How Does Workers’ Compensation in Illinois Work?

 Posted on July 15, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

Experiencing an injury on the job or losing a loved one due to a fatal accident on the job can be traumatic. Workers’ compensation in Illinois aims to provide benefits for those who have been injured while working, though injured parties need to file a claim in order to receive benefits.

While you can navigate the Illinois workers’ compensation system alone, you do not have to. You are more likely to get positive results if you have the help of a knowledgeable Illinois workers’ compensation attorney who can advocate for your rights and interests during the claim process.

The Basics of Illinois Workers’ Compensation

Illinois workers’ compensation may seem difficult to understand, but the basic concepts behind this program are fairly simple. Workers compensation is a system of benefits established by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act that aims to pay for the medical costs of an injury or illness sustained on the job, in addition to providing benefits for individuals who have been permanently disabled or left unable to work after a workplace accident. Additionally, the Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits to the families of individuals who have experienced a fatality due to a workplace accident or illness on the job.

Workers’ compensation benefits start from the moment a job begins, and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) is in charge of handling claims. Employers in the state must obtain workers’ compensation insurance or self-insure, and all employers must make the workers’ compensation information and rights visible in the workplace. Employers also need to report accidents and deaths within a certain time period, though the IWCC will not start handling a claim until an employee files one.

It is important to note that employers cannot charge employees for the workers’ compensation insurance, nor can they fire or otherwise discriminate against an employee who files a workers’ compensation claim.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you have been injured on the job or developed an illness due to something in the workplace, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive your benefits.

Steps for filing a claim include:

• Obtaining medical treatment immediately

• Working with a doctor to understand if the effects of an injury or illness will be permanent or not

• Reporting the accident to your employer

• Seeking medical treatment as necessary with the providers that your employer is in-network with

• Communicating with your employer as needed

Contact a Naperville, IL Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim by yourself can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with claim denials or a dispute. You will need the skilled assistance of a DuPage County, IL workers’ compensation lawyer to advocate for your rights and fight for a successful outcome to your claim.

Our attorneys at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC are experienced, diverse, and committed to helping clients receive the benefits they are entitled to. Call 815-730-1977 for a free consultation.