O'Hare Airport Workplace Injury Attorneys

Common Airport Worker Injuries

On average, more than 2,500 commercial and private flights per day arrive or depart from O'Hare International Airport, none of which would be possible without the contributions of thousands of airline employees and airport support staff. Airport workers encounter many different occupational hazards, and they are injured at a rate that is more than double that of average private industry employees. At Kaiser Hafezi Law, we advocate on behalf of workers who have suffered all types of injuries, including those caused by singular incidents, such as a fall or a vehicle accident, as well as conditions that develop over time such as repetitive motion injuries and hearing loss. Our lawyers are equipped to handle:

• ⬤Lifting injuries, including sprains, strains, and joint injuries
• ⬤Pinching or crushing injuries
• ⬤Injuries caused by airport equipment such as conveyor belts, baggage carts, and pushback vehicles
• ⬤Aircraft maintenance-related injuries
• ⬤Injuries sustained in airport vehicle accidents
• ⬤Hearing loss and other work-related health conditions

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Process

According to Illinois law, an employee who is injured in the course of doing his or her job is usually eligible to collect benefits under the Illinois workers' compensation program. To collect these benefits, you must follow certain steps, and the team at Kaiser Hafezi Law can help you protect your eligibility. Our lawyers will provide the guidance you need in notifying your employer and filing your benefits claim. We can also coordinate your medical care so that you can focus on making a full physical recovery as well. If your claim is delayed or denied, we will help you address any requests for additional information. Our attorneys will also represent you at appeals hearings and at trial if necessary to get you the full benefits you deserve.

Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Condition

It is not uncommon for a workplace accident or work environment to aggravate a worker's prior injuries or pre-existing health conditions. For example, if you suffered a rotator cuff injury years before you became a baggage handler, a lifting accident at work could easily aggravate your old injury. At Kaiser Hafezi Law, we know that workers' compensation may cover the aggravation of a pre-existing injury, but obtaining benefits in such cases is often complicated. We will work hard to show that your condition was made worse as a result of work-related activities so that you can get the resources you need to get back on your feet again.

Diminished Earning Capacity Injuries

At Kaiser Hafezi Law, our lawyers understand that some workplace injuries can completely derail your plans for your career path and decrease your ability to earn a living. If you work for an airline or any other company that serves O'Hare International Airport, and you have suffered an injury that has diminished your future earning potential, we are equipped to help you. Under the Illinois workers' compensation program, benefits may be available for temporary or permanent disability, as well as for any vocational retraining that may be needed for you to go back to work in a new position. Let us assist you in exploring your options.

Third-Party Lawsuits

Collecting workers' comp benefits does not depend on you being able to prove that your injuries were caused by someone else's negligence. However, if a reckless or careless individual or entity caused the incident in which you were hurt, you could collect compensation through a third-party personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you work on O'Hare's cargo ramps or loading docks and a careless delivery driver causes you to suffer an injury, the driver and the driver's employer could be liable for your injuries. In some cases, a third-party lawsuit may be appropriate in addition to your claim for workers' compensation benefits.