If you’ve been injured at work, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer can help manage the process. With years of experience, our personal injury law firm is here to support you every step of the way.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Workers’ Compensation Accident in Aurora?
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation system, managed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) and governed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.), requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This provides financial and medical benefits to employees injured or made ill by their job. The system ensures workers are compensated without needing to prove fault.
The benefits are categorized as follows:
- 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 impairments.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits provide lifetime financial support for permanently disabled workers.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits may provide vocational training when workers can’t return to their previous jobs.
- Death benefits provide financial support and funeral expense coverage for surviving family members of workers who died from workplace injuries or illnesses.
TTD and PPD calculate your average weekly wage based on your earnings during the 52 weeks leading up to your last full pay period before the accident.
What Benefits Are Covered by Illinois Workers’ Compensation?
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, a workers’ compensation claim can be denied by the employer’s insurance company for:
- Failure to report the injury or illness in a timely manner
- Lack of evidence or documentation supporting the claim
- Preexisting conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness
- Injuries that occurred outside of work hours or while engaging in activities not related to work
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Aurora
Common work-related injuries and accidents that can cause permanent disabilities include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Burns or chemical exposures
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Machinery injuries
- Overexertion injuries
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common injuries that a worker should seek medical treatment for include:
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Aurora
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 a record of all medical expenses and missed work due to the injury.
- Get legal guidance from our workers’ comp lawyers to navigate your claim and secure fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Do I Need an Aurora, IL, Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Aurora workers’ compensation lawyers assist injured workers in securing benefits, negotiating with insurers, covering medical bills, maximizing compensation, and ensuring payments do not stop unexpectedly. They also handle disputes or issues during the workers’ compensation process.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In certain workers’ compensation cases, employees may be able to file a lawsuit against a third party whose negligence played a role in their workplace injury. These third-party claims can provide additional compensation beyond what Illinois workers’ compensation covers, including damages for pain and suffering.
For instance, workers injured by faulty equipment, exposure to hazardous substances, or work-related motor vehicle accidents might have a strong basis for a personal injury claim.
Contact an Aurora Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Our experienced Aurora workers’ compensation attorneys have a proven record of helping injured employees in Illinois. We understand Illinois law and can help workers receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you’ve been injured at work, our experienced lawyers will guide you through the claims process with confidence and support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700