If you’ve been seriously injured at work in Joliet, we can help. Each Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer at our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, provides legal representation for seriously injured accident victims in Joliet and throughout Illinois. Get in touch with our personal injury attorneys to get started on your case
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Get in Joliet?
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?
Workers’ compensation is insurance required by Illinois law providing benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It is regulated by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and requires employers with more than one employee to carry this no-fault insurance or self-insure.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses inlcuding:
- Accidents resulting in physical injuries, such as broken bones, burns, and repetitive motion injuries
- Occupational diseases caused by exposure to hazardous materials or repetitive motions
- Mental health conditions caused by workplace stress or trauma
What Should I Do If I Am Injured at Work?
If you suffered an on-the-job injury in Joliet, follow these steps:
- Report the injury: Notify your employer immediately and fill out an accident report.
- Seek medical attention: Get treatment promptly. Your employer may have a preferred doctor, but you can get a second opinion.
- Keep records: Document all treatments, medical expenses, and time missed from work.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney who can help you get maximum benefits.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Insurance Benefits?
In Illinois, workers’ compensation benefits for injured employees include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for workers unable to work temporarily due to injuries. They receive part of their average weekly wage until they can return to work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) when an injured worker returns to a lower-paying job or fewer hours, they cover the difference between pre-injury and post-injury earnings.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for a worker with a permanent injury that partially impairs their ability to work but doesn’t completely prevent it.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD); permanent disability benefits are for workers permanently unable to work; they usually continue for the worker’s lifetime.
- Death Benefits: If a worker dies from a work-related injury, their dependents receive death benefits including funeral expenses and alleviate financial hardship of the surviving family.
Why Can Workers’ Comp Claims be Denied?
Workers’ compensation cases can be denied for:
- Failure to report the workplace accident within the required time frame
- Lack of medical evidence supporting the injury or illness
- Pre-existing conditions unrelated to work
- Violation of company policies or drug/alcohol use at the time of injury
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Yes.
Joliet workers’ compensation lawyers represent injured workers and can assist you by:
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating fair settlements to make sure your medical bills are paid
- Ensuring your checks don’t stop without warning
- Representing you in court if necessary
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit?
In some situations with workplace injuries, a third party—NOT your employer— may be responsible for your on-the-job injuries. They can also be sued for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. Workers’ compensation does NOT cover things like pain and suffering; this is in addition to your worker’s compensation claim.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Today
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers in Joliet and throughout Illinois. We offer a free consultation in which our workers’ compensation attorneys meet with you to review your workers’ compensation claim and outline your legal options.
(312) 223-1700