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Downsizing is an uncomfortable reality in the modern job market. As more jobs are sent overseas and more workers are replaced by automated equipment, many people are at risk of losing their employment. A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer knows that this situation is also difficult for the employees who are left behind in the workplace. Recent research suggests that downsizing may lead to decreased safety and additional injuries on the job.

A recent case in Illinois shows the danger of employing workers in older buildings without sufficient protection against environmental hazards. Six companies were fined a total of more than $130,000 after an OSHA investigation showed that they exposed their employees to asbestos, lead and silica during renovation work on a school building during July 2014. A Chicago workers’ compensation attorney can name many situations in which unprotected chemical exposure of this kind leads to lifelong disability.

Whiplash and its associated disorders are some of the most common medical conditions that arise from car crashes. In many cases, whiplash causes chronic pain that may last for many months, as any Chicago car accident lawyer would note.

Job-related injuries are often serious enough to require total absence from work for a period of time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of employees who suffered a serious work-related injury during 2012 had to miss more than a week of work. An injured workers attorney Illinois is often asked how the Workers’ Compensation Commission determines benefits for employees who are temporarily disabled. This quick guide can help workers learn about the process.

An injury or illness on the job does not automatically lead to financial benefits. Some workers’ compensation cases are unsuccessful. According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, more than 5,000 injured workers were denied benefits during 2012. Illinois worker comp attorneys are often asked how employees can increase their chances of a satisfactory outcome. This brief guide to three common pitfalls is designed to help workers navigate the process.