Yearly Archives: 2018

Cold weather and winter conditions cannot only cause accidents but also make injuries worse when mishaps happen. Workers who are exposed to extreme cold risk frostbite, trenchfoot, hypothermia and other medical impairments. Snow and icy conditions can also lead to slips and falls. Illinois state and federal laws require employers to take certain steps to protect workers who perform jobs in cold weather. That includes monitoring workers in cold and winter conditions, giving them regular rest breaks in a warm location, requiring workers to do their jobs in pairs, scheduling outdoor work during the warmest part of the day and providing heating equipment. Employers should monitor both the air temperature and the wind speed, which can make workers feel even colder. Only necessary emergency work should be performed in the case of extreme wind chill temperatures. Getting Compensation for Your Injuries The good news for a person injured on the job is that you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The Illinois workers’ compensation system is a form of insurance that most employers in the state are required to have. The employer pays a premium to an insurance company in exchange for the company’s agreement to pay out cash benefits or pay for medical care in the event that a covered employee is injured while working. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You don’t have to prove that your employer is to blame for your injuries and you can make a benefits claim even if you are […]

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Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide a financial safety net for anyone injured on the job. These benefits cover a wide range of medical costs related to injuries sustained at work, including hospital stays, surgical procedures, prescribed medication and rehabilitation sessions, among other treatment. They also provide missed wages for workers who aren’t able to immediately return to their careers because of an injury or illness. Because of the significant amount of money involved, businesses, insurers and government agencies take a close look at workers’ compensation benefits claims. A person who files a false or fraudulent claim faces significant consequences, including steep money penalties and potential jail time. Applying for Workers’ Compensation Illinois workers’ compensation benefits are administered on a “no fault” basis. You don’t have to prove that your employer is to blame for your injuries. You do, however, have to show that the injuries (or illness) are related to your job. That means establishing that you were injured in an accident at work or that you suffered an injury caused by your job. To get benefits, you first have to notify your employer of the injury or illness and explain when and where it was sustained. If the company or its insurer declines to provide benefits, you can then file an application with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. This is a state government body that considers benefits claims. You can also appeal the Commission’s decision and eventually take your case to a state court if needed. Penalties […]

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Workers’ compensation benefits offer critical financial support for people who are injured on the job. This form of insurance—employers are required to pay into a workers’ comp fund so that benefits are available in the event of an injury—primarily covers medical costs and missed wages related to the injury. The type and amount of benefits vary based on the circumstances. In order to obtain benefits, you have to show that your injury or illness is work-related. That’s relatively straightforward for a construction worker injured in an accident on the job or a delivery driver hurt in a car crash while on the clock. Cases involving illnesses discovered over time or chronic injuries that may have multiple causes can be harder to establish. That’s why it’s vital that a person considering seeking workers’ compensation benefits contact an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. Benefits Claims Process To start the claim process, you have to notify your employer of the injury. The sooner you do that, the sooner you can start getting benefits. Injured workers have 45 days under Illinois law to tell their employers about an on the job injury or illness. That includes describing the injury and how and where it happened. If the company and its insurer don’t agree to pay you the benefits, you have to file an application with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. You also have to provide a copy of that application to your employer. It is important to give a clear and compelling description of your […]

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A heart attack is a serious medical condition that can cause significant injuries and even death. It happens when an artery becomes blocked, stopping or slowing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Although genetics and lifestyle are key factors, heart attacks can happen at any time and in any place –that includes at the workplace. If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or otherwise been injured on the job, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. This compensation is designed to lend financial support to a worker and his or her family following injuries and impairments that are caused by or happen in the workplace. Most employers in Illinois are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Illinois Workers’ Compensation The Illinois workers’ compensation program provides certain benefits for employees injured on the job. That primarily includes money to cover all related medical treatment costs and cash for some missed wages for workers who need time off because of the injury. A worker who is likely to be able to return to his or her job after recuperating is considered temporarily disabled. These workers can get about two-thirds of their weekly pay—up to a certain maximum set by state law—in workers’ compensation benefits while they are off the job. A person who can’t return to the same job or can’t work at all because of his or her injuries is considered permanently disabled. He or she can get compensation for […]

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If you have sustained an on-the-job injury, it is important for you to know your legal rights and obligations. That said, you are encouraged to seek guidance from a knowledgeable Chicago workers’ compensation attorney who routinely practices in this area of law and is prepared to assist you with your case. The following is a brief guide to help you understand the workers’ compensation system and what will be expected of you as you deal with your injuries. Workers’ Compensation Defined As a bit of background information, the state of Illinois enacted the first workers’ compensation law back in the early 1900’s. Workers’ compensation, simply referred to as “workers’ comp,” is a system of legally-defined benefits that are available to many workers who are hurt or become ill while on the job. It is important to note that such benefits are paid regardless of fault. Coverage Illinois’ workers’ compensation laws generally cover almost all employees who are hired or employed in the state and have been hurt while working in the state. Practically any injury incurred totally or in part as a result of a job-related function or activity is covered, including repetitive stress injuries (those that are caused by repeated use, such as tears, stress fractures and sprains); pre-existing conditions or injuries that were aggravated by work functions and/or activities and health-related injuries, such as heart attacks, strokes or other physical ailments that were caused by work. It bears mentioning that employees who are hurt while participating in recreational […]

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