Injuries can occur in any workplace environment, even quiet office building. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, medicine, or retail, workplace injuries can occur. While the risk of injury from accidents is obviously greater in some fields than others, repetitive stress injuries are common across all fields. Any employee (not independent contractors) injured on the job is entitled to certain benefits under the Workers' Compensation Act. In Lake County, Illinois, a Waukegan Workers' Compensation attorney can help you ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve after a workplace injury.

A few of the most common workplace injuries covered under Workers' Compensation law include:

• Overexertion – Exhaustion, heatstroke, and joint/muscle problems can all be caused by overexertion.
• Slips and Falls – Both falls on a flat surface and falls from a height (ladder, roof, etc.) can cause serious workplace injuries, including broken bones, joint damage, and traumatic brain injury.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries – This type of injury occurs when repeated motions cause damage to parts of the body over time. Includes back pain, shoulder pain, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Car/Truck/Forklift Accidents – When you are in a vehicle for business purposes, accident injuries are covered under Workers' Compensation. Includes construction equipment like bulldozers, backhoes, etc.
• Chemical Exposure – Prolonged or one-time exposure to dangerous chemicals can occur in a wide variety of professions.
• Machinery – Factory machines, such as presses and lathes can cause serious, life-threatening workplace injuries. Power tools and other machinery can also cause injuries on the job.

Workers' Compensation Documentation and Legal Assistance

With any type of workplace injury, it is critical that you properly fill out all documentation required by your employer, being careful not to sign anything admitting fault or waiving Workers' Compensation rights. Seek medical attention right away to prevent workplace injury complications and to more thoroughly document your injury.

Once your injury has been treated, it is usually in your best interest to consult with a Workers' Compensation attorney. Lake County, Illinois residents will probably want to choose a local Workers' Compensation attorney in Waukegan or Libertyville who is familiar with area employers and Illinois Workers' Compensation law.