Employees in Orland Park, Illinois, who suffer work-related injuries may be eligible for compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). An Orland Park workers’ compensation lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help you file a claim and seek disability benefits.
Why Do I Need an Orland Park Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Experienced workers’ compensation lawyers help injured workers negotiate with insurance companies, ensure medical bills are covered, and prevent unexpected stoppages in payments. They make sure disputes or issues in the workers’ compensation process are resolved quickly and efficiently.
What Is a Third-Party Claim in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In some workers’ compensation insurance cases, a worker can sue a third party whose negligence contributed to their workplace injury or wrongful death. These third-party lawsuits can result in additional compensation not covered by Illinois workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering.
For example, if an injury occurred due to defective machinery, toxic exposure, or a motor vehicle accident at work, a worker may have a valid personal injury case.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The Illinois workers’ compensation system, overseen by the IWCC and governed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.), mandates that nearly all employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance provides financial assistance and medical benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses as a direct result of their job.
It ensures injured workers receive compensation without needing to prove fault.
The benefits are categorized as follows:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is a wage replacement and provides medical care for workers temporarily unable to work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) assists injury victims returning to work with reduced earnings.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) provides benefits to workers with permanent impairments.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) provides lifetime financial support for permanent disability.
- Death benefits provide financial support and funeral coverage for surviving family members of workers who died due to workplace injuries or illnesses.
- Vocational rehabilitation can also be provided if the injury reduces earning capacity, diminishes job security, or if retraining is likely to lead to successful employment.
Why Can a Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied?
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, a workers’ comp claim can be denied by the employer’s insurance company for not reporting the injury or illness promptly, lack of evidence or documentation supporting the claim, preexisting conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness, or an injury that occurred outside of work hours or while engaging in activities not related to work.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Orland Park
Some types of common workplace accidents include:
- Burns or chemical exposures
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Machinery injuries
- Overexertion injuries
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Common injuries include:
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Orland Park
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, take the following steps:
- 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 medical records, including a record of all medical expenses and missed work due to the injury.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the workers’ compensation claim process and ensure that you receive benefits you deserve.
Contact an Orland Park Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
The workers’ compensation attorneys in our law firm have successfully represented injured employees—including construction and office workers—with their work injury claims. We know your rights and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve. Call us for a free consultation.
Get help from an Orland Park workers’ compensation lawyer if you’ve been injured on the job and need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
(312) 223-1700