Workers’ compensation payouts less than they used to be

Every year, too many Illinois residents suffer injuries while on the job. Every year, too many of these individuals end up getting very little in compensation. The simple truth is that the amount being paid in workers’ compensation benefits, in general, is less than it used to be.

According to a recently published article, more people are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits now than ever before, but the amount being paid out yearly has declined. In 2017, roughly $62 billion in benefits were paid to injured workers or their family members. This is a lot, but looking at the bigger picture, it is not as much as it should have been. In 1997, worker’s wages were covered at a rate of $1.17 per $100, whereas two decades later, their benefit decreased to 80 cents per $100 in covered wages. That is a significant change.

Why the change? Employers are paying more for workers’ compensation insurance than in the past, but the coverage they are getting is not as good as it used to be. The people really benefiting here seem to be insurance providers.

There is evidence that suggests many individuals who suffer injuries on the job are not getting the care or cash benefits they need during recovery. However, they take what they can get and try to move on because they think there is no way they can fight the system. The truth is that it may be possible for Illinois residents who have suffered injuries on the job to get maximum coverage for their losses. Legal counsel can review the details of one’s case and help one take the steps needed to seek maximum relief from the workers’ compensation insurance provider. Further assistance filing any applicable third-party claims can also be provided.