Getting social security doesn't mean you are permanently disabled, but it doesn't hurt
A client of ours has been off work for 18 months and is now receiving social security disability benefits. It is not clear if she will be able to ever go back to work and she asked us if getting social security proved that she is permanently disabled for workers comp purposes.
The answer to her question is no. Number one, the findings of social security aren't worth anything. Their standards are different than the Illinois work comp standards. Number two, it depends on her future medical improvement. Getting social security doesn't mean that you are disabled forever, it means that there is a reasonable expectation that you won't be able to work for twelve months.
If our client's neck injury gets better and she can return to some sort of work, she will not receive permanent disability benefits as long as there is a stable job market for her. Time will tell.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
