Trusted Attorneys | Trusted Advisors

Overview

Christine Jagodzinski Prohaska concentrates her practice in workers’ compensation and employment law matters in addition to serving on Nyhan’s Board of Directors. Christine practices across various industries, representing clients in multiple levels of insurance, including uninsured, insured, self-insured, and excess insurance, to proactively address the interests of each party. Emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation at the onset of each claim, Christine works in concert with her clients to ensure she has the tools to immediately effectuate the best defense while managing claim costs.

As an accomplished trial attorney over the last 21 years, Christine utilizes her unique experiences to deliver proactive advice concerning workers’​ compensation defense and employment issues as well as to provide her clients with effective solutions to unique situations.

As no two claims are alike, Christine designs a personalized strategy addressing each client’s needs in light of the particular facts and legal issues, while also understanding the importance of effective and quick claim resolution. Her experience allows her to navigate unusual issues as well as to manage exposure in situations involving familiar disputes. Christine realizes the importance of being a team player and her competitive nature serves her well as she strives to obtain favorable outcomes in every case.

Outside of her legal practice, Christine serves as President of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (WCLA). She has been a member of the organization since 2017 and previously served as a board member, secretary, and vice-president. In the WCLA, Christine collaborates with other  Officers and Board members to ensure the practice maintains fellowship among those engaged in the trial of workers’ compensation matters. When issues arise in the practice, Christine endeavors to identify solutions to resolve those dilemmas. Additionally, Christine served as a member of Nyhan’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council from 2020 through 2022. She also enjoys spending her weekends with her husband watching their three children play volleyball, soccer, and baseball.

Professional Organizations

  • Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, 2017-present
    • President, January 2024 – present
    • Vice-President, January 2023 – December 2023
    • Secretary, January 2021 – December 2022
    • Board Member, May 2017 – December 2020
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Chicago Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • Habitat for Humanity Women Build, Volunteer, 2017-2020

Presentations

  • lllinois Self-Insurers’ Association Nuts & Bolts Seminars, 2016-2017, 2019, and 2021
  • Illinois Self-Insurers’ Association Annual Meeting, 2015 and 2018
  • “Mini Nuts & Bolts of Workers’ Compensation,” Go-Self Insured, August 2015
  • “Constructing a Winning Workers’ Compensation Defense,” Builders Association Safety Forum, August 2012
  • “Ethical Obligations,” National Business Institute, May 2012
  • “Evolution of the Illinois Medical Fee Schedule,” ISIA Nuts & Bolts, May 2011

News

 

Representative Matters

  • Represented an Illinois school district in two workers’ compensation matters involving claims for benefits of close to $1 million for permanent and total disability. Through attention to detail and investigation, we secured records and successfully argued entitlement to a significant credit for non-occupational disability and disability retirement benefits of over $400,000 with successful resolution after trial to close both claims for significant savings to the client.
  • Represented an Illinois gravel company where Petitioner claimed an unwitnessed shoulder injury which necessitated surgery. After a comprehensive investigation of the premises and preparation of witnesses, we proceeded to trial and secured favorable Arbitration and Commission decisions denying all benefits to Petitioner, who was seeking over $80,000 in lost time, medical, and permanency benefits.
  • Represented an Illinois equipment company where Petitioner claimed entitlement to wage differential benefits under Section 8(d)1 of the Act for a foot injury with exposure over $350,000 if he successfully proved his claim. With thorough investigation and a successful cross-examination of the treating doctor to eliminate his claimed permanent restrictions, settlement was effectuated for $13,500.
  • Represented a nationwide hair salon in a disputed claim for a hair stylist who alleged permanent restrictions as a result of a back injury. After extensive investigation, depositions, and trial, we secured a complete denial of all benefits claimed at around $400,000 from the Arbitrator and Commission.