CTA Workers and Workers’ Compensation

We are experienced Chicago attorneys who since 2001 have helped hundreds of CTA workers with their work injuries. Contact us any time for a free case review at 312-346-5320.

Working for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is not an easy job. Whether you drive a bus, operate a train, fix tracks, repair vehicles, or work in a station, the work can be physical, stressful, and sometimes dangerous. There are over 10,000 of you doing this work in Chicago and 35 suburbs. When you get hurt on the job, you have a lot at stake and need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back against the CTA.

Understanding how the CTA works is important to getting a good result in a work comp claim. The CTA is notoriously slow to pay benefits and approve medical care. If you do not have an experienced, tough lawyer on your side, you will get pushed around and suffer. We do whatever we can to make sure that does not happen. Our only goal is make sure you get the medical care and wage benefits you deserve and eventually the biggest settlement possible.

Common Injuries to CTA Workers

Because there are so many CTA workers and jobs, we have seen pretty much every injury imaginable. CTA bus and train operators can be hurt in crashes, sudden stops, or when another vehicle hits them. Even a “minor” accident can cause serious neck, back, or shoulder injuries. Operators may also develop pain over time from sitting for long hours and constantly using pedals and controls. Shoulder and hand injuries are common from repeatedly opening and closing the door. Back and neck problems occur from driving over speed bumps and pot holes.

Maintenance workers and mechanics often lift heavy parts, climb, bend, and work in tight spaces. These duties can lead to back injuries, knee problems, and shoulder tears. Slips and falls in garages, rail yards, or on platforms or tracks are also common. This could be due to weather conditions or due to oil or other substances on those surfaces. Contact with the electrified third rail and related damage to the body is also a risk.

Some CTA employees deal with difficult or violent passengers. Sadly, assaults do happen, and workers can suffer concussions, broken bones, and other serious injuries. In many cases, injuries do not happen all at once. Years of repetitive lifting, bending, vibration, or standing can slowly lead to chronic back and joint problems. CTA workers also often work in unsafe neighborhoods or see violent behavior or even deaths. We have helped many workers who have PTSD issues that are related to the job.

How Workers’ Compensation Helps CTA Employees

If you are hurt while doing your job, Illinois workers’ compensation should cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment. This can include doctor visits, physical therapy, imaging and testing, injections, and surgery if it’s needed. It’s important to know that 100% of your medical care should be paid for and you do not need to have or use your own insurance. Work comp is your insurance policy for any work related injuries.

If your doctor takes you off work, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. TTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you recover. This money is tax free. A good attorney will make sure that your overtime wages are taken into consideration when calculating your average weekly wage. Keeping that out is one way the CTA tries to screw over workers. Another is ignoring wages from a second job if you have one.

And in just about every case, you will be entitled to a settlement for the lasting impact of your injuries. This is true even if you make a full recovery. Most CTA worker injuries are worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You do not have to prove that CTA did anything wrong. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You only need to show that your injury is related to your job or that your work contributed to it happening.

Having The Right Lawyer Can Make a Big Difference

CTA claims are not always simple. The City may falsely argue that your injury is just “wear and tear” or a pre-existing condition. They may question whether you really need certain treatment or whether you can return to work. Or they may just ignore you. They truly do not seem to act in good faith on many claims.

An experienced Illinois workers’ comp lawyer can help protect your rights. A lawyer can make sure your injury is properly reported, work with your doctors to clearly show the connection between the injury and your job, and fight for the wage and medical benefits you deserve. It is incredibly important to get a lawyer in your corner who has a real track record of taking on the CTA and winning. This includes going to trial when necessary to fight for the full benefits you deserve. You would be shocked at how many Chicago work comp law firms do not do this. We know the ones that truly fight and care about their clients.

CTA workers help keep Chicagoland running every day. Getting the right medical care and the right legal guidance can make a huge difference in your health and your future. To be connected to a great workers comp attorney that has successfully represented a lot of CTA employees, call us any time at 312-346-5320.