Navigating the Complex World of Workers’ Compensation in Chicago

Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job or become ill as a result of their work.

If you are injured or become sick due to your work in Chicago, you are eligible for medical care and financial support while recovering. This can include payment for lost wages and reimbursement for expenses related to your treatment, such as prescriptions or physical therapy sessions.

Illinois requires that employers carry worker's compensation insurance policies, with few exceptions. 

What is the Process for Filing a Worker's Compensation Claim?

The process of filing a worker's compensation claim is fairly easy. 

First, notify your employer that you have been injured on the job and intend to file a claim for benefits. Also, let them know you want to contact a personal injury law firm to assist with paperwork and deadlines. Your manager will then guide you through the first steps of the process, including filling out the initial claim form while the memory is fresh. Your employer will submit the claim to their insurance. (Your employer should also record the accident so they have a record if it happens again and can adjust safety protocols.) 

While insurance reviews the claim, contact local worker's compensation attorneys and find one to represent you. Then, pass their contact information on to your employer so that they can take over. Your lawyer will perform an investigation and gather more evidence as needed. You should take this time to document your recovery, including any medical bills or related costs that result from your illness or injury. Make sure to record how it affects your daily life.

You can help your case by taking photos of any injuries after they occur or by asking your employer for any CCTV coverage from the time of the accident. The more records and evidence you have, the stronger your claim. Your lawyer can also help you obtain evidence.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

You may be wondering why we say you should get a lawyer. Here are some of the most common ways an attorney can help:

• Advise on legal rights

• Gather additional evidence

• Negotiate on your behalf

• Represent you in court, if needed

• Prevent mistakes

• Ensure you meet deadlines

Navigating the complex world of worker's compensation in Chicago can be daunting. But with the help of a lawyer, the process can be made easier.

What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Offer?

Worker's compensation offers a range of benefits. Which you receive will depend on your unique situation; your lawyer will help you determine what you are due.

• Medical coverage. If you're injured on the job, your employer should pay for your medical treatment.

• Wage replacement. Your employer will also pay for lost wages while you're recovering from an injury or illness that was caused by your job duties. This can include partial disability payments if it's determined that there is a permanent impairment to one or more body parts due to your injury.

• Disability benefits. If your injury prevents you from returning to work within a reasonable amount of time (typically six months), this benefit provides financial assistance until you return or retire from employment altogether. 

• Vocational Rehabilitation. If you cannot return to your previous job after being injured or becoming ill, vocational rehabilitation benefits can help you prepare for another line of work, whether with the same employer or elsewhere.

• Death Benefits. If you lost a loved one due to an injury or illness at work, death benefits help pay for their expenses and cover their income for a while so you can get back on your feet.

Which Types of Injuries or Illness Qualify for Workers' Compensation in Chicago?

Any injuries and illnesses caused by work-related duties or conditions generally qualify for worker's compensation. According to SafetyCulture, some examples of injuries and illnesses that are covered by worker's compensation include "physical injuries from accidents such as slips, falls, and fractures, occupational diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries, and illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous materials or substances in the workplace."

Be aware that your employer will not be liable to pay for any damages if your injury results from reckless behavior, such as ignoring safety procedures or doing substances on the clock. Additionally, such behavior can put you at risk for termination even though you are recovering from an injury— you would still be responsible for covering your medical bills. As a result, you may need to seek financial assistance until you find a new job.