Steps to Take After a Workplace Shooting in Chicago

In late April of 2025, a grocery store employee was shot and killed by a masked gunman on the West Side of Chicago. Police say that the shooting was not a robbery, and it appeared to be targeted. Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming all too common in the Windy City. What can you do if your loved one was shot at work? Can you pursue compensation? How do you ensure accountability? Can a workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago help?

Consider Whether a Personal Injury Lawsuit Might Be Possible 

Whether you’re recovering from gunshot wounds or you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, your first step might be to determine whether a personal injury lawsuit is possible. If you can sue a negligent party directly instead of filing a workers’ compensation claim, this could be more beneficial.

A workers’ compensation claim does not cover any non-economic damages, while a personal injury lawsuit does. This means that you can pursue additional compensation for things like grief, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and PTSD. A personal injury claim also covers 100% of lost earnings, while a workers’ comp claim only covers two-thirds.

Understand the Benefits of Workers’ Compensation 

If a personal injury claim is not possible, you should review the various benefits of workers’ compensation. If you survived the shooting, your claim can help you cover medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. If you lost a loved one, you can file a “death benefits” claim through Illinois workers’ compensation. This type of claim can help you pay for a funeral and cover any unpaid hospital bills your loved one incurred before passing. It may also cover lost future earnings that your loved one would have earned throughout the rest of their career.

Consider the Psychological Effects of the Shooting 

Normally, workers’ comp claims do not cover psychological issues related to an injury because they typically fall into the category of “non-economic damages.” However, there are a few exceptions. In the past, courts in Illinois have allowed injured workers to pursue additional compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing distressing accidents.

If you believe that you might be developing PTSD or other psychological disorders as a result of the shooting, speak with a mental health professional immediately. Make sure there are written records of you attending appointments and seeking treatment for your challenges. Next, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer and see if it might be possible to pursue additional compensation for your psychological disorder.

Get Help From a Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer 

If you’re recovering from a workplace shooting, a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help. These lawyers can also assist families who have lost loved ones to fatal workplace shootings. A workers’ comp claim can cover funeral costs, unpaid medical bills, and lost future earnings. Speak with Connolly Injury Law to learn more.

Sources: 

nbcchicago.com/news/local/employee-shot-death-inside-convenience-store-on-chicagos-west-side/3733482/

ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3529&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=112&GA=103