Many people expect workers compensation to cover any accident that may happen at their place of employment. Employers are required to have workers’ comp to help workers with expenses and lost wages after a work-related injury. Workers’ compensation is specifically intended for injuries and diseases connected to job requirements or working conditions. Some examples may be burns, loss of limbs, allergic reactions, chronic illness, and cancer. States have many different industries. Workers compensation attorneys in Illinois have experience with the most common claims for the area.
Workers’ compensation basics
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) processes claims, overseas dispute resolutions, and is the administrative court system for workers’ comp claims. The commission is an impartial agency that rules on matters according to the merits of individual cases and claims. The commission does not give legal advice or advocate for corporations or workers. As is the case in all states, workers’ compensation insurance is for people classified as employees. Independent contractors are not covered by workers’ comp. While California, Texas, Arizona and a few other states do extend coverage to undocumented workers, many states do not. Other workers who may not be covered include farm workers, people employed seasonally, housekeepers, nannies, and other domestic workers. Individuals should consult with workers compensation attorneys in Illinois regarding state laws.
According to the Worker’s Compensation Act, benefits to eligible workers may include the cost of medical care that is reasonably necessary to heal, relieve, or cure the person of the injury or disease they incurred on the job. Employees may get temporary total disability (TTD) while they miss work. Temporary partial disability (TPD) is also available for people who can return to work on light duty. The cost of any necessary vocational rehab is also covered, as long as the provider is an approved vocational rehab facility and the program is also a state approved program. Permanent total disability (PTD) is available for anyone who is unable to work again due to injury or illness from their job. For people disabled or disfigured who can still work, there is permanent partial disability (PPD). In the event a worker’s death is covered by workers’ comp, their surviving family members qualify to receive some benefits.
Injuries covered by workers’ compensation insurance
Industries and various jobs within the same industry have different requirements for employees. Individuals should not attempt any task that will obviously put them at unreasonable risk. They should receive necessary training and be fully aware of their job requirements before beginning any work shift. The following are common workplace injuries that may qualify for workers’ comp benefits:
- Falls- Working on slippery surfaces or around trip hazards can lead to head injuries or broken bones.
- Elevated level falls- Some jobs require the use of ladders, lifts or working from heights like rooftops and bridges. Falls from these elevations can result in permanent disability or death.
- Overexertion- This is one of the most common work-related injuries. It results from lifting, pulling, carrying, or pushing heavy objects. Workers should wear back braces when lifting and use motorized equipment for moving heavy objects when applicable.
- Repetitive motion- This is another common injury, but it often goes unnoticed initially. It can be caused by working at a computer or performing any repetitive task long-term.
- Falling objects- Construction workers and people working in industrial environments with multiple levels are at most risk. Office workers can also be injured by things falling from a shelf.
- Machinery accidents- Also common for people working in fast-paced industrial facilities. Employees risk being caught in or struck by moving machine parts.
- Motor vehicle accidents- People required to operate a motor vehicle for their job should consult with workers compensation attorneys in Illinois if they are involved in an accident.
The meaning of work-related
Injuries that occur while someone is performing a task on behalf of their employer or as part of their regular job duties. Typically, when an injury happens to an employee on company property, it is classified as a work-related injury. The same applies to people in company-owned vehicles or off-sight performing work that is related to their job. People who are engaged in some unauthorized activity during work hours may or may not be covered by workers’ comp. Examples include horseplay or some other activity that violates workplace safety rules. Workers compensation attorneys in Illinois are knowledgeable about state laws and court cases involving workers’ comp. Ideally, any claim is processed quickly and without dispute. To be clear about whether or not an injury is covered, it is best to speak with an attorney.
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