Workers’ Compensation for Medical Staff in Illinois

Helping Illinois Healthcare Workers Recover Benefits for Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses

Healthcare workers often face unique dangers in their workplaces. If you are an employee in the medical field in Illinois, you may get hurt from slip and fall accidents, patient violence, equipment malfunctions, or disease exposure. Fortunately, you can file for workers’ compensation for medical staff to receive financial benefits. 

Our Chicago-based law firm, IL Work Injury Lawyer, can provide legal guidance during the claims process. We will help you secure workers’ compensation insurance to cover your losses, ensuring your financial future is in order. 

What Types of Medical Staff Are Eligible for Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), all employees in Illinois are eligible to receive workers’ compensation insurance if their workplace injuries arise out of and in the course of their employment. 

This can include doctors, nurses, administrative staff members, pharmacists, part-time staff, and even seasonal employees. 

What Are the Most Common Work-Related Injuries Among Medical Staff?

Workplace injuries are very common in the healthcare sector. These incidents can force employees to miss time at work and pay for medical treatment. This makes securing workers’ compensation insurance essential for the victim’s finances.

Here are some common workplace injuries covered by workers’ comp that affect staff members in healthcare businesses:

• Back injuries from lifting and repositioning patients
• Slip and fall accidents in hospital or clinic hallways, especially on wet surfaces
• Sharp object injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals
• Workplace violence injuries from patients
• Repetitive strain injuries from administrative and procedural tasks

What Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Available for Medical Care Staff in Illinois?

Workers’ comp insurance can provide critical compensation benefits for injured workers in healthcare businesses. Here are the primary benefit payments employees can receive:

• Medical expense coverage – All reasonable costs associated with your treatment, including medication, physical therapy, and assistive devices
• Temporary total disability (TTD) – Income replacement for time spent out of work
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) – Coverage for lost wages due to diminished work capacities
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) – Ongoing coverage for lost wages due to reduced work capabilities
• Permanent total disability (PTD) – Ongoing income replacement for an inability to work
• Vocational rehabilitation – Coverage for costs related to training for a new job
• Death benefits for surviving dependents – Upfront payments and ongoing benefits for the family if the employee dies

How Do Healthcare Business Owners Calculate Benefits?

Workers’ compensation insurance benefits are calculated based on the employee’s average weekly wage. This takes into account the total earnings for the 52 weeks prior to the injury, divided by 52. 

With this calculation, it is easy to incorporate complex payment structures, such as overtime, shift differentials, and on-call pay, into your workers’ compensation insurance benefits. 

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim as Medical Staff in Illinois

Following the proper steps can make all the difference in securing workers’ compensation insurance as a medical employee:

• Report the injury or illness to your employer within 45 days
• Seek immediate medical treatment
• Identify the condition as “work-related” in all records
• Document the workers’ comp insurance incident with witness statements, accident reports, and photos
• File your claim within three years of the injury or two years from the last benefit payment
• File an application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC)
• Retain all records of medical care, lost income, and accident documentation
• Consult our expert attorneys to ensure your benefits are calculated accurately

What If My Workers’ Comp Insurance Claim Is Denied?

The provider could deny a workers’ comp insurance claim for multiple reasons, including:

• A dispute over whether the injury was work-related
• A dispute over the injury being a pre-existing condition
• A disagreement over the delayed reporting of the accident

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we know how to overcome these defenses regarding workers’ compensation insurance. Our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer team will gather additional evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, doctor testimony, and test results, to prove that your injury or illness occurred in the course of your employment in a healthcare business. 

We will also guide you through the appeal process with the IWCC if your claim is denied. This typically involves a hearing with a board. . 

Are There Other Sources for Compensation in Illinois?

If someone other than your employer is responsible for your accident, you could seek compensation with a third-party liability lawsuit. For example, you may get hurt by a piece of defective medical equipment or unsafe premises managed by healthcare business owners. 

In these situations, you should consult our top-rated law firm to discuss legal options. Several laws may affect these claims:

• 740 ILCS 100/ Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act – Allows for the allocation of fault among multiple negligent parties. This is useful in claims involving third-party liability.
• 735 ILCS 5/13-202 Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury – Victims have two years to pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help Injured Medical Staff

Our Chicago firm has a 98% success rate with workers’ comp insurance and injury cases. Your work injury attorney can provide critical legal services, such as:

• Assessing medical and workplace evidence
• Navigating claims involving infectious disease exposure
• Determining liability
• Representing clients at every stage of the IWCC process

Book a Free Consultation 

IL Work Injury Lawyer operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we win. We also offer a free consultation to every client, allowing you to ask questions about your workers’ compensation insurance case.

Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. We represent clients throughout the state from our Chicago office.