Industrial and automotive workers face unique occupational hazards that can lead to serious injuries and long-term health complications. Understanding these risks and your rights under Illinois workers’ compensation law is crucial for protecting yourself and your family’s financial security.
Common Hazards for Auto Mechanics
Auto mechanics work in challenging environments that expose them to numerous workplace hazards. Some of the most significant risks include:
Chemical Exposure
Auto mechanics regularly handle hazardous substances including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and cleaning solvents. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause serious health issues, including:
- Respiratory problems
- Skin conditions and chemical burns
- Neurological complications
- Certain types of cancer
Physical Injuries
The physical nature of automotive work puts mechanics at risk for various injuries:
- Back and neck strain from awkward positions
- Crushing injuries from vehicle lifts or falling parts
- Burns from hot engines and exhaust systems
- Cuts and lacerations from sharp tools and metal edges
CNC Operators and Machinists: Occupational Risks
CNC operators and machinists work with complex machinery that presents its own set of workplace hazards:
Machine-Related Injuries
- Caught-in/between accidents involving moving parts
- Injuries from metal chips and shavings
- Crushing injuries from material handling
- Cuts and amputations from sharp cutting tools
Environmental Hazards
- Exposure to metalworking fluids and coolants
- Inhalation of metal dust and particles
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Repetitive stress injuries
Illinois Workers’ Compensation: Your Rights and Benefits
Under Illinois law, workers injured on the job are entitled to specific benefits regardless of fault. Here’s what you need to know:
Available Benefits
- Medical Care Coverage: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury must be covered, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Prescribed medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices and equipment
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: If you cannot work during recovery, you’re entitled to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: For permanent injuries that don’t completely prevent you from working, you may receive
- compensation based on:
- The affected body part
- Your age and occupation
- The extent of impairment
- Your earning capacity
- Vocational Rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous position, you may be eligible for job retraining and placement services.
Important Deadlines and Requirements
To protect your rights under Illinois workers’ compensation law:
- Report your injury to your employer within 45 days of the accident or becoming aware of the condition.
- File your claim within three years of the injury or two years from the last payment of compensation, whichever is later.
- For occupational diseases, you generally have three years from the date you became aware of the condition and its connection to your work.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
- Seek immediate medical attention and clearly communicate that your injury is work-related.
- Document the incident in writing, including:
- Date, time, and location
- What happened
- Any witnesses present
- Equipment or materials involved
- Notify your supervisor or employer in writing about the injury.
- Keep detailed records of:
- Medical treatments and bills
- Time missed from work
- Any correspondence about your injury
- Symptoms and limitations
When to Seek Legal Representation
Consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney if:
- Your claim is denied
- You’re not receiving proper medical care
- Your benefits are delayed or insufficient
- You face retaliation for filing a claim
- You have a pre-existing condition
- Your injury results in permanent disability
Protecting Your Future
Understanding workplace hazards and your rights under Illinois workers’ compensation law is essential for protecting yourself and your family. If you work as an auto mechanic, CNC operator, or machinist, staying informed about safety protocols and your legal rights can help ensure you receive proper compensation if injured on the job.
If you are an auto mechanic, technician, machinist, or CNC operator who has been injured on the job in Chicago, Joliet, or Rockford, Coleman Lynch & Partners, PLLC is here to help. Our experienced work injury lawyers have a proven track record of representing injured workers who are members of IAMAW District 8 and District 19. We regularly represent employees of:
- Union Pacific Railroad
- CTA
- UPS
- Tuthill Pump
- Caterpillar
- John Deere
- Ecolab
- US Hose
- M&K Truck Centers
- Auto dealerships under contract in the Standard Automotive Agreement (SAA)
We serve clients throughout Cook, Will, and Winnebago Counties and across Illinois. Contact us at 312-239-8298 or through our online form for a free consultation.
Our Notable Results for Injured Workers
We have secured significant compensation for our clients, including:
- $5,445,000 net jury verdict for a Union Pacific machinist injured while overexerting to turn a wrench on an oily working surface
- $4,500,000 settlement for a Union Pacific machinist who required multiple low back surgeries after being injured while changing out a governor on a Metra locomotive
- $725,000 workers’ compensation settlement for a Local 701 auto mechanic who suffered brain and spine injuries when an engine block fell onto him
- $400,000 workers’ compensation settlement for a Local 701 auto mechanic who sustained shoulder injuries while working overhead
- $350,000 workers’ compensation settlement for a Local 701 parts delivery driver employed by M&K Truck Centers who injured his back carrying a fifth wheel (settlement reached after successful arbitration)