Are you Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

Workers are the lifeline of any organization and play an integral role in running the economy of any country. In order to protect the rights and lives of millions of workers working in the United States, both federal and state governments set policies which protect workers’ rights. According to a report, almost 3 million workplace non-fatal injuries and ailments were reported while around 5000 workers lost their lives in just one year. While the government strives to ensure all employees are provided safe and secure work environments, workers continue to suffer injuries and even face death due to unsafe working conditions. Fortunately, the workers can file a workers’ compensation claim to get compensated for their losses and medical expenses.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

At its core, workers’ compensation is the type of insurance which offers medical coverage and wage replacements to workers who get injured while they were employed. There are certain prerequisites you have to meet in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation. In Illinois, like many other states, a worker with an illness or injury that is work-related is entitled to receive benefits under workers’ compensation which, unlike their wages, are not taxable.

Eligibility Criteria

The state law comprehensively covers all the injuries which can be caused entirely or partially by the worker’s job. It also takes into account and covers all pre-existing medical conditions which can be potentially exacerbated by working conditions and the nature of the employee’s job. Even some work-related injuries sustained outside the workplace are covered by the aforementioned law. However, there are certain exceptions in which an employee cannot be eligible for workers’ compensation which include:

• Injuries sustained by the employee while committing a grievous crime
• Injuries sustained by the employee while he or she wasn’t at work
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Injuries sustained when the worker’s conduct violated the policies set by the employer

How can you seek workers’ compensation from your employer?

In order to get workers’ compensation, you must be able to demonstrate that you are eligible for it according to the criteria set by Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Most employees seek the guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to substantiate their claim. It is imperative to file your claim as soon as possible as there is a statute of limitation, which means you cannot file a claim after 3 years.

For more information on this subject or to schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at 847-395-2200 to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.