Maximizing Workers' Comp Benefits for Neck, Back, and Spinal Injuries

Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorneys

At Strong Law Offices, we are here to help you navigate the workers' compensation process, and help you seek maximum compensation for neck injuries, back injuries, and spinal cord injuries. If you have suffered an injury at work, contact our law offices to schedule a free initial consultation.

Obtaining Medical Records and Accident Reports

When a person injures their head, neck or spinal cord in a work-related accident, it is important to distinguish whether or not the injury is the result of a specific trauma or accident, or due to repetitive stress and/or repetitive trauma.

Initial accident reports, emergency room records, and follow-up medical records must be gathered to determine the extent of the injuries. Workers' comp insurance carriers hire insurance adjustors and defense lawyers to dispute medical records and show inconsistencies within the medical histories to discredit injured workers and injuries.

After a person has suffered an injury to the neck, back or spinal cord, the first priority for the medical provider or emergency room physician is to perform emergency care for the patient. Their primary concern may not be obtaining detailed information about the incident.

Seeking a workers' comp settlement can become more difficult with inaccurate information or an insufficiently detailed medical history. Workers’ compensation insurance companies and their defense lawyers will make every effort to discredit the injured person and the circumstances of the work accident. For these reasons, Strong Law Offices immediately obtains medical records and accident reports and Form 45s to develop a consistency of the history and review those initial histories with its clients at the outset of representation to clarify any inconsistencies that may appear in the history portions of their medical records.

Repetitive Stress / Repetitive Trauma Injury Claims

Neck, back and spinal cord injuries caused by repetitive stress are accepted as compensable claims under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and the corresponding case law. However, these claims are often much more difficult to develop. Expert testimony and/or testimony from the treating physicians and surgeons is often required to establish a repetitive trauma injury.

Our first objective is to understand the client’s job description and duties. By obtaining medical records and reviewing medical history, we can often determine the point in time when the condition manifested itself as a result of a work-related condition. The point of manifestation is a heavily litigated point of law in workers' compensation.

We also seek information from the treating physicians to determine whether there is a relationship between the repetitive stress injury and the condition that has been treated and diagnosed. We also obtain expert witness testimony from various medical practitioners such as occupational medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and neurologists to determine whether or not there are opinions that exist that can causally connect the injury to the job.

Find out more about these related topics:

Contact Us

For more information about seeking workers' comp benefits, contact an attorney from our law offices in Peoria, Springfield, or Bloomington, Illinois. Call us at 866-606-7862.

When You Have Been Injured, Get Strong — We Are On Your Side

$600,000.00 Neck Surgery

Our client was involved in a disputed liability motor vehicle accident occurring at an intersection in McDonough County, IL. An IL state trooper was alleged to have failed to yield the right of way of an intersection thereby causing a collision with the vehicle in which our client was a passenger. Our client treated conservatively with chiropractic care and physical therapy and her family doctor and was eventually referred to a spine specialist and received surgery on her neck.
$250,000.00 plus lifetime medical benefits carpal tunnel

Strong Law Offices obtained a lifetime wage differential award for carpal tunnel. As quoted by an IL workers' compensation commissioner in his dissent, "this was the first time in IL that this Illinois Workers' Compensation Commissioner had seen a lifetime award for a carpal tunnel claim in his 50 years of experience."
$710,000.00 head injury

Our client received a head injury in a motor vehicle accident in Fulton County when his vehicle overturned on a state highway. He was helicoptered to a regional trauma center and received treatment for a subdural hematoma and received a full recovery according to his treating surgeon.
$750,000.00 drowning accident

This claim involved the disputed liability against a daycare center and local swimming pool wherein liability was highly contested and the insurance carrier claimed contributory negligence.
$415,000.00 neck and back injuries

Our client was a passenger in a motor vehicle which was alleged to have remained parked on an interstate highway and subsequently rear ended. Our client received chiropractic care and care to her low back injuries.
$350,000.00 arm injury involving MRSA exposure

Our client was a respiratory therapist who received an alleged exposure to MRSA in a hospital setting. The infection necessitated partial removal of the biceps tendon.
$300,000.00 policy limit

Our office received a policy limits tender of the homeowners' insurance policy for an infant who was left in a baby crib with the blowdryer turned onto the baby resulting in scarring and disfigurement of the infant.
$275,000.00 back injury

Our client was an employee who received an aggravation of a pre-existing condition. This client's third back injury resulted in alleged permanent and total disability.
$642,000.00

Our client was a teenager who was participating in bonfire activities on a country farm setting. The bonfire got out of hand and resulted in burn injuries to our client. This was an alleged negligence claim against a tenant in a farmhouse alleged to have negligently attended to the bonfire.
$325,000.00 back and neck injuries

Our client received neck and back injuries and an aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The proximate cause of our client's injuries was highly contested by the insurance carrier. This was an arbitration award in downstate IL.
$267,000.00 plus 6 years lost wages plus payment of bills

