If you have suffered a work-related injury, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical bills and lost wages. An experienced Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer can help guide you through the complex process; with decades of experience, our personal injury law firm stands ready to help you.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Managed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), according to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.) the Illinois workers’ compensation system requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance that provides financial support and medical benefits to workers injured or made ill due to their on-the-job injuries.
It ensures injured workers receive compensation without needing to prove fault.
The benefits are categorized as follows:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) provides wage replacement and medical care for workers temporarily unable to work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) assists injured workers returning to work with reduced earnings.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) provides benefits to workers with permanent impairments.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits provide lifetime financial support for permanent disability.
- Death benefits provide financial support and funeral expense coverage for dependents of workers who died from workplace injuries or illnesses.
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, a workers’ compensation claim can be denied by the employer’s insurance company for:
- Failure to report the injury or illness in a timely manner
- Lack of evidence or documentation supporting the claim
- Preexisting conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness
- An injury that occurred outside of work hours or while engaging in activities not related to work
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Aurora
Some types of common workplace injuries and accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Burns or chemical exposures
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Machinery injuries
- Overexertion injuries
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back, spine, and neck injuries
- Head trauma and brain injuries
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Aurora
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, take the following steps:
- Report the incident promptly to your employer, who must inform their workers’ compensation insurance company.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
- Keep a record of all medical expenses and missed work due to the injury.
- Consult with workers’ comp lawyers who can guide you through the workers’ compensation claim process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Do I Need an Aurora Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers can represent injured workers to negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your compensation, make sure your bills for medical treatment are paid, and ensure your checks don’t stop without warning.
Workers’ compensation attorneys can ensure that any disputes or complications that arise during the workers’ compensation process are handled efficiently.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In some workers’ compensation insurance cases, a worker can sue a third party whose negligence contributed to their workplace injury. These third-party lawsuits can result in additional compensation not covered by Illinois’s workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering.
For example, when workers are injured due to defective machinery, toxic exposure, or a motor vehicle accident at work, they may have valid personal injury cases.
Contact an Aurora Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Each workers’ compensation attorney on our legal team has successfully represented injured employees in Aurora and throughout the state. We understand Illinois workers’ compensation rights and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
(312) 223-1700