I retained Paul Padda after firing my other lawyer. Best decision I ever made! He did a fantastic job for me in handling my personal injury case. Always courteous and cares about his clients. Great office staff that cares about people. With Mr. Padda, I felt comfortable every step of the way. My first choice for a lawyer!
Paul Padda is a great attorney that cares about his clients. I hired him and was impressed. Very good in court and handled my case really well. He took the time to understand my case and cared about me as a person. He would be the first person I call if I need an attorney again.
Overview
The System Is Designed to Wear You Down. We Don’t Let Them.
You went to work today expecting to do your job, earn your paycheck, and go home to your family. You didn’t expect to end up in an emergency room, staring at a ceiling of fluorescent lights, wondering how you are going to pay your mortgage next month.
In an instant, your life shifted from “providing for your family” to “fighting for your survival.” Now, you aren’t just battling physical pain,you are battling a bureaucracy designed to protect profits, not people. Your employer, who may have treated you like family yesterday, is suddenly silent. The insurance adjuster, who sounds friendly on the phone, is actively looking for reasons to deny your claim or cut off your benefits.
At Paul Padda Law, we know the playbook they are using against you. We know that in Chicago, the Workers’ Compensation system is supposed to be a safety net, but for many injured workers, it feels like a trap. Delays in approving MRIs, “lost” paperwork, and lowball settlement offers are not accidents; they are tactics.
You do not have to face this alone. You need a team that understands the specific grit of the Chicago workforce,from the high-rises in the Loop to the manufacturing plants on the South Side. You need a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer who views you as a human being with a future to protect, not just a claim number to close.
Why Chicago Workers Trust Paul Padda Law
When your livelihood is on the line, you cannot afford a lawyer who is just “processing files.” You need a litigator.
We Are Trial Lawyers, Not Just “Settlement Mill” Attorneys.
Many firms handle high volumes of workers’ comp cases by taking the first offer the insurance company throws out. We don’t operate that way. We are former federal prosecutors and experienced trial attorneys. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This aggressive preparation signals to the insurance company that we are not afraid to fight, which often results in significantly higher settlement offers for our clients.
We Know the “Home Court” Advantage.
Workers’ compensation cases in Illinois are not decided in standard courtrooms; they are decided at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). The arbitrators who hear these cases have specific preferences and procedures. We know the arbitrators at the Chicago venue (100 W. Randolph St.) and the surrounding zones. We know which arbitrators tend to be more pro-worker and which are more conservative, and we tailor our legal strategy accordingly.
We Unlock the “Hidden” Money (The Third-Party Claim).
This is the most critical reason to hire Paul Padda Law. Most injured workers only file for workers’ comp. They don’t realize they might have a second case,a Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit,that could be worth millions more. (See “The Two-Lane Strategy” below).
What to Do Immediately After a Work Injury
The steps you take in the first 24 hours can save your case or destroy it.
- Report It Immediately: Illinois has a strict 45-day deadline to report an injury to your employer, but you should do it instantly. Tell your supervisor. Send an email so there is a paper trail. Do not rely on a verbal “I told him.”
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to the ER or a doctor. Be explicitly clear: “I hurt myself at work doing [specific task].” If the medical records say “patient woke up with pain,” your claim will be denied.
- Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: The insurance adjuster will call you and ask for a recorded statement. They are trained to ask trick questions. Refuse. Tell them to speak to your attorney at Paul Padda Law.
- Call Us: Contact us before you sign any forms. We can often get involved before the claim is even denied to ensure benefits start smoothly.
The “Two-Lane” Strategy: Maximizing Your Recovery
One of the biggest mistakes injured workers in Illinois make is assuming Workers’ Compensation is their only option.
Lane 1: Workers’ Compensation (The Basics)
This is a “no-fault” system. It pays for:
- Medical Bills: 100% coverage (no copays).
- TTD (Temporary Total Disability): Two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you are off work.
- PPD (Permanent Partial Disability): A lump sum for the permanent nature of your injury.
- The Catch: It does not pay for pain and suffering. It does not pay for the full loss of your life’s enjoyment.
