A Workplace Injury Can Make Your Future Uncertain
There are many ways employees can sustain an injury in the workplace. Some include:
- Overexertion that causes back, neck and shoulder injuries
- Falls, both at floor level and off a height, such as a ladder or scaffolding
- Collisions with equipment or falling objects
- Auto accidents while driving on the job
- Repetitive motion injuries
Regardless of the industry, countless questions may filter through your mind. How much will my medical bills cost? Will I ever fully recover? What if I can’t get back to work? How will I support my family?
Experienced One-On-One Legal Help
I am attorney Roger Rudich. At my law office, I have helped individuals in Chicago and surrounding communities with all aspects of the Illinois workers’ compensation process for 30-plus years.
Whether you work in the airline industry, on a construction site or in a technical work environment, I have experience assisting with filing a claim, filing out documentation and, for those who have applied and been denied, the appeals process.
As your lawyer, I will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. You have the right to compensation for medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages and any permanent injury or more.
Legal Support for a Broad Range of Work Injuries
I’ve handled injury claims for workers across many industries in the Chicago area. As a workers compensation lawyer, I regularly help injured employees secure benefits after suffering:
- Construction Site Injuries
- Warehouse and Loading Dock Accidents
- Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries
- Auto Accidents During Work Duties
- Slips, Trips, and Falls at Work
- Exposure to Harmful Chemicals or Substances
- Work-Related Back, Neck, and Shoulder Injuries
- Machinery and Equipment Malfunctions
- Injuries from Falling Objects
- Airline Industry Accidents
- Occupational Illnesses
If your injury occurred while performing your job duties, I’m here to evaluate your case and guide you through your options—whether that means filing a new claim or addressing a denial.
What You Should Understand About Workers’ Compensation Claims
In Illinois, workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees get benefits without proving fault. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Employers and insurers may question your injury, delay treatment approval, or dispute whether you’re eligible at all. That’s where I come in.
As your workers compensation attorney, I step in to protect your rights from the start. I organize your medical documentation, help file your claim correctly, and respond when an employer or insurer tries to deny your benefits. When restrictions or long-term effects are involved, I make sure those are documented clearly so the insurer can’t ignore them.
Whether you’re seeking coverage for medical treatment, weekly disability payments, or compensation for a permanent injury, I make sure the claim reflects your actual losses—not just what the insurance company is willing to acknowledge.
How Third-Party Claims Can Maximize Your Compensation
Not every workplace injury is caused by your employer. If someone else played a role—like a subcontractor, delivery driver, or equipment manufacturer—you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim while receiving workers’ comp benefits.
As a workers compensation lawyer, I evaluate every case for these opportunities. A third-party claim can allow you to recover for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not available through workers’ compensation alone. I manage both claims carefully to avoid conflicts and build the strongest possible recovery.
The Importance of Responding Promptly to Denials
A denial can happen even when the injury is legitimate. Sometimes it’s a paperwork issue; other times, the employer disputes what occurred. I’ve worked with clients who were told their claim wasn’t valid—even after months of treatment.
As your workers compensation attorney, I take those cases seriously. I prepare appeals with medical evidence, work history, and a clear timeline to show exactly what happened and why benefits are owed. Every deadline matters, and I make sure we stay ahead of them.
Appeals are more than just paperwork—they require the right strategy. I push back against denials with facts, expert support, and experience developed over more than 30 years of handling these claims.
What Happens When Injuries Cause Long-Term Limitations
Not every injury heals quickly. Some workers face permanent restrictions, chronic pain, or complete loss of function. These situations deserve more than short-term benefits. Compensation should account for your future health, career, and ability to earn.
I work with treating doctors and vocational experts to outline the long-term effects of your injury. When a disability changes how you work—or prevents you from working—I make sure your claim includes those impacts. As a workers compensation lawyer, I also handle structured settlements when they make sense and fight for permanent disability benefits when they’re appropriate.
These claims often involve more than just numbers—they involve your future. I make sure no aspect of your injury is overlooked.
Let Me Help You Figure Out Your Next Step
If you have a workplace injury and don’t know what to do next, call me to talk about your injury and the law.
Call 312-236-5406, or send me an email. I offer free consultations.
Sustained a construction site injury? You may also be entitled to recover against a third party in addition to receiving workers’ comp benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to report my injury?
In Illinois, you must notify your employer within 45 days. Waiting longer can jeopardize your claim.
- Can I get both workers’ comp and file a lawsuit?
Yes—if a third party contributed to your injury, you may pursue both claims.
- What if my claim was denied?
You still have rights. I can help you file an appeal and represent you before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Will workers’ compensation cover all my medical bills?
It should cover all approved treatment related to your work injury, including surgery, rehab, and medication.
- Do I have to pay legal fees upfront?
No. I work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay unless I recover benefits for you.
Communities We Represent Across Cook County
We are proud to support injured workers throughout Chicago and neighboring areas. Whether your job involves heavy labor, transportation, or technical operations, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the workers’ compensation process.
Our clients often come from:
- Cicero
- Berwyn
- Oak Park
- Skokie
- Evanston
- Melrose Park
- Lincolnwood
- Forest Park
- River Forest
- Elmwood Park
- Maywood
We understand how a workplace injury can affect your career, income, and peace of mind—and we’re here to protect what matters most.
