When an Illinois worker is injured on the job, they are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, navigating the complex workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming for an injured worker. This is where a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer comes in. The Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys in our personal injury law firm have decades of experience handling workers’ compensation cases and can help you get the benefits you deserve.
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 to provide financial support and medical benefits for workers with work-related injuries or illness. Union workers and non-union employees are eligible under the no-fault system.
It ensures injured workers recover compensation without needing to prove fault.
The benefits are 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.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits may help workers retrain and access programs when they can’t return to their old job.
- Death benefits offer financial support and cover funeral expenses for dependents of workers who died from workplace injuries or illnesses.
What Benefits Are Available Through a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, an Illinois workers’ compensation claim can be denied by the employer’s insurance company when there is:
- A failure to report the injury or illness in a timely manner
- A 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 Chicago
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 Chicago
If you have been injured in a workplace accident:
- 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 a Chicago Workers’ Comp Attorney?
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can 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 also 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 file a personal injury lawsuit against 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 a worker is injured in a motor vehicle accident at work, they may have a valid personal injury case.
Contact a Chicago Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Each workers’ compensation attorney on our legal team has successfully represented injured employees in Chicago and throughout the state. We understand Illinois workers’ compensation law and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve. Call us for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700