Many, if not all Illinois workers look forward to lunch breaks because it represents not only a time when they can refresh their bodies with sustenance, but it is also a time when they can socialize and get to know co-workers better. Illinois workers’ compensation was set up to take care of injured workers. Many workers, however, are unsure whether they are covered by this program should they get injured while on lunch break.
Are you looking for the best workers’ compensation law firm in Chicago? Our experience and verdicts speak for themselves; call us NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 and benefit from our over 70 years of legal experience helping injured workers just like you get the compensation they duly deserve. We’ve recovered tens of millions in compensation for past clients, and our team of friendly yet aggressive attorneys are ready to speak with you for FREE to fill you in on your legal rights as regards to your compensation after a work injury in Illinois.
Eligibility for Illinois Workers’ Compensation
According to Illinois law, you are eligible for compensation if injured during lunch break as long as you were acting in furtherance of your employer. That is to say, if your lunch break was in the scope of your employment terms, and if the injury occurred on work premises, you may be able to collect Illinois workers’ compensation.
Here are the requirements for the eligibility for compensation for injured workers in Illinois:
- The injury must have taken place in an employment zone
- Your injury must be directly connected to work duties
- The injury should not happen during any unpaid hours or commuting times
It is very important to be aware of the conditions above because most of the time, you may not be able to recover Chicago workers’ compensation. In some special cases, such as, for example, running a work errand during lunch and consequently getting injured will make you eligible for compensation since the errand will be seen as an act that was in the scope of employment.
Other circumstances where you may be eligible for Illinois workers’ compensation include:
- Getting injured while walking to your car, located in work premises
- Going to an off-site work meeting during lunch and getting injured en route
- Attending a work-related meeting over lunch and sustaining an injury while there
- Getting injured during a paid break
Lawyers for Injured Workers in Chicago
Eligibility for Illinois workers’ compensation is very fact-specific: for this reason, you will need the help of a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate the intricacies of insurance negotiations and benefits denial so you can receive what you are truly eligible for as an injured worker in Illinois. Ready to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney in Chicago? Call us NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 and we’ll help you get started on your claim. We look forward to hearing from you.