Illinois Workers Compensation
What is Workers Compensation?
To begin, workers compensation is a state-mandated insurance program. Specifically, this program is designed to provide benefits to individuals who were hurt at work. People should know that they are entitled to compensation if their place of work directly caused them to become injured or sick. Workers compensation is untaxable unlike normal earned wages. The Illinois Workers Compensation Act will generally cover all partial or complete injuries which took place at work. Lastly, people should be aware that this does include preexisting conditions. Therefore, if your place of employment is adding to your preexisting conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
Workers Compensation Benefits
Employees injured on the job can expect the following benefits.
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Temporary total disability benefits may be awarded if the injured party is unable to perform work during their recovery time. Therefore, the injured party can expect to be paid 2/3 of their total weekly income. Payments are received until the injured person can return to work.
- Permanent benefits could also be awarded if the injured party lost a body part or function of their body.
Injuries Not Covered Under Workers Compenstion
It is important for people to know that not every injury will be covered by workers compensation. That being said, if you are the reason for your injury taking place, it is likely you will not receive compensation. Below are situations where workers compensation will not be awarded.
- Self-inflicted injuries, the person hurt themselves on purpose.
- If you cause a fight, if you are not the instigator, you will be covered.
- Any injuries sustained outside of work. That being said, if you are still on the clock, you will likely get compensation.
- If you are violating company policies and are hurt in doing so.
Other Employer Obligations for Workers Compensation
When it comes to workers compensation, your employer should make you aware of your rights. Employers are required to document each and every injury people sustain at work. In addition, the injuries must be reported within 3 days of them taking place. Lastly, employers are required to avoid harassment and discrimination of all forms, this applies to employees on workers compensation.
