Workers Compensation Benefits |
Posted: October 21, 2016 |
In Illinois, if you’ve been injured or have become ill as a direct result of your working conditions, you have access to insurance that provides either cash benefits, medical care or both. This insurance is called “workers compensation.” With rare exceptions, workers compensation is mandated by law for all businesses in Illinois. Unions have also fought long and hard for workers comp. Unions have fought as well provide job security for workers who have been obligated to take advantage of workers comp. If you belong to a union, and you need help obtaining the workers compensation to which you’re legally entitled, an experienced labor attorney can help you with workers comp for union employees. Workers compensation insurance offers several types of benefits: • Medical payments Section 8(a) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act describes employers’ responsibilities for covering medical bills associated with a workplace-related injury or illness. You’re also entitled to seek treatment from a doctor of your choice. However, your employers do have the right to request an evaluation of your injury or illness from a physician chosen by them. • Rehabilitative payments Workers comp can be used to pay for physical rehabilitative care as well as for vocational retraining if the nature of your illness or injury makes it impossible for you to return to your original job. • Disability benefits If your injury or illness is severe enough to prevent you from returning to work for a period of time, you may also be eligible to receive disability payments. In the State of Illinois, these payments are payable at approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Statutes of LimitationNotice of any precipitating accident needs to be presented to your employer within 45 days if you think you may file a claim. You’ll have three years to file the claim itself in most instances. Statutes of limitation are strictly applied to workers comp claims. This is one reason why you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible if you’re seeking workers comp for union employees. Your lawyer can help you make sure that all deadlines for filing paperwork are being met.
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