Lane 2: Third-Party Personal Injury Claims (The Game Changer)
If your injury was caused by someone other than your direct employer or co-worker, we can sue them in civil court.
- Example: You are a delivery driver. You are hit by a red-light runner.
- Workers’ Comp pays your medical bills and 2/3 of your wages.
- Third-Party Lawsuit against the other driver pays for your pain and suffering, the remaining 1/3 of your wages, and loss of normal life.
At Paul Padda Law, we investigate every single work injury for “Lane 2” potential. We look for negligent subcontractors on construction sites, defective machinery manufacturers in factories, and at-fault drivers in transportation accidents. We fight on both fronts to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
The “Dirty Tricks” Department: How Insurance Companies Spy on You
You might think, “I’ve been a loyal employee for 10 years; they will take care of me.” Unfortunately, loyalty rarely matters to an insurance algorithm. Once you file a claim, you become a liability. Here are the tactics we protect you against:
The “Nurse Case Manager” Intrusion
Insurance companies often assign a “Nurse Case Manager” to your file. They claim this person is there to “coordinate your care.” In reality, they are often there to pressure your doctor to release you back to work before you are ready. They may even try to sit in on your private doctor appointments to influence the physician.
- How We Help: We forbid Nurse Case Managers from entering the exam room with you. Your medical treatment is private. We insist that all communication goes through us, shielding you from their pressure.
The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME)
If the insurance company doesn’t like what your doctor says, they will send you to their doctor for an IME. These doctors are paid by the insurance company and often make a career out of finding that workers are “faking” or “healed.”
- How We Help: We prepare you for the IME. We know which doctors are notorious “hired guns” and we know how to cross-examine them to destroy their credibility before an arbitrator.
Surveillance and Social Media Stalking
Adjusters routinely scour your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. If you post a photo of yourself at a family BBQ while you are off work for a back injury, they will use it to claim you are not hurt. They may even hire private investigators to film you taking out the trash or carrying groceries.
- How We Help: We advise you on how to lock down your digital life and how to behave while your claim is active to ensure innocent actions aren’t twisted out of context.
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Industries We Represent
Chicago has a diverse economy, and different industries present different hazards. We have deep experience across the spectrum of Illinois labor.
Construction and Trades (Union and Non-Union)
Construction sites in Chicago are chaotic environments involving multiple companies,General Contractors, sub-contractors, electricians, and plumbers,working side-by-side.
- Common Injuries: Scaffolding falls, crane collapses, nail gun accidents, and heavy lifting injuries.
- Our Edge: We understand the specific collective bargaining agreements of local unions (IBEW, Carpenters, Ironworkers, etc.). We ensure that filing a claim does not jeopardize your standing in the union hall. We also aggressively pursue third-party claims against negligent General Contractors who fail to keep the job site safe.
Healthcare and Nursing
Nurses, CNAs, and hospital staff at major institutions like Northwestern, Rush, and Cook County Health face some of the highest injury rates in the city.
- Common Injuries: Herniated discs from lifting patients, slip and falls in wet hallways, and workplace violence from aggressive patients.
- Our Edge: We know that a back injury for a nurse can end a career. We fight for vocational rehabilitation benefits if you can no longer perform patient transfers, ensuring you can be retrained for a less physical role without losing your financial security.
Transportation and Warehousing
From O’Hare baggage handlers to Amazon delivery drivers and long-haul truckers, these workers keep Chicago moving.
- Common Injuries: Vehicle collisions, repetitive stress injuries from loading, and forklift accidents.
- Our Edge: We navigate the complex intersection of federal transportation laws and Illinois state workers’ comp laws. If you are a gig worker or “independent contractor,” we analyze whether you have been misclassified and should actually be entitled to benefits.
Office and Corporate Workers
You don’t have to work on a construction site to be injured. Repetitive stress injuries and office falls are debilitating.
- Common Injuries: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), cubital tunnel syndrome, and slip-and-falls in icy parking lots.
- Our Edge: Insurance companies often deny CTS claims, arguing they are from “hobbies” rather than typing. We use ergonomic experts and medical testimony to prove the link between your job duties and your injury.
