Chicago Hand Injury Attorneys

When a hand injury changes your life, you need an attorney who understands what you’re going through. Hand injuries can steal your ability to work, provide for your family, and do the simple things you once took for granted.

At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have the experience to help Chicago residents secure the compensation they deserve after devastating hand injuries. Our track record includes millions in settlements and verdicts for injured workers and accident victims throughout Illinois.

Get a free consultation with the experienced hand injury attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. Call us at (312) 957-4166 today. The Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. will not charge you legal fees until we win for you.

The Reality of Hand Injuries in Chicago

Hand injuries happen more often than most people realize. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, hand injuries at workplaces reached 143,900 cases nationwide in a single year. Some 23% of all work-related injuries involve the hands or fingers, making them the most frequent preventable workplace injury.

Illinois alone reported 101,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023. With hand injuries representing such a large portion of workplace accidents, thousands of Illinois workers face hand injury consequences each year.

The statistics tell a sobering story:

• About 243,844 hand lacerations and 587,451 finger lacerations lead to emergency room visits annually in the US.
• Hand injuries are the number one reason for occupational injuries classified as “days away from work, needing restrictions, or needing job transfer.”
• Hand injuries result in an average of 10 working days lost per incident.
• Over 45% of workplace injuries involve cuts and lacerations.
• The majority of hand injuries – about 70% – happen when workers aren’t wearing protective gloves.
• According to a review by the National Safety Council, workers’ compensation for hand, finger, and wrist injuries averaged $14,791 for medical benefits and $12,281 for missed work benefits in 2021-2022. That amounts to an average total of $27,072 workers’ comp for each hand or wrist injury.

Common Types of Hand Injuries We Handle

Workplace Hand Injuries

Factory workers, construction crews, and office employees all face hand injury risks. Manufacturing equipment, power tools, and repetitive motions can cause:

• Crushing injuries from heavy machinery
• Lacerations from sharp tools or broken glass
• Burns from chemicals or hot surfaces
• Repetitive strain injuries from computer work
• Amputation accidents.

Car Accident Hand Injuries

Vehicle crashes often cause serious hand trauma. Even minor accidents can result in:

• Boxer’s fractures, which are broken bones in the knuckles from gripping the steering wheel
• Ligament tears from bracing against impact
• Joint dislocations
• Nerve damage
• Deep lacerations from broken glass.

Construction Site Hand Injuries

Construction workers face unique hand injury risks daily:

• Nail gun accidents
• Saw blade injuries
• Falls onto outstretched hands
• Electrical burns
• Chemical exposure.

Why Hand Injuries Are So Devastating

Your hands contain 27 small bones, multiple joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves working together. When this complex system gets damaged, the consequences extend far beyond physical pain.

Hand injuries can permanently affect your ability to:

• Perform your job duties
• Care for your family
• Enjoy hobbies and activities
• Handle basic daily tasks.

The financial impact hits immediately. Medical bills pile up while your income stops. Many hand injuries require multiple surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

Matthew Willens’ Approach to Hand Injury Cases

As the founder of Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, Matthew Willens has nearly 30 years of experience advocating for injured workers and accident victims. His deep understanding of hand injury cases comes from years of working with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economic analysts to demonstrate the full impact of these devastating injuries.

Mr. Willens has successfully handled complex hand injury cases involving:

• Workplace machinery accidents
• Motor vehicle collisions
• Construction site incidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective product injuries.

His approach combines thorough investigation, expert medical testimony, and aggressive negotiation to secure maximum compensation for clients.

Our Track Record of Success

Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered substantial compensation for hand injury victims throughout Chicago and Illinois. Our recent results include:

• $15,808,277 verdict for a traumatic injury case (recognized as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country)
• $2,250,000 settlement for a truck accident victim
• $1,500,000 settlement for a pedestrian accident victim
• Multiple six-figure settlements for workplace hand injuries
• Policy limit recoveries for numerous hand injury cases.

These results demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation even when insurance companies initially deny claims or offer inadequate settlements.

Types of Compensation Available

Hand injury victims may recover compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Adaptive equipment needs
• Home modification expenses.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, additional punitive damages may apply.

The Legal Process for Hand Injury Cases

Immediate Steps After Your Injury

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Document your injuries thoroughly.
2. Report the incident. Notify your employer if work-related.
3. Preserve evidence. Take photos, gather witness information.
4. Contact an attorney. Legal deadlines apply, so don’t wait.

Investigation and Case Building

Our legal team immediately begins investigating your case by:

• Obtaining medical records and imaging studies
• Consulting with hand surgery specialists
• Reviewing safety records and protocols
• Interviewing witnesses
• Analyzing accident reconstruction if needed.

