Chicago UPS Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Injured United Parcel Service workers in Illinois face many challenges when navigating the workers’ compensation process, which is why having the right legal representation is essential.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we ensure that claims are correctly handled from the start, helping injured employees avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to delays, denials, or insufficient compensation.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we prioritize securing the full range of workers’ compensation benefits for injured UPS workers. Our dedicated team has extensive experience handling UPS workers’ compensation claims and consistently achieves favorable results for our clients.

Our Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers thoroughly investigate each case to ensure all medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs are accounted for.

With our in-depth knowledge of Illinois workers’ compensation laws, we carefully navigate the legal process, fighting to safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation for UPS Employees

Illinois workers’ compensation laws operate under a no-fault system, meaning injured workers are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident. This ensures they receive the medical care, wage replacement, and compensation they need after a work injury without the burden of proving fault.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act outlines the specific rights and benefits available to injured workers in the state. These include coverage for medical expenses, temporary and permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) oversees the resolution of work injury claims. It mediates disputes, conducts hearings for denied claims, and ensures the law is fairly applied.

Common Injuries & Occupational Illnesses at United Parcel Service

From lifting heavy packages to operating delivery vehicles, United Parcel Service workers perform various physically demanding tasks, which puts them at a higher risk of sustaining serious workplace injuries.

Back and spinal cord injuries are prevalent among UPS employees who handle large, heavy loads daily. Repeated lifting and bending can lead to chronic pain, herniated discs, and even permanent back problems, as well as knee injuries.

Delivery drivers face additional risks, including motor vehicle accidents. Whether it’s a collision with another vehicle or slipping and falling during deliveries, these workplace accidents can result in severe injuries like broken bones, neck injuries, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Warehouse workers at UPS often experience repetitive stress injuries from tasks like sorting, scanning, and packaging. Constantly performing the same motions can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, shoulder injuries, and spinal cord injuries, making it difficult to continue work without pain or further injury.

The workplace and warehouse accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understand how these on-the-job injuries can disrupt the lives of UPS employees.

Whether you’re suffering from a severe injury like amputation injuries or dealing with ongoing pain from repetitive strain, we ensure that your UPS work accident claim fully accounts for your medical bills, lost income, and any necessary vocational rehabilitation.

What to Do After a UPS Work Accident

Taking the proper steps after a UPS workplace accident is crucial to ensure you receive the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. Following these steps helps protect your health and strengthens your legal case, ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the claims process.

Seek Medical Attention

Getting immediate medical attention after a work-related injury is essential for your health and building a strong claim. In Illinois, employees injured at work are entitled to immediate medical treatment, even before filing or receiving approval for a work injury claim.

An experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can help you select your own medical provider and ensure that workers’ compensation covers the costs from the outset.

Report the Injury

Reporting any work-related injuries to UPS within the legal timeframe is critical. In Illinois, workers have 45 days to notify their employer of a work injury. Failing to report it in time can jeopardize your ability to receive benefits, so acting quickly is essential.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Filing a workers’ comp claim can be a complex process. Legal representation can make a big difference, as a workers’ compensation attorney helps you avoid errors and ensures your claim is not undervalued.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for UPS Employees

UPS employees injured on the job are entitled to various benefits under Illinois law, such as medical and death benefits. Below is an overview of the critical types of benefits available.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits

TPD benefits apply to injured UPS employees who can work at reduced capacity. These benefits help cover the difference between the worker’s usual wage and what they earn in their modified role while recovering.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

In Illinois, PPD benefits are determined by a schedule that assigns specific values to body parts (such as an arm, leg, or hand). This schedule helps calculate the compensation owed to UPS employees who suffer a permanent impairment but can still work in some capacity.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

Injured UPS employees who cannot work while they recover are entitled to TTD benefits. These payments are calculated at two-thirds (or 66%) of the worker’s average weekly wage. A workers’ compensation lawyer ensures the correct amount is calculated according to Illinois law, including the state’s minimum and maximum benefit limits.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits

If a UPS employee suffers a severe injury and can no longer work in any capacity, they may be eligible for PTD benefits. These provide long-term financial support, helping workers manage ongoing medical expenses and daily living costs.

Vocational Rehabilitation

This benefit covers the cost of retraining or educational programs to help the injured UPS employee switch careers or find new employment. A lawyer can help ensure that UPS covers these expenses and resolve disputes about whether workers can return to their former position.

The Role of a UPS Workers’ Comp Lawyer

An experienced attorney plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of injured UPS workers. From filing the initial claim to handling paperwork and ensuring that all medical and financial needs are covered, legal representation can significantly improve the chances of a successful claim.

A Chicago workers’ comp lawyer from our team will ensure all deadlines are met, evidence is gathered correctly, and the worker’s rights are protected throughout the process. This support is significant when dealing with complex claims or pushback from employers or insurance companies.

Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims

Injured UPS workers should not give up if a workers’ compensation claim is denied. In Illinois, an appeal process is available for denied claims, and legal help is crucial for success.

A lawyer can assist by gathering additional evidence, representing the worker at hearings, and ensuring that every angle of the case is covered. This increases the chances of overturning a denial and receiving the benefits the worker is entitled to.

Penalties for Late Payments

Under Illinois law, employers or insurance companies, like Liberty Mutual, can face penalties for unreasonably delaying workers’ compensation payments. If benefits are not paid promptly, a lawyer can help UPS workers pursue additional compensation by holding the responsible party accountable for the delays, ensuring compliance with Illinois regulations.

Choosing Your Own Doctor

Illinois workers’ compensation laws allow injured workers to select their doctors under the “two-doctor rule.” UPS workers can choose two medical providers; any necessary referrals from these providers are also covered under workers’ compensation.

A lawyer helps navigate this process, ensuring the doctors are pre-approved and the worker receives the necessary medical care, especially if UPS or its insurer attempts to limit treatment options.

Third-Party Claims for UPS Workplace Injuries

Sometimes, a UPS workplace injury may involve a third party, such as another driver in a motor vehicle accident. When this happens, the injured worker may be able to pursue a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation.

These claims can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp covers but can be complex. Legal advice by our Chicago personal injury lawyers is essential to exploring all avenues for recovery and maximizing the compensation available to the injured worker.

Returning to Work Following a UPS Workplace Accident

One common challenge is pressure from employers to return before fully recovering, which can put the worker at risk of further injury. A workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure that UPS workers are not forced back to work prematurely and their rights are protected.

Consult a UPS Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today!

If you’re an injured UPS worker, seeking immediate legal advice is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you’re receiving the benefits you deserve. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling UPS workers’ compensation claims per Illinois laws and fighting to get you the full benefits you’re entitled to.

Book a free consultation with a workers’ comp lawyer by calling (888) 424-5757 or filling out our contact form.

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.