What Conditions Are Covered By Workers’ Comp?
While many workplaces have put up measures to keep their workers safe, injuries still occur. Incidental medical or funeral costs in case of fatal accidents can rob you and your family of financial stability. That is when workers’ compensation insurance saves the day.
Workers’ compensation is insurance coverage purchased by an employer that offers benefits to workers who get injured or fall ill due to injuries incurred at work. In cases of fatality, the insurance also provides death benefits to the employee’s beneficiaries.
Compensation For Medical Costs, Missed Wages, And More
When a worker is injured due to the nature of their job, workers’ compensation can pay for the following:
Medical costs: Past, current, and future medical expenses such as ER visits, consultations, surgeries, and prescriptions for work-related injuries. This also includes ongoing care, such as physical therapy.
Missed Wages: Wages that a worker may miss while recovering from work-related injuries.
Disability: These are benefits awarded when a worker is temporarily or permanently disabled due to an injury in their workplace. This may include medical costs and some of their lost wages during the disability period or permanent benefits for permanent disability.
Illness: Medical conditions due to exposure to harmful conditions at work, such as allergens and chemicals. Workers’ compensation covers any required treatment and ongoing care. Conditions may include cancer, hearing loss, dermatitis, and respiratory problems.
Repetitive strain injury: Medical conditions that develop during the employment period or due to the nature of the job. They include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries.
Mental health conditions: Psychological conditions directly connected to the nature of the work. These may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and depression.
Claiming Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Every state has its process for claiming workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, inappropriately low settlement offers are more common than you might think. For this reason, it is important to contact a workers’ compensation attorney before you file, whenever possible.
If you have been injured as a result of an employer’s negligence, you should take the following steps:
- Provide detailed information about the injury or illness with witnesses if available.
- Report to the supervisor or the employer so they can file a claim with the insurer.
- Notify the state workers’ compensation board. The insurer will then review the claim and can offer or deny benefits.
- If the settlement offer fails to completely cover your expenses, do not settle. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can file an appeal with the state workers’ compensation board.
To get workers’ compensation, one must adhere to the timelines stated in the state’s statutes of limitation. These timelines dictate when an injury should be reported and when an employer should file the claim.
Questions? Talk With An Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. While it is possible to file a claim on your own, having a personal injury attorney in your corner can increase your chances of receiving the full benefits you deserve.