If you are hurt on the job in Illinois and have an employer, then you may be able to file for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a kind of insurance coverage that helps injured workers get medical care, some lost wave coverage and vocational therapy. Other benefits may also be provided.
If you are hurt, then you need to file for workers’ compensation coverage as soon as possible. Here is what you should do immediately after an injury.
Get in touch with your employer if you’re hurt
The very first thing you need to do is to inform your employer of your injury. If you are hurt at work and your employer is present, then they will know about it. If you’re hurt and your employer or others were not nearby, let them know that you have been injured and need to seek medical attention.
In an emergency, your priority is seeking medical care. You may inform the medical team that this is a work-related injury and then let your employer know as soon as possible. You only have 45 days to let your employer know that you were hurt before you will lose your right to make a claim.
What kinds of benefits will you get from Illinois workers’ compensation?
Illinois’s workers’ compensation benefits system provides helpful benefits such as:
- Permanent partial disability
- Temporary partial disability
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent total disability
- Medical care
- Death benefits
You may be able to seek out vocational rehabilitation as well if you cannot return to your original job but may be able to work in a different position or job with further training.
Your employer is responsible for reporting that you were hurt on the job if you miss more than three workdays. Remember, you have a right to seek out the compensation that you need to cover your medical care. You also have a right to seek medical care immediately if you’re injured. If your employer tries to stop you from going to seek help or from filing a workers’ compensation claim, make sure you get to know your legal rights and options.
