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What Is My Illinois Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
Since 2001, we have helped tens of thousands of Illinois workers get the best attorney and highest settlement for their case. To speak with a lawyer for free, contact us any time for help anywhere in Illinois at 800-517-1614.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Illinois and are getting workers comp benefits, at some point you will wonder, “What is my case worth?” It’s a fair and common question. But the most honest answer an attorney can give you, at least early in the process, is this: “We don’t know yet.”
That may sound frustrating, but it’s the truth. That’s because what your case is worth depends on so many factors, many of which we don’t know the answer to soon after your injury. And it’s better than being misled by someone who promises you a large settlement right after your injury. We’ve seen attorneys tell people their case is worth six figures just days after an accident. It’s just a lie to convince you to sign up with them. That kind of guessing often backfires when the case ends up being worth far less.
We don’t believe in making false promises to get you to hire the attorney we recommend. Instead, we take the time to explain why the value of your case can’t be determined right away and what factors play a role in the final outcome.
Every case is different. There’s no set chart that tells you what your case is worth based solely on the type of injury. Even two workers with the same injury may receive very different settlements, depending on many individual details. Here are some of the most important factors:
Your Injury and Recovery
The seriousness of your injury and how well you recover are key. A broken ankle that heals fully is different from one that causes long-term problems. Until your medical treatment is complete, it’s hard to know the full impact on your body and life. This is the number one settlement factor.
Your Wages
Your average weekly wage before the injury plays a big role in what your case is worth. Illinois workers’ comp settlements are based in part on a formula that considers both your injury and your wages. So if you earned $1,500 per week, your case will be worth more than someone who earned $700 per week with the same injury.
Whether You Return to Work
If you can’t return to your old job—or if you return with restrictions and make less money—you may be entitled to more compensation through a wage differential claim. On the other hand, if you make a full recovery and return to the same job at the same pay, your case may be worth less, but that is because your long-term future is stronger. It still has value, just not as much.
Your Age and Health
A permanent injury to a 25-year-old is often worth more than the same injury to a 65-year-old, simply because of the longer expected impact. Your general health also matters. If you already had serious health problems before the injury, or if your life expectancy is lower, that may affect the value of your case.
Your Daily Life and Pain
The way the injury affects your day-to-day life matters. Do you struggle to walk, lift, sleep, or care for yourself? These are subjective complaints, but they’re important and valid. They help paint a full picture of how your injury has changed your life.
Your Legal Representation
Having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the value of your case. Insurance companies often offer less to workers who don’t have a lawyer that has a good reputation. The elite lawyers that we recommend know what’s fair and what isn’t, and they know how to push back and fight for what you deserve.
What Clients Are Saying
"Highly recommend"
I was skeptical, but the attorney you recommended was so nice and was everything you said he’d be and more. Thank you so much. I would recommend this site to anyone.
"They were great"
The workers’ compensation law firm you referred my friend to has been great. They really stopped jerking him around once he hired the attorney you suggested.
The Arbitrator Assigned to Your Case
In Illinois, work comp cases are often heard by arbitrators. Like judges, they are supposed to be neutral, but they have different personalities and tendencies. Some may lean more favorably toward injured workers, others toward employers. An experienced attorney will understand how those factors may influence your case strategy.
Your Goals Beyond Money
Sometimes, non-legal factors also play a role. For example, we helped a client who had a back fusion and received a settlement of $200,000. While we believed we could get more by going to trial, it would have taken two years, and this client and his wife had a goal of moving out of Illinois to be near their grandchildren. Settling sooner helped them move on with their lives, which was the most important outcome for them.
It’s completely reasonable to ask what your case is worth. At the right time—usually after your medical care is done and we understand all the facts—we’ll be able to give you a range based on our experience and the specific details of your situation.
Until then, be cautious of anyone who gives you a firm number too soon. If you want honest, experienced guidance on your Illinois workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options and get the best possible result.