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 any decrease in wages after moving to a new job or for missed pay if the person is no longer able to work.
Eligibility for Benefits
Illinois workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system. That means you don’t have to prove that your employer was to blame for your injury in order to get benefits. Just because you have the heart attack while you’re at work, however, does not mean you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
You have to show that the injury is connected to your job. In other words, you have to establish that your job caused or contributed to the heart attack. That could be because of physical or mental stress or extreme and unusual exertion on a construction or other job site. Heart disease caused by a number of other long-term factors unrelated to work may not be enough to support a benefits claim.
Contact a Chicago Work Injury Lawyer at the Jackowiak Law Offices
A Chicago work injury lawyer with the Jackowiak Law Offices is prepared to help people get back on their feet after an injury by getting them the financial support available under the law. Our offices are conveniently located in downtown Chicago and we are happy to come to you if needed. Contact us online or call us at (312) 795-9595 to speak with an attorney today.