What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Illinois?

 Posted on March 11, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Most employers in Illinois are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation for workplace injuries, regardless of who was at fault. An Illinois workers’ comp attorney can walk you through the process of applying for workers’ comp, advocating for the payment you rightfully deserve.

Knowing what damages you can be paid for in a workers’ comp claim is important. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we will take the time to determine what benefits you qualify for so that you can get maximum compensation. As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, we have secured millions of dollars in hard-fought settlements and rulings for our clients.

Medical Expenses

A workers’ compensation claim can cover the cost of your injuries, including surgeries, physical therapy, and a visit to an urgent care center. In general, workers’ compensation will cover all treatment that is deemed "medically necessary" for your health and well-being. For instance, your employer might cover the cost of surgery for a broken back, plus the cost of pain medication and rehabilitation after the surgery. 

An employer’s definition of medically necessary treatment is highly subject to interpretation. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we can argue for compensation that addresses your critical health needs, and if necessary, we can escalate the matter to arbitration.

Wages

When an injury puts you out of work, you can be compensated for lost wages while you recover. However, this amount is usually not equal to your regular wages. Instead, you may only receive a fraction of your earnings, usually around two-thirds of your wages. 

Additionally, if you lost a loved one to a workplace accident, you could be paid out for survivor benefits. These benefits can continue for 25 years or until you have received a total of $500,000, whichever comes first.

Disability Benefits

If a workplace accident leaves you with a catastrophic disabling injury, you could receive compensation for your permanent loss of income. You may qualify for permanent and total disability (PTD) payments for the loss of a limb, partial or full paralysis, or severe brain damage, for example. 

Depending on the extent of your disability, workers’ compensation can replace up to two-thirds of your income or offset the wages from a lower-paying job you were forced to take.

What Expenses Are Not Covered?

Notably, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering. This means that any mental trauma from the accident will not be factored into your claim. However, you may be able to file a third-party claim against another entity aside from your employer to recover compensation for pain and suffering.

At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we may be able to identify other liable parties for a workplace accident, such as contracted workers or manufacturers who shipped out faulty machinery.

Contact a Joliet, IL Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, workers’ compensation can provide you with financial stability. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our Will County, IL workplace accident lawyers can go over your case with you to see what benefits you may be entitled to. Call our offices at 815-730-1977 for a free consultation.