If you’ve been injured at work, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer can help manage the process. With years of experience, our personal injury law firm is here to support you every step of the way.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation system, managed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) and governed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.), requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This provides financial and medical benefits to employees injured or made ill by their job. The system ensures workers are compensated 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 surviving family members of workers who died from workplace injuries or illnesses.
What Benefits are covered by Illinois Workers’ Compensation?
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
- Injuries 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 work-related 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 (like 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, IL, Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Experienced Aurora workers’ compensation lawyers can represent injured workers to negotiate with the insurance company and 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 certain workers’ compensation cases, employees may be able to file a lawsuit against a third party whose negligence played a role in their workplace injury. These third-party claims can provide additional compensation beyond what Illinois workers’ compensation covers, including damages for pain and suffering. For instance, workers injured by faulty equipment, exposure to hazardous substances, or work-related motor vehicle accidents might have a strong basis for a personal injury claim.
Contact an Aurora Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Our experienced Aurora workers’ compensation attorneys have a strong track record of helping injured employees across Illinois. We know Illinois workers’ compensation laws and are committed to getting you the benefits you deserve. If you’ve been injured at work, our lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process with confidence and support.
(312) 223-1700