Airline Workers’ Compensation Claims

Wheaton and Schaumburg Lawyers for Employees Injured on the Job

Airline workers face a range of risks while they are working. If you are an airline worker who has suffered harm on the job, you might be eligible to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Our Wheaton and Schaumburg workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to assisting airline workers in claiming the benefits they deserve when they are hurt at work. You can trust that we will scrutinize the details of your case and help you understand your options. We understand how stressful a workplace injury can be, which is why we will focus on protecting your rights so you can focus on recovering.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that is designed to protect workers who are hurt while they are working. In Illinois, the Workers’ Compensation Act covers accidents that arise from and occur through employment. When airline workers suffer on-the-job injuries, their ability to work may be compromised. To address this, workers who suffer injuries and illnesses as a result of workplace accidents or exposure are eligible for certain workers’ compensation benefits such as medical care, lost wages, disability benefits and, in some cases, vocational rehabilitation. In cases where you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to death benefits. A lawyer experienced in airline workers’ compensation claims can assess which benefits you may be eligible for.

Airline Workers’ Compensation Claims

Airline workers can be injured when an airplane is on the ground, or during take off, landing, or even mid-flight. In addition, airline workers can be injured at airports and at any point while getting on and off the aircraft. Common causes of airline worker injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Pilot error;
• In-air turbulence;
• Being struck by a vehicle;
• Being struck or injured by falling luggage;
• Being injured by lifting passenger bags;
• Repetitive motions;
• Slippery pavements;
• Injuries caused by servicing planes and equipment;
• Improper maintenance; and
• Violations of FAA regulations.

Since airline workers frequently travel, they can be injured in different states. This can make airline workers’ compensation claims a little more complicated. In addition, it should be noted that airline workers are typically able to recover a combination of benefits under workers’ compensation laws and their union contract. For an injured airline worker to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois, the employee is required to meet one of the following criteria: i) the workplace injury was sustained in Illinois; ii) the airline employee was hired in Illinois; or iii) the airline employee’s job is principally located in Illinois.

It is important to note that even airline workers who are employed by an airline that is not principally located in Illinois may be able file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois if the worker was hurt while in Illinois during a layover.

Third Party Claims

Under Illinois law, workers’ compensation is the “exclusive remedy” for employees hurt at work, meaning that workers’ compensation is typically the only remedy that is available to an employee injured on the job, regardless of fault. While the the workers’ compensation system generally acts as a substitute for suing your employer for damages, it does not prevent you from filing personal injury claims against third parties that are responsible for an accident and your resulting injury. At an airport, examples of third parties may include an airport operator, another airline, construction crews, contractors or subcontractors. In some cases, a poorly designed or defective aircraft part may be the cause of an airline worker’s injury, in which case the worker may be able to sue the aircraft manufacturer through a products liability claim.

If you have been injured as an airline employee, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your harm. At Therman Law Offices, our knowledgeable Wheaton and Schaumburg lawyers understand the stress that accompanies these accidents, which is why we will thoroughly investigate your claim and zealously advocate for your rights every step of the way, including through an appeal. We proudly represent clients from Glendale Heights, Villa Park, Addison, Elmhurst, Lombard, West Chicago, Westmont, Oakbrook Terrace, Lemont, and Clarendon Hills. For more information about your legal rights, call us for a free consultation at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.