Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Illinois

Many Illinois employees are unaware of the benefits they can receive for workplace injuries covered by workers’ compensation. Under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), most employers in the state are required to carry this insurance. If you are hurt on the job, you can apply for benefits regardless of who is at fault (with few exceptions). 

IL Work Injury Lawyer is a Chicago-based law firm specializing in workplace injuries. We represent clients across the state who have gotten hurt or sick at work and require compensation to make up for their losses.

Our team is prepared to guide you through the claims process after a work-related injury or illness to secure your financial future. 

What Types of Injuries and Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation insurance can cover a broad range of injuries and illnesses suffered by employees in Illinois. 

An acute injury refers to sudden or unexpected physical damage. This would include accidents like falls, defective equipment, burns, electrocutions, falling objects, and collisions with vehicles or equipment. 

An occupational illness is a disease you contract due to your work environment. Asbestos-related illnesses, silica dust conditions, repetitive strain injuries, and hearing loss could all be the product of your workplace duties. 

Workers’ compensation coverage can even be used for qualifying mental health conditions. For example, if you have post-traumatic stress disorder after a workplace accident, you may be eligible for additional workers’ comp benefits on top of the typical payments. 

What Are Common Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in Illinois?

Let’s look at some of the most common injuries suffered by employees in Illinois that could be eligible for workers’ comp:

• Falls from heights, such as ladders, scaffolding, or roof work
• Slip and fall accidents caused by hazards, such as wet floors, loose debris, or exposed extension cords
• Equipment-related injuries caused by forklifts, cranes, or construction tools
• Chemical exposure and respiratory illnesses from construction projects
• Repetitive stress and overexertion injuries, such as back strains or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When Is an Injury or Illness Not Covered?

There are several circumstances where workers’ comp may not cover an injured employee:

• The injury occurred outside the scope of the normal job duties (commuting accidents)
• The injuries were self-inflicted or caused by intoxication
• The employee violated company policies at the time of the injury
• The injury is a pre-existing condition (if aggravated, however, it may be eligible for workers’ comp)

Who Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

Workers’ compensation insurance covers workers in most industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, retail, and more. Some exceptions may be granted to certain employers if they do not have enough workers on payroll. Additionally, small farms are typically exempt from paying for workers’ comp insurance if they do not meet the required labor hours per quarter.

Workers’ comp insurance typically includes all types of employees, including part-time workers, seasonal workers, and temporary workers. As long as you are considered an employee at the company, you should be eligible for workers’ comp if you get hurt while at work. 

Some of the exceptions for covered workers include federal employees and independent contractors. In most cases, these individuals are not covered by the workers’ comp insurance company. 

What Compensation Benefits Can Injured Illinois Workers Receive?

The purpose of a workers’ comp claim is to recover losses caused by your job-related injury. 

Here are the primary payments provided by the insurance company:

• Medical Treatment – All necessary care costs related to the injury or illness.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Wage replacement while recovering.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Compensation for lasting impairment and the resulting decline in wages.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Lifetime payments for the inability to work.
• Vocational Rehabilitation – Retraining for new employment if the injuries prevent you from returning to your previous role.

Are There Other Benefits Available Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation?

Some additional payments may be available to injured workers or their family members in specific circumstances:

• If the victim of the accident dies, surviving family members can claim death benefits
• If the victim of the accident suffers permanent disfigurement or scarring, they can apply for additional payments
• Workers’ compensation insurance will sometimes reimburse a victim for mileage when driving to and from appointments to treat their medical condition

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Employees who are injured or become ill on the job must follow the proper steps to file a workers’ compensation claim. 

Here is what you should do following the accident:

• Report the injury or illness to your employer and their insurance company within 45 days
• Seek medical care immediately to diagnose and treat your injuries
• Follow the treatment plan to the letter
• File your claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) if there are disputes or reduced payments
• Consult a top attorney at IL Work Injury Lawyer for help with appeals or denied claims

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

While certain professions are more accident-prone than others, such as construction, anyone can get hurt while doing their job. 

Our firm can help employees recover lost income, medical costs, and other losses by supporting them through the claims process:

• We will investigate accidents and gather medical evidence to support your claim
• We will dispute denials from the employer or insurance carrier
• We will represent workers at IWCC hearings to fight for fair payments

Book a Free Consultation

Most injuries suffered by Illinois employees can make them eligible for workers’ comp benefits from the employer’s insurance carrier. At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our job is to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Whether you were hurt due to a coworker’s actions at the job site or a dangerous hazard, we will fight for a workers’ comp settlement on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer.