What to Know About Workers' Compensation in Illinois

 Posted on November 09, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

No matter the scenario, suffering an injury at work is often a frightful experience. You came to work to do your job, and now, you find yourself injured for whatever reason. What are the next steps? Can you pursue compensation?

Fortunately, the answer is yes in most cases. You can pursue compensation for work-related injuries through workers' compensation. Unfortunately, the workers' compensation process can be notoriously difficult for many reasons. However, do not let the challenging reputation of workers' compensation stop you from pursuing the money you may be entitled to. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at work, do not hesitate to contact a workers' compensation attorney who will work with you every step in pursuing the funds you may be entitled to.

Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim in Illinois 

Under Illinois law, after becoming injured, you must notify your employer of your work-related injury within 45 days, either in writing or orally. All workers' compensation claims are different; most cases follow a general pattern that looks like the following: 

• Filing a claim – After you are injured on the job, you will need to file something called an application of adjustment claim. This claim will be filed with the Workers' Compensation Commission of Illinois.

• Arbitration period – Once the adjustment application has been filed, the court will assign an arbitrator to each case. The arbitrator must listen to both sides of the case during the arbitration hearings. If by chance, the two sides fail to come to an equally reasonable resolution, the arbitrator will then make a decision. 

• Arbitration appeal – During this process, either side can request an appeal, also known as an evaluation of the arbitrator's decision. This review will then be carefully conducted by a panel of three people that will then grant a decision. 

• Court appeal – Each party can file an appeal against the review committee's judgment if they choose to. In the Illinois court system, the appeal would start in the circuit court, then to the Appellate Court of Illinois. Then, if necessary, the appeal can go to the Supreme Court of Illinois. 

What Will Workers' Compensation Cover?

What exactly will workers' compensation cover in the event of a work-related injury? Workers' compensation in Illinois covers the following: 

• A reduction in earning capacity
• Medical costs
• Disability, including permanent total disability, also known as PTD
• Wrongful death
• Education and retraining costs 
• Loss of limbs, this includes losing the use of particular body parts
• Rehab costs
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions 

Contact a Bloomingdale Workers' Compensation Attorney

Nobody wants or expects to get hurt on the job. However, if you suffered a work-related injury, contact the law office of David W. Clark, P.C, where our highly experienced Wheaton workers' compensation lawyer will fight to protect your rights. Call 630-665-5678 today for a free and complete consultation.

Source: 

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/Documents/icpnFORM.pdf