Five random Illinois work comp facts
Here are five things we think all injured workers should know.
1. Three categories of benefits: There are 3 main categories of benefits that you are entitled to under Illinois Workers’ Compensation law.
· Medical Expenses—Reasonable and necessary medical expenses are required to be paid by your employer with the goal of returning you to work;
· Weekly Wage Benefit (TTD)—Based on your doctor’s recommendation, if your medical condition necessitates your not working or returning to work light duty, you may be entitled to a weekly wage benefit. This benefit amount is based on the average weekly wage you were earning at the time of the accident;
· Permanent Disability Benefit—When a significant period of time has elapsed without substantial improvement, you may be entitled to benefits which compensate you for the partial or complete loss of the use of your body. The Workers’ Compensation Act sets out the rate of pay for these permanent disability benefits.
2. All workers eligible for benefits: Whether or not you are a United States citizen or resident alien, you are entitled to receive benefits for your work injury under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
3. Getting started: When you are injured at work, you have some time restraints according to Illinois Workers’ Compensation law, to get your claim going.
· Your accident should be reported to your supervisor immediately, but in no event should it be more than 45 days from the date you were injured;
· You should expeditiously consult with a medical professional about your injury, and advise that it was work-related;
· Workers’ Compensation claims must be filed within 3 years from the date of your accident, and 2 years from the date of your last payment of compensation, according to the Illinois statute of limitations deadlines for these claims.
4. Appearing at hearings: You are not necessarily required to appear at most hearings while your claim is ongoing. However, sometimes it may become beneficial to appear for a hearing before an Arbitrator to establish the benefits and amounts for your injury.
5. Other remedies available: Other than the claim for workers’ compensation benefits, there may be other avenues to compensation for your injury. There may be third-parties that have some responsibility regarding the accident, and that could be liable for your lost wages, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
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.
