Being involved in a workplace accident can be a terrifying experience. While some workplace accidents are minor and don’t leave an affected worker with any serious harm, others can result in lost wages, high medical costs, and even long-term disability. If you are the victim of a workplace accident in Nokomis or Litchfield, IL, our workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC can help.
Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options for recovering damages.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that is designed to provide workers with certain benefit types when they sustain a workplace injury. Types of compensation that are available in a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Medical benefits. A worker who is injured on the job is eligible for the full value of medical expenses they incur. This includes any emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, etc.
- Lost wages and temporary disability benefits. If a worker is unable to return to work for three or more days, they will be eligible for wage replacement benefits. Benefits are paid at a rate of 66 ⅔ percent of the worker’s average weekly wage before the accident.
- Disability benefits. For workers who are permanently injured, permanent disability benefits may be available.
Who Is Eligible?
As noted in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Handbook, nearly all employees are covered under workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage begins from the moment that you start your job. All injuries that arise “out of and in the course of employment” are covered under workers’ compensation. In order to be eligible, then, all you’ll need to prove is that your injuries are related to a workplace accident or a work-related activity.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is straightforward. First, you must provide your employer with notice of your accident and injuries as soon as possible. If you do not notify your employer within 45 days, you may be barred from compensation.
Your employer will then be responsible for providing notice to their workers’ compensation insurance company and filing an accident claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If your employer does not do this, then you can initiate the process on your own. If your employer is not taking the appropriate steps related to processing your claim, you should hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
Get Legal Help Today
At the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers understand how important it is that you are paid benefits when you are injured on the job—and that you receive your full benefit amount. We can investigate your claim, represent you in conversations with your employer, prove that your injuries are work-related, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in our Nokomis or Litchfield, IL offices.
