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Job-related injuries can result from repetitive motions, work-induced cardiovascular damage, or physical injury. They must occur while performing work-related tasks, whether on- or off-site.
All Chicago businesses must carry workers’ compensation insurance or apply to be self-insured. Employees should notify their employers when work-related injuries occur and request a list of approved healthcare providers. Employers should contact their insurance carrier and receive an approved list if necessary.
Self-insured employees can file a claim against the insurance carrier or company to begin the settlement process. The legal team at McCready Law could explain how to apply for workers’ compensation in Chicago to avoid unnecessary delays. Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney today.
Although employees have 45 days to report an injury, prompt reporting helps the claims process because events are still fresh in everyone’s mind. It also reduces the time between the accident and its reporting to minimize questions about whether the injury was job-related. Most importantly, reporting sooner protects an employee’s rights to compensation.
Claims may be denied if reported after the 45-day deadline. A seasoned personal injury attorney could help injured employees meet filing deadlines and help provide written notification that includes the injury time and date, the accident description, and contact information. Although notification can be given verbally, the Workers’ Compensation Commission recommends written notifications.
Employees can file a workers’ compensation claim for up to three years, although exceptions exist. The claim should be submitted to employers and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
After a three-day waiting period, employees who cannot work should receive temporary total disability (TTD) payments to help offset lost wages. Employers or their insurance carriers may request added information before beginning weekly payments; however, employers must notify injured workers in writing if their claims are denied or delayed.
Employees should collect as much information as possible about the accident regardless of the injury to protect their rights. They should have documents to support the following:
If claims are denied, evidence can be used to appeal the ruling. In addition, documentation can support a more acceptable settlement if employees find settlement amounts inadequate.
Workers compensation provides employees with the following benefits:
Survivor benefits are available, calculated at two-thirds of the employee’s average gross wages for 52 weeks before death.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act restricts an employee’s ability to sue an employer. These individuals are protected from most work-related lawsuits because they pay the total cost of workers’ compensation insurance. For more information, meet with a lawyer at McCready Law today.
For some workers’ compensation claims, the employee notifies the employer and receives the appropriate benefits as requested; however, a quick resolution does not always happen.
Even if a work-related injury appears minor and is quickly resolved, more severe symptoms may surface weeks or months later. Consulting a reputable law firm could ensure your rights are protected.
An experienced lawyer could help collect evidence, present comprehensive documentation, and negotiate settlement amounts that address a work-related injury’s short- and long-term impact. Contact McCready Law for a free consultation.