WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWS

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWS

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act has been protecting employees who suffered a workplace injury since 1911. Since that time, the laws have continued to evolve and change in an effort to protect employees. In order to obtain the most up-to-date information about the laws, contact the skilled workers’ compensation attorney at Whiteside & Goldberg. Listed below are the basic protections that the Act offers to employees:
  • Your employer is not allowed to take any action against you if you file a workers’ compensation claim, under the law. If they retaliate or harass you at all, you may be able to file a separate lawsuit against them.
  • You have the right to choose which doctor you go to for your injury, but there are some new rules that you need to follow. If you do not follow the rules, your claim could be compromised. Before going to a doctor, you should consult with an attorney to make sure everything is in order.
  • If your injuries are not paid for in a timely manner by your employer or the workers’ comp insurance company, they may need to pay penalties and attorney fees.
  • You do not need to give your insurance company a tape-recorded statement.
  • If your medical restrictions cannot be accommodated by your employer, you may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Maintenance. This would allow you to receive the same 66.6% of your gross average weekly wages until Vocational Counselors are able to help you find another job.
  • If your injuries cause you to earn less money when you return to work because of your temporary restrictions, you may be eligible for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD).
  • You are authorized to get compensation that is equals 66.6% of your gross average weekly wages when you are not working, per doctor’s orders. This compensation is called Temporary and Total Disability benefits (TTD). If your injuries have caused work restrictions, and your employer is unable to accommodate the restrictions, you are entitled to TTD benefits.
  • There may be penalties if the insurance company does not pay for TTD in a timely manner.
  • You may be entitled to a lump sum settlement or reward at the end of your case (Permanent Partial Disability compensation). The amount would be based on your wages, and what the nature and extent of your injuries were. You may also need to have an impairment rating from a physician. A workers’ compensation attorney can best help you in this situation and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
  • If you are never able to return to work because you are permanently and completely disabled from employment, you are entitled to lifetime disability benefits.
  • There is a limit on attorney fees that the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act has placed.
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