Let Our Attorneys Help You Collect The Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Deserve
Getting injured at work can be scary – and not just during the accident itself. You may be left wondering how you’ll make ends meet, when/if you’ll be able to return to work and what life will look like with a long-term or permanent injury. Most Illinois workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, however, the application and approval processes are often much more complicated and frustrating than they should be. Many injured workers find it helpful to consult an experienced attorney like ours at Theriault Booth. Based in St. Charles, our firm serves clients throughout Illinois. Our practice is singularly focused on meeting the needs of our clients, and we offer more than 40 years of combined legal experience.
Common Workplace Accidents And Injuries
Although some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, work injuries and illnesses can occur in any profession. Common examples include:
- Construction site accidents
- Head injuries suffered after being struck by falling or swinging objects
- Workplace slip-and-falls, trip-and-falls and falls from height
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries associated with heavy lifting
- Neck, back and spinal cord injuries
- Injuries from assaults and workplace violence
No matter how you were injured, chances are good that you are eligible for benefits. Our attorneys would be happy to discuss your options during a free case evaluation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation And What Does It Cover?
Workers’ compensation laws in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. They are designed to protect workers by requiring employers to provide medical treatment and wage benefits to employees who have suffered a work-related injury. If an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their employment duties, they can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits through their employer’s insurance carrier. These benefits include the right to be treated by a doctor of the employee’s choosing. Additionally, other benefits such as vocational rehabilitation and death benefits for surviving family members may also be available in certain circumstances.
We discuss some of these benefits in greater detail below.
Coverage Of Medical Bills And Treatment
Workers who have suffered a work-related injury or illness are entitled to various medical benefits. These medical benefits are designed to provide reasonable and necessary medical treatment at the employer’s expense. Whether it is an ER visit, doctor visit, physical therapy, prescribed medications or surgery, the employer remains responsible for the payment of the bills associated with said care. Additionally, one of the most important medical benefits you have as an injured worker is your right to choose your own medical provider, and in most instances, the choice of two treating physicians.
Partial Wage Replacement And Temporary Total Disability Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits refer to monetary compensation provided to workers who are unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. If it is determined by a medical professional that a work-related injury has rendered you unable to work, you may be entitled to payment of two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you are restricted from work. Calculating the correct TTD rate and the appropriate duration can often be complex, especially when disputed by an employer. It is important to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help navigate these complexities and help ensure you are receiving timely payments and the correct amount of benefits to which you are entitled to by law.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits And Settlement
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits are separate from other benefits like medical treatment and Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. PPD refers to monetary compensation awarded to a person who has suffered a permanent injury as a result of a work-related accident. Even after an injured worker is discharged from care by their physician, they will likely still suffer some degree of permanent partial disability. The degree of the disability is expressed in a percentage and is used to calculate the amount of the final settlement to be paid to an injured worker. Many factors are used to determine the settlement amount that will be paid to the injured worker as part of the resolution of a workers’ compensation claim. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to help you obtain a positive settlement for your case and ensure you are receiving all the benefits that you deserve.
Get Started With A Free Initial Consultation
At Theriault Booth, we make it easy to explore your legal options by offering free initial consultations. To speak with one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers, call us in St. Charles at 630-526-4242 or submit an online contact form.