Most businesses in Orland Park are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance provides “no-fault” monetary benefits for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their work. If you were hurt at work, you might be entitled to recover benefits through the workers’ compensation system.
Because it is a no-fault system, workers’ compensation benefits are designed to be available for anyone hurt on the job. The reality is that insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to deny claims whenever possible. An Orland Park workers’ compensation lawyer could fight for you and the benefits you deserve. Call a dedicated injury attorney today to get started on your claim.
Benefits Available Via Workers’ Compensation Claims
There are different types of monetary benefits available through a successful workers’ compensation claim. The benefits you could recover depend entirely on the nature of your injury and the outlook of your recovery.
Medical Care
Workers’ compensation benefits will pay for necessary medical care resulting from a work-related injury or illness. There is no time limit on this coverage. The insurance companies are required to continue paying for your medical bills for as long as you require treatment.
These benefits cover more than just your emergency room visit. Any ongoing medical treatment, including the cost of your rehabilitation, also qualifies. This could include not only physical therapy but occupational therapy as well.
Disability Benefits
Another central aspect of a workers’ compensation claim are disability benefits. These benefits exist to cover some of your wages during the course of your recovery. Disabilities could be partial or complete. A partial disability means that while your injuries impact your life, you are able to perform some aspects of your job. A complete disability is serious enough that you cannot work at all.
Disabilities are also either temporary or permanent. As the name implies, temporary benefits are available for injuries that will eventually result in a full recovery. Permanent benefits are for workers who will never be able to maintain their previous level of employment again.
Job Retraining
For some workers, returning to their previous line of work could be physically impossible due to their disability. A workers’ compensation claim could pay for the cost of job retraining that allows a worker to transition to a new field that they are physically capable of working in. Let a worker injury attorney at our firm in Orland Park help you get started on your claim.
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The vast majority of workers in Orland Park and throughout the State of Illinois are eligible for benefits through the workers’ compensation system. According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, approximately 91 percent of all workers statewide qualify for benefits under these policies.
There are only a handful of exceptions when it comes to coverage under workers’ compensation insurance. For example, the owners and operators of certain types of businesses do not have to purchase coverage for themselves. While there are some exceptions for independent contractors compared to employees, all workers in dangerous jobs must be covered.
The Process of Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
There is a process you must follow after a workplace accident in order to obtain benefits through your workers’ compensation policy. The failure to comply with all of the steps in the process could result in the denial of your claim. The steps in the process include:
Notify Your Employer
Once you have received medical care, it is essential that your employer is aware of your injury. It is best to notify your employer in writing so that there is a record of it.
Await a Response
Once you have notified your employer, they have steps they are required to take. Your employer must not only provide you with a list of approved doctors but also report the claim to the insurance company. Finally, the employer must also file an accident report with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Provide More Information
It is not uncommon for the insurance company to request additional information. Periodically, you might receive requests for more documentation following your accident. The insurance company might also ask you to make a written or recorded statement, which you have the right to refuse.
Handling a Denial
If your claim is accepted, you have little else to do but wait for the payments to begin. However, a denial of your claim does not have to be the end of the line for you and your case. You have the right to appeal a decision. While appeals are often successful, it is best to have a diligent Orland Park workers’ compensation attorney by your side throughout the appellate process.
Filing a Lawsuit Following a Workplace Injury in Orland Park
One of the tradeoffs that comes with workers’ compensation coverage is that in exchange for the opportunity to pursue a claim for benefits, you waive your right to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. In fact, the workers’ compensation system was devised in part to prevent courts from becoming overloaded with work-related injury cases.
While most workers cannot sue their employer after a workplace injury, there are some limited cases where exceptions apply. An employer that fails to keep up their workers’ compensation policy could face civil liability if they allow their insurance to lapse.
There are also options available for filing a lawsuit against a third party following a workplace accident. If a workplace injury occurs as the result of someone other than a co-worker or employer, a workers’ comp lawyer in Orland Park could help pursue a civil lawsuit against the responsible third party.
Talk to an Orland Park Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you have suffered injuries at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits could pay for your medical expenses and replace the wages you miss out on during your recovery. A skilled legal professional could help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and pursue the benefits you need.
The attorneys of The Kryder Law Group, LLC are proud to fight for the rights of workers in Orland Park. We understand the process of pursuing these claims and holding the insurance company accountable. If you are ready to move forward with your claim, connect with an Orland Park workers’ compensation lawyer today for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700