In Illinois, it is mandatory for most employers to provide their employees with workers’ comp insurance. Even if it is an employee’s first day on the job when they suffer a work-related accident, they can still file a claim for their injury and receive benefits. Such legal action is crucial to physical and financial recovery of the injured.
Here are two frequently asked questions about the state’s coverage.
What kind of injuries does an Illinois workers’ comp cover?
Workers’ comp provides financial support for employees who become ill or suffer an injury while performing their duties. Nine common examples of these are:
- Physical injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Hearing loss
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns from electrocution accidents
- Injuries from using machinery or equipment
- Occupational diseases
- Work-related mental health conditions
However, it is vital to act promptly and follow the proper legal timelines to ensure that the claim is not delayed or denied.
What type of benefits does workers’ comp provide?
The coverage pays for an injured employee’s medical treatments, emergency care, surgery costs, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy and prosthetic devices. If the injury causes the employee to miss work, they may also receive wage loss benefits.
For more severe accidents that cause permanent total disability, such as paralysis or loss of limbs, the policy may cover the employee’s weekly disability benefits for life (subject to certain limits).
Employees have the right to seek compensation for their workplace injuries
While doing physically demanding tasks may be a regular part of someone’s job, they still need to take care of themselves. By getting familiar with the workers’ comp process in Illinois, employees can file their claim with ease and receive reimbursement for their medical bills and wage loss.