The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act is a no-fault law designed to aid workers in the state by assisting them in their employment. While it can cover your medical bills and other expenses as you recuperate from a work-based injury, please take advantage of it at your own risk. Attending school while you are on the benefits is ill-advised.
While you can legally attend school while on workers’ comp, Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys will tell you that it is ill-advised. That’s because it can raise questions about the degree of your disability. If you are on light duty status from work, you should look for suitable light tasks. On the other hand, going to school reduces the time you should be using to look for said jobs.
Your choice to attend school while on workers’ comp will raise questions if you are completely disabled because of a severe work injury. How can you attend school but cannot perform sedentary work? The insurance company will take notice and may try to convince your doctor that you should come to work.
It would help if you waited till your workers’ comp case was resolved and then attended school. If you want to continue your education immediately, talk to your attorney first, as your case can get complicated. Each workers’ comp case is unique since each work injury and job site is distinct. Use your best judgment to decide and pursue daily activities depending on your condition.
As an injured worker, your activities should remain consistent with medical restrictions and your doctor’s advice. For example, restrict activities if you have the following disabilities:
If you are diagnosed with a temporary total disability, you should avoid recreational activities. However, if you had planned a vacation before getting injured, you may still go on it, provided you take it easy.
If you parasail, surf, mountain climb, or take part in any recreation despite your doctor’s advice, you may lose your claim. Try to schedule appointments around your vacation and consult your Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys beforehand.
If you are diagnosed with a partial disability, pay attention to doctor recommendations and restrictions. Make sure you get these in writing to prevent misunderstandings. Your attorney can also use them in court to dispute the insurance company’s claims if they try to deny compensation.
Be candid with your doctor. If you exaggerate or downplay your condition, you can compromise your claim. Documentation will show proof of progress and recommended activities proposed by the medical professional.
Yes, you can attend school while receiving workers’ comp benefits. However, it’s important to be aware that doing so can raise questions about the extent of your disability and your ability to work.
Attending school can potentially affect your benefits if it leads to questions about your disability status. If the school attendance suggests that you are capable of working, it might impact your benefits.
You should report any changes in your status, including enrollment in school, to the IWCC. This helps ensure that your benefits are accurately assessed and adjusted if necessary.
There are no specific restrictions on the type of school or coursework you can attend. However, it’s advisable to choose programs that do not conflict with your medical restrictions and recovery process.
It’s crucial to balance your school commitments with your recovery. This might involve selecting part-time or online courses, seeking accommodations from your school, and regularly communicating with your healthcare provider and workers’ comp attorney.
If your injury requires you to take a break from school, you should inform both your school and the IWCC. This ensures that your benefits continue without interruption and that your school is aware of your situation.
You may be able to work part-time while attending school, but it’s important to consult with your attorney and healthcare provider to ensure that this does not negatively impact your recovery or benefits.
There are various resources available, including legal advice from workers’ comp attorneys, support from your school’s disability services, and guidance from the IWCC
Important note: Contrary to popular belief, workers’ comp and general liability insurance are different. The latter protects your employer’s interests, and the former protects your interests. Don’t be fooled, or you may miss out on compensation.
If the insurance company or your employer denied your workers’ compensation claim, contact our Lake County workers’ compensation attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens. We have 20 years of experience helping clients like you with their compensation claims. Contact us for a consultation today.
(Updated 10/24/2024)