This was an injured employee who sustained a head injury on a loading dock as a result of a forklift accident. The Petitioner alleged permanent total disability and wage loss.
$250,000.00 plus 5 years of lost wages plus payment of bills

Our client received low back injuries which necessitated surgical intervention. The Petitioner was a member of a local labor union and was injured during the course of his employment.
$250,000.00

Our client was a retail clerk at a local gas station who was injured while placing placards for gas price signs on the outdoor sign when she slipped and fell and needed a spinal cord stimulator.
$250,000.00 plus open medical

Our client was a employee of a world wide manufacturer who suffered back injuries which necessitated low back surgeon by a local physician
$275,000.00

Our client had a low average weekly wage and ended up with a back surgery from a work related injury.
$275,000.00 arm injury

Our client was a minor child who was thrown from a horse while participating in recreational activities. She received a fracture to her arm.
$245,000.00 shoulder injury

Our client was a truck driver who rear ended another vehicle was found to have been at fault for the injury. However our office showed that the injury occurred in the course of his employment and our client was entitled to payment of all medical bills, 3 years of lost wages and $245,000.00 for his shoulder injuries.
$240,000.00 shoulder injury

Our client was a millwright who was injured while working on a furnace at a local university. Our client was able to return to work. All medical bills were paid in addition to the settlement.
Lifetime permanent total disability benefits

Our client was a union carpenter who received neck injuries and was awarded permanent and total disability benefits for the remainder of his life and lifetime medical benefits.
Lifetime permanent total disability benefits

Our client was a worker at a local hospital and sustained injuries while performing janitor and custodial activities to his low back. He received a lifetime wage loss award and lifetime medical benefits award.
Lifetime medical and lifetime permanent and total disability awards

Our client was a structural steel and structural iron worker working on a power plant wherein he injured his hand, thumb and low back. Our client underwent surgical intervention on his low back and was found to be permanently and totally disabled and required a lifetime medical benefits award as well.
Lifetime permanent total disability benefits and lifetime medical benefits

Our client was a worker for the State of IL working on a road construction/paving project wherein he sustained neck and back injuries. Our client was found to have been permanently and totally disabled and required lifetime medical benefits. Our client was a very young person at the time of his work related accident.
Lifetime permanent total disability benefits and lifetime medical benefits

Our client was a dispatcher for state law enforcement agency. She obtained carpal and cubital tunnel which necessitated surgery and had further complications. She was awarded a lifetime wage loss and lifetime medical benefits award.
Lifetime permanent total disability benefits and lifetime medical benefits

Our office represented a client who was an administrative office worker who sustained carpal and cubital tunnel injuries necessitating surgical intervention. She had post-operative complications which disabled her from returning to her previous work activities. Our client underwent an extensive job search and was unable to find work that accommodated her permanent work restrictions or limitations. She was adjudicated to be permanently and totally disabled and received lifetime benefits.
3 years of back TTD benefits, payment of all medical and a lifetime wage loss award

Our client was a worked at a local factory refining parts and was exposed to heavy vibratory chipping and grinding. Our client was medically referred for shoulder surgery and was disabled from returning to his previous occupation as a chipper/grinder. Our client was only able to locate work at minimum wage. Our client received a lifetime wage differential benefit award for a shoulder injury requiring the insurance carrier to pay the difference of wages between his previous occupation and his minimum wage job for the remainder of the client's life.
3 years of back TTD benefits, payment of all medical and a lifetime wage loss award

Our client was a worked at a local factory refining parts and was exposed to heavy vibratory chipping and grinding. Our client was medically referred for hand and arm surgery and was disabled from returning to his previous occupation as a chipper/grinder. Our client was only able to locate work at minimum wage. Our client received a lifetime wage differential benefit award for a shoulder injury requiring the insurance carrier to pay the difference of wages between his previous occupation and his minimum wage job for the remainder of the client's life.
3 years of back TTD benefits, payment of all medical and a lifetime wage loss award

Our client was a worked at a local factory refining parts and was exposed to heavy vibratory chipping and grinding. Our client was medically referred for elbow and shoulder surgery and was disabled from returning to his previous occupation as a chipper/grinder. Our client was only able to locate work at minimum wage. Our client received a lifetime wage differential benefit award for a shoulder injury requiring the insurance carrier to pay the difference of wages between his previous occupation and his minimum wage job for the remainder of the client's life.
3 years of back TTD benefits, payment of all medical and a lifetime wage loss award

Our client was a worked at a local factory refining parts and was exposed to heavy vibratory chipping and grinding. Our client was medically referred for wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery and was disabled from returning to his previous occupation as a chipper/grinder. Our client was only able to locate work at minimum wage. Our client received a lifetime wage differential benefit award for a shoulder injury requiring the insurance carrier to pay the difference of wages between his previous occupation and his minimum wage job for the remainder of the client's life.
$250,000.00

Our client was a laborer on a local road construction project who sustained a re-injury of a pre-existing low back condition. He was referred for surgery. He was awarded medical benefits, lost wage and eventually settled for a lump sum buyout of his future wage loss.
$210,000.00

Our client was a factory worker exposed to vibratory equipment who received carpal tunnel. Our client was initially assessed as being disabled from returning to his work as a chipper/grinder. Our client elected to receive a lump sum award and then was medically cleared to return to the workplace.
$1.4 million settlement

OB-GYN negligently failed to order C-section in a timely manner resulting in death of infant.

