Overview of Workers' Compensation Benefits in Illinois
People are always asking us what they can get if they are injured on the job in Illinois. Here is an overview of the available benefits:1
Medical
In Illinois, your medical bills are covered 100%. You should not have to pay any deductibles or co-pays for any treatment that is reasonable and related to your work injury. That said, you can't go from doctor to doctor to doctor. You are entitled to two sets of opinions.
2
TTD - Temporary Total Disability
When you are unable to work temporarily, or if you injuries prevent you from performing your full duties and your employer can't find other work for you in the meantime, you are entitled to temporary total disability payments. The amount paid is 2/3 of your average weekly wage for the 52 weeks prior to your injury. The payments are tax-free and there is a weekly maximum and minimum. Payments continue for the duration of your disability (or until your injuries are determined to be permanent).
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PPD - Permanent Partial Disability
If your injury is permanent, you can receive payments for the nature of your injury. The amount is 60% of your average weekly wage. These benefits can happen after your doctor has released you from his or her care and determined that you are at "maximum medical improvement." A lawyer can get you a settlement or you can get his benefit by going to trial and keeping your medical rights open. Every case is different and there is no way to say what a case is truly worth without reviewing your medical records.
4
PTD - Permanent Total Disability
If you are permanently and completely disabled, and cannot return to any job, you are entitled to permanent total disability benefits. The amount paid is 2/3 of your average weekly wage, subject to a weekly minimum and maximum. The payments last conceivably for the rest of your life.
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Death Benefits
An employee's surviving spouse and children are entitled to benefits based on a percentage of the employee's wages. A burial allowance of $8,000 is also available. Under changes to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act in 2006, the minimum payout is $500,000.
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.
I was told by another lawyer and my employer that none of my travel expenses are reimbursed. I am going to therapy 3 times a week to a therapist recommended by my Dr. and numerous Dr. visits. Is this true? My employer says I have to continue to pay my medical premiums while out on disibility, if i don't, I will expect to pay what is owed when i go back to work. True?
Typically travel expenses for therapy are not covered unless their doctor suggested it or if you are required to travel an extreme distance (e.g. if you live in Mount Vernon and have to travel to St. Louis for treatment). As for medical premiums, those are not part of workers comp so yes you would have to still pay that.
My husband has had extremely red eyes for about 4 months. He works for a logistics company that houses chemicals. He has been to a doctor, allergist and an opthamologist who all believe his eyes are getting irritated from something which we believe is in his building. He was transferred to a different building for a week and the condition went away. The first day back at his normal building, the condition returned that day. He came home with bright red eyes. His employer tells him nothing is wrong. The other men in the area also have irritated eyes. What is our recourse if the employer won't admit that there is an issue?
He should formally file a workers' compensation claim. It's possible to get a Judge's order that limits what building he can be in which will hopefully solve his problem. If you want our help let us know.