Understanding Your Benefits: What Are You Entitled To?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides specific benefits. Understanding these can prevent you from being shortchanged.
1. Medical Care (Your Choice of Doctor)
You have the right to see a doctor of your choice. You do not have to go to the “company clinic” forever. In Illinois, you generally get a “two-doctor chain”,meaning you can pick one doctor, and any specialists they refer you to are covered. If you pick a second separate doctor, that chain is also covered.
- Warning: If you go to a third doctor without a referral, the insurance company may not have to pay. Always consult us before switching providers.
2. Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If your doctor says you cannot work, you are entitled to weekly checks. This is tax-free money calculated at 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage (AWW).
- Our Role: Employers often miscalculate the AWW by excluding overtime, bonuses, or concurrent employment (second jobs). We audit their math to ensure your check is accurate.
3. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Once you have healed as much as you are going to (Maximum Medical Improvement), you are entitled to a settlement for the permanent nature of the injury. This is calculated based on:
- The body part injured (e.g., an arm is worth a certain number of weeks of pay).
- The percentage of loss of use of that body part.
- Your amputation value or disfigurement (scarring).
- Wage Differential: If you have to take a lower-paying job because of the injury, you may be entitled to 2/3 of the difference between your old pay and your new pay.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation
If you cannot return to your old job, the employer may be required to pay for job placement services, schooling, or retraining to help you find a new career.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Workers’ Comp
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers' compensation claim?
No. It is illegal in Illinois to fire, demote, or harass an employee in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim. If they do, you may have grounds for a separate retaliatory discharge lawsuit, which can result in significant damages, including punitive damages. If you feel you are being pushed out because of your injury, document everything and call us immediately.
What if I failed the post-accident drug test? Does that kill my case?
Not necessarily. While a positive drug test makes the case harder, it does not automatically disqualify you. The employer must prove that your intoxication was the proximate cause of the accident. For example, if a heavy object fell on you from above, your drug test result is irrelevant because being sober wouldn't have stopped the object from falling. We fight to prove the accident was caused by workplace hazards, not your condition.
How much does a workers' comp lawyer cost in Chicago?
It costs you nothing out of pocket. Workers' compensation fees are set by Illinois law at 20% of the settlement amount (or 20% of the disputed benefits we recover for you). We do not charge an hourly rate, and we advance all costs for medical records and experts. If we don't win you money, we don't get paid.
Can I choose my own doctor, or do I have to see the company doctor?
You have the right to choose your own doctor. Employers often try to steer you to their "occupational health" clinics (like Concentra), where doctors are pressured to send you back to work quickly. You can,and usually should,see your own specialist who has your best interests in mind.
What if my injury was my own fault?
You are likely still covered. Workers' compensation is a "no-fault" system. Even if you were clumsy, forgot a safety step, or just made a mistake, you are entitled to benefits as long as you were performing your job duties. The only exceptions are if you were intoxicated, fighting, or committing a serious crime at the time.
How long does a workers' compensation case take to settle?
It depends on your recovery. We generally do not settle cases until you have reached "Maximum Medical Improvement" (MMI). If we settle while you are still healing, and you later need another surgery, you would be out of luck because the case is closed. Simple cases may take 6 months; complex cases with major surgeries can take 2-3 years. We prioritize getting it right over getting it fast.
Does workers' comp cover Covid-19 or occupational diseases?
Yes. "Occupational diseases" like carpal tunnel, asbestos exposure, or respiratory illnesses are covered if we can prove the workplace was the source. For COVID-19, specific "rebuttable presumptions" exist for first responders and essential workers, making it easier to prove the virus was contracted at work.
Don’t Let Them “Close” Your Case Cheaply.
The insurance company wants you to be a statistic. They want you to accept a quick payment, sign a waiver, and disappear. They are betting on you not knowing the true value of your rights.
At Paul Padda Law, we don’t let that happen. We stand between you and the corporate giants. We handle the paperwork, the arguments, and the negotiations so you can focus on the only thing that matters: getting better.
Your recovery is our priority. Your future is our fight.
Contact our Chicago workers’ compensation team today at (312) 702-7000 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you win. Let’s get to work on your recovery.