Workers’ Compensation Medical Care Benefits in Illinois

Experienced Chicago-Based Attorneys

If you are an employee in Illinois, chances are your employer is required to pay for workers’ compensation. This program protects workers who are injured or become ill while on the job. One of the primary benefits of workers’ comp is coverage for medical expenses associated with your injury. If you suffer from a workplace accident, you can apply for workers’ compensation medical care benefits.

IL Work Injury Lawyer is a legal team that can guide you through the claims process. These claims can be complex, especially since you must provef that you were injured in the scope of your job duties. Additionally, the insurance company may dispute your claim or offer reduced benefits. 

Our expert work injury attorneys will fight for maximum compensation to ensure your medical treatment is covered by your employer’s workers’ comp program. 

What Medical Care Benefits Are Available Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation?

The primary law governing this type of employee insurance is the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305).Under this act, employers must pay for workers’ comp insurance, with few exceptions. Along with wage coverage, disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation costs, this insurance will cover all reasonable and necessary expenses associated with diagnosing and treating your condition. 

Employees have the right to receive care for their workplace injuries without co-pays and deductibles, which is what differentiates medical benefits from other types of health insurance. 

What Types of Medical Treatment Is Covered?

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may face substantial medical needs to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). However, once you reach this stage, you could still have medical bills for long-term care or pain management.

Here are some types of treatment that workers’ compensation insurance should cover for a work-related injury or sickness:

• Emergency room treatment
• Doctor visits and specialist consultations
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Diagnostic testing (MRI, X-ray, CT scans)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or prosthetics

Permanent Disability, Injury, or Illness

Some workers may face lifelong medical needs as a result of their injuries. Permanent/temporary disabilities, injuries, as well as diseases may have ongoing expenses associated with pain management, maintenance therapy, and regular follow-up visits. 

Workers’ compensation benefits can cover these consistent payments as well. Since your accident occurred within the scope of your employment, the employer’s insurance must provide compensation for the costs you incur for treatment. 

Disability benefits are another type of workers’ compensation that many employees apply for. They are a form of wage replacement if you are out of work or forced to work in a diminished role because of your condition. Lost income coverage is a benefit you can receive from the employer alongside payments for medical attention. 

Travel and Mileage Reimbursement

One of the hidden costs of being seriously injured or ill is transportation. If you constantly have to attend medical appointments, you will spend a lot of money on gas, parking fees, and other related expenses.

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, these travel costs can be covered through mileage reimbursement and parking fee coverage. This ensures you will not incur additional costs simply for following a reasonable medical care plan. 

If the employer is dragging their feet in paying these benefits, an experienced lawyer from our firm can help you secure the compensation you deserve. 

Can I Choose My Own Doctor?

In Illinois, there is a “two-choice” rule when selecting doctors to manage your care. This means you can select up to two treating physicians for your diagnosis and treatment. If a treating physician then recommends a specialist, that professional is considered part of their chain of providers. 

Essentially, you can have two chains of providers for your medical treatment. This makes it easier to choose your own doctor alongside another qualified physician, and your employer must pay for both. 

With the two-choice rule in place, the employer is obligated to cover services from both provider chains. Often, choosing the right doctor will have a major impact on your claim, so it is important to select a treating physician whom you trust. This individual will play a crucial role in providing evidence that you were injured or sick to secure fair benefits. 

Common Disputes Over Medical Benefits in Illinois

Injured employees often contend with stubborn employers and insurance companies when attempting to claim benefits. Medical benefits are the subject of much discussion in many workers’ compensation cases. 

Here are some common disputes the insurer could leverage to deny a claim or reduce medical coverage:

• The insurer will request an independent medical examination (IME) from a professional in their network to challenge the treatment plan
• The insurer will refuse to authorize a specialist
• They will claim the care is unrelated to you getting injured or sick at work

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we know what it takes to overcome these disputes with crucial evidence, such as medical records, test results, doctor testimony, and accident witness statements. 

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help Resolve Disputes and Recover Compensation for Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses

Our Chicago-based law firm has vast experience with workers’ comp cases in Illinois. Our team understands the tactics insurance companies may use to undermine claims, especially regarding medical expense coverage. 

Our attorneys have a strong track record of success, as evidenced by the millions of dollars we have secured for our clients. We maintain a five-star rating from AVVO and are recognized among the top 5% of legal professionals by Super Lawyers. 

IL Work Injury Lawyer will ensure you receive prompt medical attention while fighting for your rights as an injured worker. Our legal services include:

• Investigating your workplace accident
• Assessing your impairment rating based on the affected body part
• Gathering evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim
• Collaborating with medical professionals to support your treatment plan
• Fighting through treatment denials or rejected claims
• Filing claims with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
• Litigating in civil court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Book a Free Consultation

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case, and that payment is deducted directly from the settlement rather than your bank account. Additionally, we offer a free consultation so you can ask any questions about the legal process or your specific work injury. 

If you have suffered after getting injured or sick from a workplace incident, you have the right to receive compensation for medical costs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney. We represent injured employees throughout Illinois.