If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to know your rights and the benefits available under Illinois workers’ compensation laws. A Des Plaines workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Our personal injury law firm has decades of experience with workers’ comp claims, and we’re ready to provide legal representation for you.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.), the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) manages the Illinois workers’ compensation system—requiring most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This no-fault system provides financial and medical benefits to union and non-union workers for work-related injuries or illnesses, without needing to prove fault.
What Benefits Are Included?
Workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): wage replacement and medical care for workers temporarily unable to work
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): support for injured workers returning to work with reduced earnings
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): benefits for workers with permanent injuries or impairments
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): lifetime financial support for permanent disabilities
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: helping workers retrain and access programs when they are permanently unable to return to their old job
- Death benefits: financial support and funeral expense coverage for dependents of workers who die from workplace injuries or illnesses
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, benefits may be denied for several reasons. These include failing to report the injury or illness within the required time limit, insufficient evidence to validate the claim, the presence of preexisting conditions that contributed to the injury or illness, or if the injury occurred outside of work or during non-work-related activities.
Why Do I Need a Des Plaines Workers’ Comp Attorney?
A dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to seek maximum compensation for you, make sure your bills for medical treatment are paid, and ensure your checks don’t stop without warning.
An IL workers’ compensation attorney can also handle employer disputes or complications that arise during the workers’ compensation process.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In some workers’ compensation cases, an injured worker can file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party if their negligence caused the workplace injury. These personal injury cases can provide additional compensation beyond what Illinois workers’ compensation covers, such as pain and suffering.
For example, if an injury occurred in a car accident on the job, the injured person may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. If the injured party loses their life, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Des Plaines
Workers’ compensation claims frequently arise from common workplace incidents, such as overexertion or repetitive stress injuries, machinery malfunctions, exposure to hazardous chemicals, vehicle accidents occurring during job-related activities, and slips, trips, and falls. Some of these incidents may require ongoing treatment.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common injuries that affect workers include:
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Des Plaines, Illinois
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident and need to receive disability benefits:
- Report the incident to your employer right away; they must notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- Get medical care for the injuries sustained and follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Keep track of all your medical bills, lost wages, and any work you miss because of the injury.
- Talk to workers’ compensation lawyers at our law firm who can assist you with the claim process, make sure you receive benefits, and help you obtain compensation.
Contact a Des Plaines Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
The personal injury lawyers at our Des Plaines office have a proven track record of successfully representing injured clients in Des Plaines, IL. With thorough knowledge of Illinois workers’ compensation laws, we are dedicated to serving Des Plaines workers and securing the benefits injured victims rightfully deserve.
If you or a family member has sustained injuries at work, contact us today for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700