Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
John M. Popelka
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2015 View John M. Popelka on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anesi-Ozmon-Rodin-Novak-Kohen-Ltd/196976906997458 View John M. Popelka on LinkedIn at https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fanesi-ozmon-rodin-novak-%26-kohen-ltd.&ei=vNNbVJCnE5exyASe7YDgCA&usg=AFQjCNGp80pqLnCA_5yJ9u3lUQlQh4ahNA&sig2=vBaBO9 View John M. Popelka on X at https://twitter.com/AnesiLaw
View John M. Popelka on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anesi-Ozmon-Rodin-Novak-Kohen-Ltd/196976906997458 View John M. Popelka on LinkedIn at https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fanesi-ozmon-rodin-novak-%26-kohen-ltd.&ei=vNNbVJCnE5exyASe7YDgCA&usg=AFQjCNGp80pqLnCA_5yJ9u3lUQlQh4ahNA&sig2=vBaBO9 View John M. Popelka on X at https://twitter.com/AnesiLaw
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
John M. Popelka focuses his practice exclusively representing public and private sector clients in the area of Workers’ Compensation law. Equally comfortable in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, a significant portion of his practice involves litigating and settling claims for union workers who suffer career-ending injuries, permanent total disability, catastrophic injuries requiring home modification and lifetime medical care, and death cases.
John joined Anesi Ozmon in 1993, and was named partner in 2001. Recognizing his dedication, commitment and leadership, the firm named him President and Managing Partner in 2018.
Highly respected by his peers and a leader in the field, his extensive appellate practice has led him to argue cases before the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court, generating decisions that have expanded the rights of working men and women in Illinois. He has authored articles on workers’ compensation law, and has been a featured speaker on the topic at seminars and at John Marshall Law School.
John skills have earned recognition from his fellow attorneys with an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell for over a decade. In addition, Thomson Reuters has ranked him as a Super Lawyer each year since 2013, and he has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation Law by U.S News & World Report, The Leading Lawyers Network, The Best Lawyers in America as well as a 10 Best Attorneys in Illinois for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service in Workers’ Compensation claims. He maintains memberships in several professional organizations including the American Association of Justice, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, The Chicago Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association of Illinois. A longtime resident of Naperville, Ill., John volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America and is the proud parent of three Eagle Scouts.
John earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School and received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Marquette University.
Overview
- English
- University of Illinois Chicago, John Marshall Law School, J.D., graduated 1986
- Illinois, United States
- Iowa, United States
- Wisconsin, United States
- American Association of Justice, Workers’ Compensation Section - Member
- Chicago Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Section - Member
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Workers’ Compensation Section - Member
- Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association of Illinois - Member
- English
- Illinois, United States
- Iowa, United States
- Wisconsin, United States
- American Association of Justice, Workers’ Compensation Section - Member
- Chicago Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Section - Member
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Workers’ Compensation Section - Member
- Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association of Illinois - Member
- University of Illinois Chicago, John Marshall Law School, J.D., graduated 1986
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Workers' Compensation Law
Awards:
- American Association of Justice
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- Verdicts and Settlements
- $1,500,000.00 settlement for roofer who fell and sustained a closed head injury. He had previously opted out of coverage as an owner of the business the year prior to the injury. We prevailed on the theory that the insurance company’s failure to obtain a new opt out signature in the second year in writing nullified the choice, thereby entitling our client to payment of weekly benefits and medical care under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
- $315,000.00 settlement for union boilermaker who injured his neck while working in the Quad Cities, but received his treatment in his home state of Arkansas.
- $300,000.00 settlement for union laborer working for a demolition company, who sustained crush injuries to his leg.
- $285,000.00 settlement for hospital worker who injured knee and underwent multiple surgeries. Claimant was provided vocational rehabilitation assistance that found him suitable work in a new career.
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