Wage Differentials in Chicago
Get Strong Representation for Wage Differentials
A wage differential injury is a serious case that requires serious representation. You need confidence that your attorney has both the knowledge and experience in handling a case of this magnitude. Leonard Law Group has represented hundreds of wage differential clients for the past twenty years before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
Our wage differential settlements and trial awards are second to none in the city of Chicago. We pride ourselves in representing wage differential clients and obtaining maximum compensation.
Please contact Leonard Law Group so we may discuss your wage differential case. If you have already secured legal representation, you may be eligible for a free second opinion case evaluation.
Understanding Wage Differentials: What You Need to Know
If your on-the-job injury is serious enough and your doctor’s restrictions prevent you from returning to your pre-injury employment, you may be entitled to a wage differential settlement or trial award under Section 8(d)(1) of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.
Section 8(d)(1) of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act provides:
"If, after the accidental injury has been sustained, the employee as a result thereof becomes partially incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of employment, he shall...receive compensation for the duration of his disability, subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the difference between the average amount which he would be able to earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation in which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some suitable employment or business after the accident."
This award is payable at 2/3 of the difference between what you would be earning while working in your full duties at your former employer as of the date of settlement or trial and what suitable employment either the insurance company has found for you or you have found on your own as of the date of settlement or trial.
If the injury occurred after 9/1/11 the wage differential calculation is capped at the age of 67 years or 5 years after the wage differential award becomes final, whichever is later. This new amendment will reduce the value of wage differential claims and may result in a higher settlement or trial award if Section 8(e) or 8(d)(2) is utilized.
Am I Eligible for a Wage Differential Award?
In order to qualify for a wage differential award pursuant to section 8(d)(1) of the act, a claimant must prove a few things.
Criteria for Wage Differential Award Eligibility:
- Partial Incapacity: This prevents pursuit of his usual and customary line of employment.
- Impairment of Earnings: If your wage differential injury is after 2/1/2006, the maximum amount of your 2/3 difference may be 100% of the Illinois statewide average weekly wage.
Our skilled and experienced team of Chicago Workers' Compensation attorneys can walk you through your legal options and help you determine whether or not you are eligible to claim this award.
Contact Our Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Since 1996, Leonard Law Group has proudly represented the rights of workers who have been injured on the job. We have served more than 50,000 clients and obtained more than $1,000,000,000 in trial awards and settlements. This level of success is only due to our hard work, and our genuine care for each client.
Learn more about your legal options by calling us at (312) 487-2513 today! Spanish services available.
Clients Share Their Stories
We're Always Looking Out For Our Community
-
“Attorney Joseph Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with. They were highly professional and excellent communicators. They were also extremely knowledgeable about my case. I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to others.”- Robert C.
-
“I've used Leonard Law Group several times and each time they've fulfilled their promises to help me get the best results in every way not only that when I have questions or concerns Leonard Law Group does not hesitate to contact me whether email or a phone call to answer my questions. The customer service is most definitely awesome. I highly recommend Leonard Law Group. Thank you Joseph Leonard”- Robert P.
-
“Mr. Leonard and his staff went above and beyond what I was expecting! I’m very grateful for all that Mr. Leonard did for me. Thank you!”- Red
-
“I've been thinking how fortunate, blessed, I am to have an attorney like you. You're a great attorney and I'm glad that you're MY attorney!”- Robert B.
-
“Thank you Leonard Law (Joe) for all that you do. I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you.”- Joe LiCavoli
-
“It was a pleasure working with Joe Brancky. He made everything easy and the process was pretty quick but obviously that depends on your situation. If I ever need legal help in the future I'll definitely be contacting him and telling friends/family if they need it as well.”- Marco M.
-
“I grateful that I found Leonard Law Group. Joseph was there in my time of need and helped me navigate my worker's compensation case. In addition, he referred me to specialists that helped me recover from my injuries. I’m pleased with the experience and outcome of my case. I want to thank Joseph, Maria, and the team at Leonard Law Group for their expertise, kindness, and hard work.”- Jesus B.
-
“John was Great. It was great to finally meet him in person. Totally not what I expected In a great way! This law firm hasn't let me down yet. Keep up the good work!”- Kaye C.
-
“Joe Brancky was wonderful! He was always there to answer any questions we had and was able to help us with any concerns. Thank you!”- Heather S.