Expert Medical Testimony

Hand injury cases require specialized medical evidence. We work with:

• Orthopedic hand surgeons
• Occupational therapists
• Vocational rehabilitation experts
• Economic analysts
• Life care planners.

This expert testimony helps establish the full scope of your injuries and future needs.

Negotiation and Trial

Many hand injury cases settle through negotiation. When insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready to pursue your case in court. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

Workers’ Compensation Versus Personal Injury Claims

The type of legal action depends on how your hand injury occurred:

Workers’ Compensation Claims

If injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits including:

• Medical expense coverage
• Temporary disability benefits
• Permanent disability compensation
• Vocational rehabilitation.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

When someone other than your employer caused your workplace injury, you may pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This could apply if:

• A subcontractor’s negligence caused your injury
• Defective equipment led to the accident
• A vehicle accident occurred during work duties.

Product Liability Claims

Defective tools, machinery, or safety equipment can cause severe hand injuries. Manufacturers and distributors may be held liable for:

• Design defects
• Manufacturing flaws
• Inadequate warnings or instructions.

Chicago’s High-Risk Industries for Hand Injuries

Certain Chicago industries see higher rates of hand injuries:

Manufacturing

Chicago’s manufacturing sector employs thousands of workers operating machinery daily. Common hand injury causes include:

• Unguarded equipment
• Inadequate safety training
• Faulty machinery maintenance
• Pressure from production quotas.

Construction

Chicago’s ongoing construction boom creates numerous hand injury risks:

• Power tool accidents
• Falls onto hands
• Caught-in/caught-between incidents
• Electrical accidents.

Transportation and Warehousing

Chicago’s position as a transportation hub means many workers handle cargo and operate equipment that can cause hand injuries.

Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers

Proven Results

Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered millions for injured clients, including substantial settlements and verdicts for hand injury victims.

Experience That Matters

With nearly 30 years of experience, Matthew Willens understands the medical, legal, and financial complexities of hand injury cases.

Personal Attention

We limit our caseload to provide personalized attention to each client. You’ll have direct access to seasoned attorneys rather than paralegals or case managers.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Succeed

We operate on a contingency fee structure. You owe no legal fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf.

Trial-Ready Approach

While many cases settle, insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. This reputation helps us secure better settlements.

What to Expect When You Call

When you contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers about your hand injury, here’s what happens:

1. Free consultation: We’ll discuss your potential case at no cost to you.
2. Case evaluation: We’ll assess the strength of your claim.
3. Medical review: We’ll analyze your injuries and treatment.
4. Strategy discussion: We’ll explain your legal options.
5. Next steps: If we take your case, we’ll begin work immediately.

Time Limits for Hand Injury Claims

Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims:

• Personal injury cases: Generally two years from the injury date
• Workers’ compensation: Report within 45 days, file within 3 years
• Product liability: Two years from when you discover the defect caused your injury.

Certain factors can change the deadlines in each case. Don’t let time limits bar your claim. Contact us as soon as possible after your hand injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if my hand injury happened at work?

You can file for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, if a third party (not your employer) caused your injury, you may have a personal injury claim.

What happens if my employer lacks workers’ compensation coverage?

Most employers in Illinois are legally required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage. If your employer lacks coverage, you may sue them directly for your injuries.

What’s the potential value of my hand injury claim?

Case value depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and impact on your life. We’ll evaluate these factors during your free consultation.

Will I have to go to court?

Most cases settle without trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to maximize your compensation.

What’s the typical timeline for hand injury cases?

The timeline varies based on injury complexity, treatment duration, and willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process.

Contact Us And Get the Legal Help You Deserve

Hand injuries can change everything in an instant. The physical pain, emotional stress, and financial pressure can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to handle this by yourself.

The team at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers knows what you’re experiencing. We’ve helped hundreds of Chicago residents recover from devastating hand injuries, securing the compensation they needed to rebuild their lives.

Real Results for Hand Injury Victims: Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers represented a 33-year-old histology technologist who suffered severe tendon damage to both hands in a tractor-trailer collision on I-94 in Libertyville. Her injuries required multiple surgeries and resulted in over $460,000 in medical expenses plus $31,863 in lost wages. Through skilled mediation, we secured a confidential settlement that was incredibly satisfactory for our client, allowing her to focus on recovery rather than financial worries.

Our award-winning legal team has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for maximum compensation. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including recognition as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country.

Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Don’t accept less than you deserve. Contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. today for your free consultation.

Call (312) 957-4166 now or contact us online. We’re ready to fight for you.