If you suffered an injury during the course of completing your job, you may feel uncertain as to whether or not your ailment qualifies for workers’ compensation.
Each state has its own laws related to workers’ comp. In Illinois, many employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees injured on the job.
Which Injuries Does Workers' Comp Cover?
In general workers’ comp covers work-related illnesses or injuries. This could include illnesses from prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals as well as injuries suffered from accidents on the job. The ailments need not have occurred on company premises and coverage extends to certain car accidents that happen while an employee is conducting his or her work.
Are These Situations in Which Workers' Comp Does Not Cover Employees?
There are some instances in which employees are not covered under their employer’s workers’ comp insurance. Those include:
Injuries sustained when committing a crime
Injuries sustained when not on the job
Self-inflicted injuries
Injuries sustained when violating company policy
What Expenses Does Workers' Comp Cover?
Employers must hold workers’ comp insurance policies to cover their employees and pay certain benefits. Those benefits include:
Temporary complete disability pay equal to two-thirds of the worker’s weekly wages
Temporary partial disability makes up two-thirds of the difference between the worker’s typical pay and pays for alternate duty while recovering
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Training for a different job position
Permanent total disability compensation in the event of loss of use of a body part
No one wants to sustain an injury on the job, but it helps to understand your rights as an employee if it happens.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Shay + Associates Law Firm if you require the expertise of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Springfield or Decatur, Illinois.