When employees suffer work-related injuries or diseases, they have the right to full compensation from their employers. This compensation includes reimbursement for lost wages, coverage of medical treatment, and payment for vocational retraining if necessary. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, first passed in 1912, is designed to help workers recover and provide for their families in the aftermath of a disabling injury or illness. This quick guide will help you discover how you can benefit from the workers’ compensation system in Illinois and safeguard your rights when hurt on the job.
Protect your rights by reporting the injury
After an injury on the job, the first reaction is often shock, disbelief or panic. It may be tempting to conceal the injury from employers to avoid retaliation or other unpleasant consequences. It is important to resist this temptation and give full details of the accident as soon as possible. According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, an injured worker must notify his or her employer no more than 45 days after the incident. Longer delays may result in deferred benefits or difficulties with reimbursement. Employers are legally forbidden from retaliating against injured employees or withholding legitimate medical benefits.
What to do if you are injured on the job
This quick checklist may be helpful to follow after a worker injury:
- Seek appropriate medical treatment.
- Notify the employer as quickly as possible.
- Maintain full and accurate records of all symptoms, disabilities and medical procedures.
- Be sure that the employer has initiated contact with the IWCC.
By taking these four steps, injured employees can help ensure full workers’ compensation coverage.
What to do if benefits are not paid
If an employer does not immediately offer workers’ compensation, contact the employer directly to find out why the process has not been set in motion. Workers have the right to a hearing with the IWCC when benefits are delayed. If the employer is uninsured or underinsured, workers may be able to receive benefits from the Illinois Injured Workers’ Benefit Fund.
Know your responsibilities and rights
On-the-job injuries are far too common in America. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 900,000 workers were temporarily disabled by a back injury at work during the year 2013 alone. By finding out more about your responsibilities and rights as a worker, you can ensure full support and compensation in the event of a workplace injury. Get in touch with a legal professional today for additional advice.
