Rockford Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Helping Injured Workers Recover Fair Compensation

A Rockford workers’ compensation attorney can help if you were injured on the job and need to secure medical benefits, lost wages, or disability payments. While Illinois law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, insurance companies often deny claims or offer low settlements to injured employees.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be straightforward, but many injured workers face delays, denials, or disputes over their benefits. Whether your claim was denied, your employer is disputing your injury, or you’re struggling to receive the compensation you deserve, having experienced attorneys on your side can make all the difference in your case.

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we fight to ensure injured workers receive the fair benefits they are entitled to under law. From handling paperwork to representing you before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, our experienced lawyers are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact our firm today for a free consultation and let us help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you rightfully deserve.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in Rockford

• $14,200,000 – Settlement for four warehouse workers injured when a distribution facility roof collapsed.
• $11,000,000 – Wrongful death settlement for a temporary worker crushed by a forklift.
• $7,400,000 – Recovery for a food manufacturing worker who suffered severe chemical burns.
• $7,000,000 – Settlement for a punch press operator who lost his dominant hand due to a defective safety mechanism.
• $5,100,000 – Compensation awarded to a factory worker after losing three fingers in a workplace accident.
• $4,900,000 – Settlement for an electrician who fell from a defective ladder while working in an office building.
• $3,045,000 – Recovery for a chemical plant manager who suffered an electric shock due to faulty wiring.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Cases Our Rockford Law Firm Handles

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, leaving employees with medical bills, lost income, and long-term health issues. Our Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers across all fields, including:

• Slip-and-fall accidents – Common in warehouses, construction sites, and offices, often due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
• Repetitive stress injuries – Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis from repetitive motions in factory work, office jobs, and assembly lines.
• Construction site accidents – Falls, equipment malfunctions, and scaffold collapses that result in serious injuries or disabilities.
• Warehouse and factory injuries – Heavy lifting, machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials affecting manufacturing and distribution workers.
• Healthcare worker injuries – Lifting-related injuries, needlestick accidents, and exposure to infectious diseases among nurses, doctors, and hospital staff.
• Toxic exposure and occupational illnesses – Asbestos, silica dust, and chemical fumes causing lung disease and long-term health complications.

Understanding the Illinois Workers’ Compensation System

Illinois has a no-fault workers’ compensation system, meaning you are entitled to benefits regardless of who or what type of accident caused the injury, as long as it happened while performing job duties.

However, many workers’ compensation claims are delayed, disputed, or denied by employers or insurance companies, making it difficult for injured employees to get the benefits they deserve.

If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be eligible for:

• Medical benefits for job-related injuries, including fractures, burns, or repetitive stress conditions.
• Compensation for occupational illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances or hazardous work conditions.
• Disability benefits if your injury prevents you from working long-term.

A Rockford workers’ compensation attorney can help you through the legal process to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under law.

Determining the Value of Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Rockford

The value of your workers’ compensation claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, your ability to return to work, and the specific benefits available under law.

Workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois may include:

• Medical benefits – Covers hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing care medical bills.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work during recovery.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Wage replacement if you can return to light-duty work at a lower pay rate.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Benefits for lasting impairments, such as loss of function or limb amputation.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Compensation for workers who can no longer perform any job due to their injury.
• Vocational rehabilitation – Job retraining or education if you cannot return to your previous job.
• Death benefits – Financial support for surviving family members after a fatal workplace accident, including funeral expenses.

If you’re unsure what benefits you qualify for, a Rockford workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Action

If you’ve suffered a workplace accident, acting quickly is essential. Delays in filing a claim or reporting your injury could result in denied benefits. Speaking with a Rockford workers’ comp lawyer immediately helps protect your rights and prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of your situation.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6, you must file a workers’ compensation claim within three years of the injury or two years from the date of your last workers’ comp payment, whichever is later.

If your claim is denied, you must file an appeal with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) within 30 days per IWCC Statute: Sec. 19(b); Rules: 7040.10(a)(1).

Filing your claim on time is critical to securing the compensation you deserve. If you’re facing delays, disputes, or denials, a Rockford workers’ compensation attorney can help you fight for your benefits.

When You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Rockford

Filing a workers’ compensation claim doesn’t always guarantee a smooth legal process. Employers and insurance companies may dispute your injury, delay payments, or even retaliate. A Rockford workers’ comp lawyer can protect your rights in situations like:

• Claim Denial – Employers or insurers may argue your work injury was pre-existing or unrelated to your job.
• Delayed or Reduced Benefits – Insurance adjusters often downplay injuries to minimize payouts.
• Permanent Disability – If your injury prevents you from working, you may need legal action to secure long-term benefits.
• Employer Retaliation – Under 820 ILCS 305/4, it’s illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or punish you for filing a workers’ comp claim.

If you’re facing any of these common challenges, speaking with the right attorney can help ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

How a Rockford Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help You Win Your Case

If you’ve been injured at work, navigating the workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming. Employers and insurance companies may delay or deny claims, leaving you without the benefits you deserve. An experienced attorney can help by:

• Filing and appealing claims to ensure you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.
• Negotiating for maximum benefits, including medical treatment, lost income, and disability payments.
• Challenging claim denials and fighting back against insurers who refuse to pay.
• Protecting you from employer retaliation if you’re facing pressure or wrongful termination.
• Ensuring fair treatment for workplace injuries, from slip-and-falls to repetitive stress conditions.

