Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois

Being injured while you are at work can be a stressful and worrisome situation. Not only are you suffering from a physical injury, but you are probably full of stress and uncertainty about how you will be able to earn money if you cannot work. Thankfully, Illinois requires almost all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. This is a type of insurance that is in place for these very situations -- if a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance will cover it. In Illinois, workers’ compensation covers three types of benefits: medical benefits, disability benefits, and death benefits.

First and foremost, the basic intention of workers’ compensation insurance is to ensure that an employee’s medical care is taken care of in the event they are injured. In Illinois, your employer is required to pay for any and all medical expenses relating to an injury if you received the injury while at work. Expenses that are covered include:

• Emergency care
• First aid
• Doctor’s visits
• Hospital care
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Prosthetic devices

If you are injured so badly that you are unable to work, then workers’ compensation can help you out. Disability benefits come in a few different forms. Typically, benefits are awarded to you based on whether you are totally or partially disabled and if that disability is permanent or temporary. The four types of disability benefits are:

• Temporary partial disability (TPD): Benefits for when you are healing from your injuries and still performing light duties, but you are earning less than you normally would.
• Temporary total disability (TTD): Benefits for when you are healing from your injuries but you are unable to work.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD): You sustained permanent disability or disfigurement but you can still work, though you are not earning as much as you used to.
• Permanent total disability (PTD): You sustained a permanent disability that prevents you from performing any type of work.

In the unfortunate event that a loved one is killed while on the job, spouses and beneficiaries will receive death benefits. Part of the death benefit includes a burial/funeral benefit of $8,000. Payments that are equal to two thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage will be paid to the employee’s spouse and/or children.

Recovering after being injured at work can be a stressful process, but receiving workers’ compensation benefits can help alleviate these issues. If you were hurt on the job, you should contact an Orland Park workers’ compensation lawyer right away. At the Law Office of John S. Fotopoulos, P.C., we understand that workers’ compensation is crucial for many people. We can help you work out any issues you may be having with your claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at 708-942-8400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

Benefits Provided Under Workers’ Compensation Laws