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 is ready to help you.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.), the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) manages the Illinois workers’ compensation system, requiring nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide financial support and medical benefits for workers with work-related injuries or illnesses. Union workers and non-union employees are eligible under the no-fault system. It ensures injured workers recover compensation without needing to prove fault.
What Benefits Are Included?
Workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) provides wage replacement and medical care for workers temporarily unable to work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) assists injured workers returning to work with reduced earnings.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) provides benefits to workers with permanent injuries or impairments.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits provide lifetime financial support for permanent disability.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits may help workers retrain and access programs when they are permanently unable to return to their old job.
- Death benefits offer financial support and cover funeral expenses 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 timeframe, 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.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Des Plaines
Workers’ compensation claims frequently arise from common workplace incidents such as slips, trips, and falls, overexertion or repetitive stress injuries, machinery malfunctions, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and vehicle accidents occurring during job-related activities.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common work injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back, spine, and neck injuries
- Head trauma and brain injuries
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Des Plaines, Illinois
If you have 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 your injuries 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 your claim, make sure you receive benefits, and help you obtain compensation.
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 while on the job, the injured person may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim.
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, and across the Chicago Metro Area. With thorough knowledge of Illinois workers’ compensation laws, we are dedicated to serving Des Plaines workers and securing the benefits you rightfully deserve.
If you or a family member has sustained injuries at work, contact us today for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700