Why Choose Our Rockford Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Not all law firms handle workers’ compensation cases the same way. Here’s why injured workers trust us:

• Decades of experience fighting for injured employees.
• Aggressive advocacy against employers and insurance companies that deny claims.
• No upfront costs – You only pay if we recover benefits for you.
• Comprehensive legal support, from filing claims to appealing IWCC decisions.
• Free case review to discuss your claim and options.

Where Do Workplace Injuries Happen in Rockford?

Certain industries in Rockford and Winnebago County see a higher number of workers’ compensation claims due to the nature of the work and associated risks. Some of the most common job sectors where injuries occur include:

• Manufacturing and Warehousing – Rockford’s industrial sector is a major employer, with factories and distribution centers along South Main Street, Samuelson Road, and the Rockford Airport industrial area. Workers often suffer injuries from heavy machinery accidents, repetitive motion strain, and exposure to hazardous materials.
• Healthcare Facilities – Hospitals like OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Mercy Health Javon Bea Hospital, and UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital employ thousands of healthcare workers who face risks such as lifting injuries, needlestick accidents, and exposure to infectious diseases.
• Construction Sites – Ongoing infrastructure projects along Interstate 90, U.S. Route 20, and downtown Rockford development zones lead to frequent injuries from falls, equipment malfunctions, and electrocution hazards.
• Retail and Service Industries – Employees at major shopping centers like CherryVale Mall, East State Street retail corridor, and Perryville Road stores often deal with slip-and-fall accidents, lifting injuries, and repetitive stress conditions.
• Transportation and Logistics – With major freight hubs and warehouses near Loves Park and the Rockford International Airport, delivery drivers and warehouse workers are prone to vehicle accidents, loading injuries, and long-term musculoskeletal strain.

Rockford Workplace Accident & Injury Statistics

In 2023, Illinois reported 101,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector, with an overall injury rate of 2.4 cases per 100 full-time workers—matching the national average.

• 64,500 cases resulted in days away from work, job transfer, or work restrictions.
• 42,800 cases involved days away from work, meaning the injury was severe enough to prevent employees from working.
• 21,600 cases led to job transfers or work restrictions, requiring workers to take on lighter duties.

20,200 work-related accident injury and illness cases were reported in Illinois’s state and local government sector, with an injury rate of 4.0 cases per 100 full-time workers. 81% of reported cases in Illinois’s public sector involved local government workers, such as Rockford municipal employees, law enforcement, and public school staff.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Rockford

If you’re injured at work, taking the right steps quickly can protect your health and your right to workers’ compensation insurance benefits.

• Report the Injury Immediately – Illinois law requires employees to notify their employer within 45 days of an injury (820 ILCS 305/6(c)). For radiation exposure, notice must be given within 90 days of suspecting an excessive dose. For occupational diseases, employees must report the condition as soon as they become aware of it. Failing to report in time could delay or deny benefits.
• Seek Medical Attention – Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/8), your employer’s workers’ comp insurance must cover all reasonable and necessary medical care. However, you may need to seek medical attention by a doctor approved by your employer’s insurance network.
• Document the Work Injury – Keep records of medical treatment, work restrictions, witness statements, and accident reports to support your claim.
• Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney – If your claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid, an attorney can help you challenge the decision and fight for the benefits you’re entitled to.

Local Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Rockford

Navigating workers’ comp claims involves multiple laws designed to protect injured workers. Below are key regulations that affect your claim:

• Under 820 ILCS 305/8(a), injured workers can choose their own doctor for treatment. However, employers may require visits to a preferred provider network (PPN). If your employer has a PPN, you can choose from two network providers or opt out and use one non-network doctor.
• If your injury prevents you from working during recovery, you may qualify for TTD benefits under 820 ILCS 305/8(b). TTD pays two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage (AWW) while you’re unable to work.
• If you can’t return to your previous job due to your injury and must take a lower-paying position, Illinois law provides wage differential benefits (820 ILCS 305/8(d)(1)). This benefit pays two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your new lower earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation Cases in Rockford

How long do I have to report a work injury in Rockford?

State law requires you to notify your employer within 45 days of your injury. Failing to do so could delay or deny your benefits.

What if my employer denies my workers’ comp claim?

You can file a claim with the IWCC for a hearing before an arbitrator. A workers’ compensation attorney can help strengthen your case.

Can I see my own doctor for a work-related injury?

Yes, but state law limits you to two choices of doctors unless your employer has a preferred provider network.

How much will I get in workers’ compensation benefits?

Benefits include medical bills, lost wages, temporary total disability (TTD), permanent partial disability (PPD), and vocational rehabilitation. The amount depends on your injury and wages.

Can I sue my employer if they were negligent?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you generally cannot sue your employer. However, you may have a personal injury claim if a defective product or unsafe work conditions contributed to your injury.

Consult a Rockford Workers’ Compensation Attorney Near You!

If you’ve been injured at work, securing the benefits you deserve can be challenging. Employers and insurance companies may delay, deny, or reduce claims, leaving you without the medical care and financial support you need.

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we fight tirelessly for injured workers throughout the entire legal process of recovering fair compensation. With extensive experience and a proven track record in recovering benefits, we are here to help.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form for a free consultation and discuss your workers’ compensation case with our team today. We serve Rockford and Northern Illinois and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.