Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Illinois

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to ensure that workers are compensated for injuries that occur during the course of their employment. A form of insurance paid by your employer, workers’ compensation pays for your related medical treatment, a portion of your lost income, and vocational retraining if you qualify.

Benefits kick in when you get hurt at work. In most cases, they are supposed to continue until you’ve recovered. Sometimes, benefits may continue for the rest of your life. For workers who are killed on the job, benefits are paid to surviving family members.

Almost all employers in Illinois are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance that covers their employees. It doesn’t matter if your accident occurred on your first day of work or your last. It doesn’t make a difference whether you work part-time or full-time. Even temporary workers are entitled to coverage as long as they are classified as employees.

If you were injured on the job, a variety of benefits may be available to help you recover. You are entitled to benefits that pay for your reasonable and related medical care. You are also entitled to disability benefits while you recover from your injury and are temporarily unable to work. These benefits, known as temporary total disability benefits (TTD), should amount to 2/3 of your average weekly wage tax-free. You may also be entitled to vocational training if you must find a new occupation. If permanent impairments resulted from your injury, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment and permanent disability payments as well.

Workplace accidents aren’t the only reason people in Illinois may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

• Long-Term Exposure to Hazardous Materials: If you were exposed to asbestos, pesticides, dust, chemicals, or other substances at work that caused you to be stricken with chronic illness, you may be entitled to benefits.
• Ergonomic-Related Conditions: Sometimes, health conditions develop over time when workers must perform repetitive tasks, remain in the same position, overuse muscles, or use workstations that are not designed properly.
• Accidents Away from the Workplace: In some cases, workers are injured while performing work-related duties in another location. If you were injured while driving for your company, attending a work-related event, or on a business trip, you may qualify for workers’ compensation.

There are certain steps you should take after suffering a workplace injury. First, you should cease performing any work activity the moment you realize you’ve been hurt to avoid worsening your condition. Summon help right away if your accident results in a medical emergency. Be sure to report your accident to your employer as soon as you are able. You can do so orally or in writing. In Illinois, you only have 45 days to report a workplace injury. If you report your accident on the 46th day or after, you could lose your right to receive benefits.

Once your injury has been reported, ask about filing a workers’ compensation claim and find out whether there are specific medical providers you’ll need to see. If your employer has established a Preferred Provider Program, you may need to receive treatment from providers on the list.

When receiving medical treatment, do not minimize your injuries. Additionally:

• Make sure to tell your doctor that you were injured on the job.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
• Create a record of all medical visits, bills, receipts, and notes about your condition.
• Obtain a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney at your earliest convenience.