See all Verdicts, Awards & Settlements

Strong law Offices have been very helpful through my claims. They have kept me informed throughout my claim.
- Krista C.
Everyone at Strong Law Offices is always helpful. They are great at getting back to you. Anytime my WC checks have stopped, they have gotten on it ASAP and the checks have been sent. They have also helped with getting medical procedures accomplished when WC was blocking them. I was also having problems getting my medications and now I get them on time. - Cherie M.
Strong Law Offices has treated me with respect and kindness since I've started my case. Strong Law Offices has the most experience and they will get down and dirty to help you through your case. I've never had a problem or went through any problems because Strong Law Offices gets it done right the first time with no mistakes. Strong law Offices is in it with you till the end. - Eli B.
Strong Law Office has fought my case strong and hard. It has been a long battle but I have seen progress the whole way. We are fighting a big insurance company and Strong Law is doing a great job. My time working with Strong Law has been pleasant. - Jeff M.
Strong Law Office is moving my case forward in a timely manner. The people and staff at Strong are friendly and helpful.
I am and have always trusted Mr. Todd Strong with any and all claim injuries that I had or will. Mr. Strong is a man of integrity and believes in explaining any and all processes of the claim. Trust and integrity is what you get form Todd Strong. Highly recommended.
I hired the Strong firm a few years back and I felt they did an excellent job for me. I got the exact outcome that I expected and was very pleased. The staff was very helpful at all times and helped me through my experience. - Denise Y.
I have had 2 work related injuries both handled by what I believe to be the most honest and result proven law firm in Illinois. Todd Strong and Ed Prill have become my attorneys and friends. This firm has been so good to me that I don't just recommend them but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this firm to everyone who has been hurt by the negligence of others. I cannot put into words how great the staff is. - Chris P.
Strong Law Office is the best law office in Peoria. Todd is one of the top leading attorneys in central Illinois. He has done me a great job so far. I love Strong Law Office and his staff. They're like family. If anybody asked me for an attorney, I would say go Strong. I have faith in my attorney and I believe he is going to do an excellent job. - Kevin Y.
Todd has been really helpful with my case. Todd's been up front about everything. It's been a long waiting period but will be worth it. - Joe S.
My experience with Strong Law Office was a great experience. They helped me throughout something I should have never gone through. - Molly T.
Strong Law Offices has helped me through a difficult time in my life. They were always courteous and made me feel comfortable. They have helped me put my life back on track. Brian F.

See all Client Testimonials

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information Name

E-mail Address Please enter a valid e-mail address.

Phone

Brief description of your legal issue

Please verify that you have read the disclaimer. I have read the disclaimer. disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Articles

We use our knowledge and experience to help you maximize your settlement by thoroughly demonstrating the impact your related injury has had on your life.

View Workers’ Compensation Practice Center

View Motor Vehicle Accidents Practice Center

At Strong Law Offices, we take all personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis. If there is no financial recovery, you pay no attorney fees.

Get Personal Injury Tools

Strong Law Offices
Peoria Office - Main Office
Please direct all mailings to this office
3100 North Knoxville Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: 309-740-9092
Toll Free: 866-606-7862
Fax: 309-688-5340
Peoria Law Office

Strong Law Offices
Bloomington Office
211 North Veterans Parkway
Bloomington, Illinois 61704
Phone: 309-828-3800
Toll Free: 866-606-7862
Bloomington Law Office

Strong Law Offices
Springfield Office
Located just north of the old Springfield Clinic Building
913 South Sixth Street
Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 217-544-9005
Toll Free: 866-606-7862
Springfield Law Office

Strong Law Offices
Decatur Office
Located on the 2nd Floor of the AIW Building
2882 North Dinneen
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217-877-6602
Toll Free: 866-606-7862
Decatur Law Office

Strong Law Offices serves individuals in workers' compensation and personal injury claims in Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington, Moline, Rock Island, Normal, Decatur, Galesburg, Peru, La Salle, Ottawa, Urbana, Champaign, Danville, Litchfield, Beardstown, Canton, Kankakee, Joliet, Naperville, Belleville, Carlinville, Clinton, Jacksonville, Collinsville, Quincy, Taylorville, and other areas including Tazewell County, Sangamon County, Cass County, Champaign County, Christian County, De Witt County, Fulton County, Henry County, Knox County, Logan County, Macon County Macoupin County, Mason County, McLean County, Menard County, Mercer County, Montgomery County, Morgan County, Piatt County, Rock Island County, Vermilion County, Woodford County and in the northern and central Illinois areas.