If you’re injured at work in Jackson Park, Illinois, knowing your rights and options for workers’ compensation is crucial. Filing a claim and obtaining benefits can be complex, but a skilled Jackson Park workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights. The personal injury attorneys in our law office, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers have decades of experience. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance offering benefits for employees injured or ill from job duties, covering benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and providing death benefits to dependents fatalities. The program is administered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), handling disputes between employees and employers.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Wage replacement benefits include:
- Temporary Total Disability Benefits offer wage support until return to work or medical improvement;
- Temporary Partial Disability covers wage gaps for reduced work hours;
- Permanent Partial Disability supports those with lasting impairments;
- Permanent Total Disability provides ongoing benefits for permanent disabilities.
Additionally, death benefits support dependents of deceased workers. This is not a wrongful death action.
Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
All Illinois employees can receive benefits if they suffer a job-related injury or illness, regardless of fault. However, independent contractors and seasonal/temporary workers may not be covered. Injuries due to intoxication or policy violations may also disqualify a worker from benefits.
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases be Denied?
Workers’ compensation claims can be denied due to inadequate medical evidence, inconsistencies in reports, self-inflicted injuries, horseplay, intoxication, injuries outside job duties, or administrative errors such as missed deadlines and incomplete paperwork.
Common Injuries from Workplace Accidents
Some common injuries from workplace injuries and accidents include:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Fractures
- Head, back and neck injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Occupational illnesses (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, mesothelioma)
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Jackson Park
Steps to take if you’re injured or become ill due to work in Jackson Park:
- Report the accident to your employer immediately.
- Your employer will file the claim with the employer’s insurance company.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Document all injuries and treatment received.
- Keep track of any time missed from work due to injury.
- Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Jackson Park for legal representation.
Do I Need Personal Injury Lawyers for a Jackson Park-Chicago Workers’ Comp Claim?
You aren’t legally required to have a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim, but Jackson Park-Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers can help you navigate the legal system, maximize benefits, and ensure your checks do not stop unexpectedly.
If your claim is denied, they can support your appeal and, in a third-party lawsuit, pursue extra compensation.
What Effect Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Have on My Social Security Disability Benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security benefits, including SSDI and family benefits, combined with workers’ compensation or other public disability payments, should not exceed 80% of your average earnings. Any excess is deducted from your Social Security benefit.
When Is a Third-Party Accountable in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
Victims of workplace accidents can file a third-party claim if the responsible party IS NOT their employer. Unlike a workers’ compensation claim, this personal injury claim allows for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. It provides extra financial recovery for serious injuries or illnesses caused by another’s negligence.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Today
If you’re injured at work—for example, have suffered a fall accident—or have a work-related illness, contact our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers. We understand the system’s challenges and will strive to secure your rights for fair compensation.
Free Initial Consultation
Injured workers can contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation to review your workers’ compensation or personal injury case.
(312) 223-1700