In the state of Illinois, most employers are required to purchase some form of workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance policy will provide financial benefits to covered employees who suffer a work-related accident, either in the workplace or while performing a job duty. Just how much financial support can you expect from your employer’s workers’ comp policy, though?
In Illinois, typical workers’ compensation benefits will cover:
- Medical expenses: After being in a work-related accident, you are required to see a medical provider as soon as possible to diagnose the extent of your injury. Your employer will likely have a say in which medical provider you use. All reasonably required medical care to recuperate from your injury as directed by the physician will be covered by your workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer or their insurer may try to contest what medical care is actually necessary, leading to a serious workers’ comp dispute.
- Temporary disability benefits: If you miss at least three days of work due to your work-related injury, then you can collect weekly temporary disability benefits equal to 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Illinois currently has a maximum benefit cap of $1,440.60 per week, but this amount is updated once every six months. If you miss more than 14 days of work, then you will be reimbursed for those first three days that were previously not covered.
- Permanent disability benefits: If your work-related injury causes a permanent injury but you are able to return to some form of work, then you can receive permanent disability benefits equal to 66.67% of the difference between in your current wages to what you earned before your injury. This is known as a wage differential. Disfigurement can also make you eligible for permanent disability benefits equal to 60% of your average weekly wages for up to 162 weeks.
- Vocational rehabilitation training: You can be retrained to work in a new position if your work-related injury prevents you from completing your previous duties. In such a situation, workers’ compensation benefits should cover any costs associated with your retraining.
- Death benefits: In the event an injured worker passes away, workers’ compensation awards death benefits to their surviving, eligible family members equal to 66.67% of the decedent’s average weekly wages at the time of their passing. Illinois will stop death benefits after 25 years, or after $750,000 has been provided through the benefits.
- Mileage reimbursement: You can usually collect costs to help pay for travel to and from necessary medical treatments. This benefit is useful if you cannot drive yourself, or if you need to see a specialist in another county.
Do you have more questions about workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois? Leonard Law Group and our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys would be happy to discuss your questions during a free case evaluation. For more than 20 years, our law firm has been dedicated to representing and protecting the rights of injured workers across Illinois, doing all we can to secure the benefits they need and deserve. Call (312) 487-2513 for more information today.