What To Do After Workers’ Compensation Payments End

Workers’ compensation ensures you don’t pay out-of-pocket medical expenses you incur from workplace injuries. But what happens when those end?

What Happens When Workers’ Compensation Benefits End?

One out of four things can happen when your workers’ compensation benefits end. Your temporary disability benefits end when:

• You are cleared for work by a doctor.
• You return to your original job or an alternative one but on the same salary.
• Your health or condition is not improving or worsening, making it permanent.
• You have availed over 104 weeks within five years of sustaining injuries.

Once your benefits end, your claims administrator will send you a notification after your last payment. Expect it within 14 days. However, this doesn’t mean you are not eligible for other benefits.

If your physician claims you cannot make a complete recovery, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits or a new job that can accommodate your limitations. Experienced Cook County workers’ compensation lawyers can review your situation and guide you on the best steps for your recovery and compensation.

When Can You Receive Permanent Disability Benefits?

You can receive permanent disability benefits (PPD) if you have not recovered from a work-related illness or injury. As per Illinois law, employers must provide these benefits to workers who can work in a limited capacity because of an impairment or disfiguration. In contrast, you get permanent total disability benefits (PTD) if you are unable to work or cannot work permanently.

What Happens When You Return To Work After Availing Workers’ Comp Benefits

Determining when you should return to work after workers’ compensation benefits end can be challenging. If your employer and their insurance company pressure you into returning as soon as possible, that doesn’t mean you should. Your employer may be losing money, but that doesn’t mean you should indulge them.

There is no best time to return to work after benefits end. One workers’ compensation case can be vastly different from another. The last thing you should do is return too soon. Leave that decision to your doctor and your physical state rather than your employer or the insurance company.

Return to work only when you are cleared to do so by the physician, i.e. when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). That is when your health cannot improve without additional medical treatments. Once that is established, you will be examined again for permanent disability benefits.

Why You Should Hire Cook County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

You can and should sue if your workers’ compensation is denied even after you reach MMI. A lawyer can help you with your case by:

• Accumulating and presenting evidence to prove your injuries or condition have affected you.
• Explain your legal options.
• File paperwork on your behalf so you don’t have to stress about deadlines.
• Represent you at a hearing which can be highly stressful.

Your employer and their insurance company will have their lawyers representing them. Hire an attorney who can take on your legal burdens as you heal from your injuries.

Contact The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For A Consultation Today!

At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, we have been representing workers like you who have been injured on the job and were denied workers’ compensation benefits. We have years of experience and knowledge that can ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us for a consultation today!