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Motor Vehicle Accidents 
Many American industries rely on forklifts for smooth and efficient operation. From big box stores to warehouses and shipyards, these machines are important tools for getting the job done. Like any piece of heavy machinery, a forklift can be a fatal hazard if it is not operated safely.
Losing a family member in an accident on the job is a life-changing tragedy. Illinois law provides benefits to help the survivors of accident victims. A Chicago workers’ compensation attorney is aware that these death benefits can help loved ones rebuild their lives after a fatality in the workplace.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 32,000 Americans are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year. Hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured. Some are disabled for life. Many of these injuries occur while people are commuting to and from work or performing work activities.
Exposure to harmful substances on the job can cause severe lung disease. According to the American Lung Association, workers in private industry suffer nearly 15,000 cases of occupational lung disease every year, while government employees face an average of 7,800 additional cases.
Injured workers in the state of Illinois have the right to compensation for their lost wages and their medical costs. The Illinois workers’ compensation system is designed to offer benefits in the aftermath of accidents, exposure to dangerous chemicals, repetitive trauma and other workplace hazards. Employees must prove that their claim is legitimate and caused by real medical needs.
This winter has been brutal for Illinois residents. Record-setting low temperatures, along with plenty of ice and snow, have made life difficult for people who need to get to work day after day. Wintry weather is especially hazardous for delivery drivers whose job involves spending many hours on the road. When the mercury drops below freezing, they are more likely to suffer a serious injury.
According to the latest figures compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 154,000 Americans are hurt at work every year. Office workers, medical professionals, construction workers, law enforcement officers and other employees all face distinctive injury risks.
First responders are on the front lines when a crisis occurs in Illinois. After a fire, accident, crime or natural disaster, these professionals are the first to deal with the aftermath and help the victims. This demanding work can lead to post-traumatic stress and long term disability.
Illinois workers’ compensation is designed to support injured workers as they recover from job-related trauma. State law provides a broad set of guidelines for employees who wish to apply for compensation after an accident. Unfortunately, not all cases are successful in the first round. People have the right to appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim.
Many older people in Illinois live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Working in a nursing home can be physically challenging. The job may include duties such as lifting, transferring and bathing patients. A Chicago workers’ compensation attorney knows that incorrect or excessive lifting can cause disability in nursing home staff.