot return to your former job.

Don't accept a rushed settlement from your employer's insurance company. Many injured workers in Algonquin and Rockford are entitled to far more than they are initially offered.

Third-Party Claims: Getting More Than Workers' Comp Allows

Workers’ compensation limits what you can recover from your direct employer—it does not cover pain and suffering. However, if a third party (such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner) contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. This is especially common in Rockford construction accidents and McHenry County manufacturing injuries.

See also: Our Construction Accident  page for more on third-party claims.

Common Reasons Workers' Comp Claims Are Denied in Illinois

  • Employer claims the injury did not occur at work
  • Failure to report the injury within the required timeframe
  • Disputes about whether the treatment is medically necessary
  • Allegations that the worker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Independent Medical Examinations (IME) conducted by insurance-selected doctors

If your claim has been denied or disputed, Shindler & Shindler’s Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to overturn the denial and secure your benefits.

Related Practice Areas

Frequently Asked Questions: Workers' Compensation in Illinois

Q: How long do I have to report a work injury in Illinois?

 

A: You must report your injury to your employer within 45 days in Illinois. However, you should report it immediately to protect your claim. The statute of limitations to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission is three years from the injury date.

 

Q: Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ comp claim in McHenry County?

 

A: No. Illinois law prohibits retaliation against workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you believe you were terminated or demoted in retaliation, contact Shindler & Shindler immediately.

 

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ comp claim in Rockford?

 

A: While you are not legally required to have an attorney, having an experienced Rockford workers’ compensation lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving full benefits. Insurance companies have legal teams working to minimize payouts—you should have an advocate on your side.

 

Q: What if I was partially at fault for my workplace accident?

 

A: Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Illinois. You can receive benefits regardless of whether your own actions contributed to the accident, with limited exceptions such as intentional self-harm or injuries sustained while intoxicated.

Call Today

Whether you were a pedestrian severely harmed by a reckless driver in Chicago or Algonquin, or if you are dealing with the complex aftermath of a fatal accident, the skilled personal injury lawyers at Shindler & Shindler are here to help.

Call  Shindler & Shindler  today at 847-WE-FIGHTto schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients across the Chicagoland area, including Cook County, McHenry County, and surrounding communities.

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