A Guide to Workers’ Comp Wrist Injury Settlements in Illinois

Wrist Injury Treatment & Surgery Settlements

While many work-related wrist injuries can heal with rest, medication, or non-invasive treatments like cortisone injections, more severe cases may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Injuries involving torn ligaments, fractures, or nerve damage often call for surgical intervention to restore function and reduce pain. These procedures can come with extended recovery times, time away from work, and additional costs for physical therapy and follow-up care.

Because surgery significantly increases the medical and financial impact of a wrist injury, settlements for these cases are typically higher than those involving minor or moderate injuries. Workers’ compensation settlements for wrist surgeries factor in the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, permanent impairment, and any future care needs. If you’ve undergone or are facing surgery due to a job-related wrist injury, you may be entitled to a more substantial settlement to help cover your expenses and support your recovery.

How to File an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Wrist Injury

If you injure your wrist on the job in Illinois, following the proper steps is key to receiving the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to.

1. Report the Injury to Your Employer: Notify your employer as soon as possible. Illinois law requires that you report your injury within 45 days of the incident or the date you became aware of the condition. Provide the notice in writing, and include details like the date, time, and how the injury occurred.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get medical treatment right away. You can choose your own doctor, and all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your wrist injury should be covered under workers’ compensation. Be honest with your doctor about how the injury happened and keep detailed records of all treatments and diagnoses.
3. Document Everything; Maintain copies of medical records, work restrictions, prescriptions, and communications with your employer and their insurance carrier. Accurate documentation will strengthen your claim and help prevent delays or disputes.
4. File a Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (If Needed): If your employer disputes your injury or benefits, or you’re not receiving proper compensation, you can file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
5. Consult an Attorney: While you’re not required to have legal representation, a workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve—especially if your injury involves surgery, long-term treatment, or wage loss.

Wrist Injury Medical Expenses Covered by Workers’ Comp

If you suffer a wrist injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help protect you from financial hardship. These benefits can cover a wide range of expenses, including:

• Doctor appointments
• Prescription medications
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Surgical procedures
• Hospital stays
• Medical devices or equipment
• Travel costs to and from medical visits

Workers’ comp is designed to ease the financial burden of your injury so you can focus on recovery without worrying about the cost.

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits for Wrist Injuries

If you’ve injured your wrist on the job, you may qualify for a range of workers’ compensation benefits designed to support your recovery and reduce financial stress. The specific benefits you’re entitled to will depend on the severity of your injury, the treatment required, and how the injury affects your ability to work. Common benefits include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Wage replacement benefits if your injury prevents you from working while you recover.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Compensation if you’re able to return to work with reduced hours or duties at lower pay.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): A financial settlement if your wrist injury results in lasting limitations or impairment.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Job retraining or placement assistance if you can’t return to your previous position due to your injury.

Average Workers' Settlement for Wrist Injury

The amount of compensation you can receive for a work-related wrist injury will depend on the specifics of your case and the injury. Some wrist injuries heal quickly, while others require surgery, ongoing therapy, or result in permanent limitations. These factors all play a role in determining the value of your workers’ compensation settlement.

Settlements generally cover medical expenses, lost wages, and any lasting impairment. If your injury leads to permanent partial disability, the settlement may be significantly higher. The more serious and life-altering the injury, the greater the potential settlement value.

What is the average workers’ comp wrist injury settlement in Illinois?

In Illinois, the average workers’ compensation settlement for a wrist injury typically ranges from $10,000 to $40,000. Minor sprains or strains with minimal treatment may fall at the lower end, while more serious cases—such as fractures, surgeries, or long-term impairments—can result in higher settlements.

If you're unsure what your wrist injury claim might be worth, speaking with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can help you better understand your options and ensure you're not settling for less than you deserve.

Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney for Your Wrist Injury Settlement

• Helps ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to
• Handles communication with the insurance company
• Gathers and presents strong medical evidence
• Fights for fair compensation
• Assists if your claim is denied or delayed
• Helps calculate the true value of your settlement
• Provides guidance through every step of the legal process
• Reduces stress so you can focus on recovery

Timeline for Receiving a Workers' Comp Wrist Injury Settlement in Illinois

The timeline for receiving a workers’ comp settlement after a wrist injury in Illinois can vary depending on the specifics of your case. While every case is different, most workers’ comp wrist injury settlements in Illinois are resolved within 6 to 12 months. Cases involving disputes, surgery, or permanent impairment may take longer. An experienced attorney can help speed up the process and ensure no steps are missed.

Experienced & Reliable Wrist Injury Workers’ Comp Attorneys

Working with the legal team at Vasilatos Injury Law, you can successfully file your workers’ comp claim, and our attorneys will be able to provide representation for you in any out-of-court negotiations. If needed, we can also represent you in court. Our lawyers understand how important it is for our clients to be able to restore their lives to the way they were, and will work with you to get the compensation you deserve.

We can help you determine how the wrist injury has impacted your wellbeing, including the ability to work and your financial situation, and will help you recover damages. We’ll help you reach a favorable settlement that helps cover all medical expenses, along with any lost wages accumulated from time off work during your recovery period.

We have worked with many clients who have sustained wrist injuries and many other types of injuries on the job, whether from accidents, negligence, or malicious intent. We understand how devastating these injuries can be to your life, which is why we do our best to help restore our clients’ lives to the way they were prior to the injury.