Sudden trauma injuries, mostly falls, account for many of the workers’ compensation claims in Illinois. Repetitive trauma injuries (RTI) account for many claims as well. Much like occupational diseases, such as breathing problems and toxic exposure, RTIs occur slowly over time. Many people think only modern, blue-collar workers are susceptible to RTIs. But the first …
Continue reading “Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for a Repetitive Trauma Injury?”
Illinois has a workers’ compensation law. Employers must provide no-fault insurance benefits to workers who are injured on the job. If the company does not have worker’s compensation insurance, the law often prohibits employers from introducing some legal defenses, such as contributory negligence. Workers’ compensation benefits usually include money for lost wages and all reasonably …
Continue reading “I Was Hurt on the Job. Who Pays My Medical Bills?”
Inevitably, a few workers try to cheat the workers’ compensation system. They may file false claims or exaggerate their injuries. These kinds of cases always make headlines. However, fraudulent employee claims are extremely rare. They may account for one or two percent of all workers’ compensation matters. Employer fraud is much more widespread. The fraud …
Continue reading “Some Common Employer Workers’ Compensation Fraud Schemes”
Typically, workers’ compensation applies to any injury that occurs on the employer’s premises during the course of employment. These elements are very broadly defined. For example, if a worker slips and falls in the parking lot before work, workers’ compensation may cover that injury. The victim need not prove fault, which is not easy to …
Continue reading “Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation If I’m Hurt On Break?”
Independent contractors are self-employed individuals or freelancers who are hired to carry out specific work duties for a company without acquiring the status of an employee. They enjoy flexibility in terms of work completion, but are required to have their own health insurance and pay taxes individually. Since more and more companies are using independent …
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Whether you have been diagnosed with an occupational disease or suffered an injury while performing your work duties, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. The insurance company provides you with financial compensation for the medical treatment and a partial replacement for your lost wages. However, most people are confused whether …
Continue reading “Workers’ Compensation Claims: Dealing with Pre-existing Medical Conditions”
The workers’ compensation system requires employers in the United States to purchase insurance and provide benefits to their employees who experience work-related illnesses and injuries. If you get injured on the job or catch an illness, you can claim workers’ compensation benefits to pay for medical treatment. Some of the covered expenses include blood tests, …
Continue reading “What Medical Expenses are Covered under Workers’ Compensation Benefits?”
Employees usually have the false impression that they will get workers’ compensation benefits without facing any difficulty after being injured at the workplace. In reality, your employer and their insurers will most likely deny your claim and come up with reasons to justify their move. In some cases, employees make certain mistakes or fail to …
Continue reading “Possible Reasons for the Denial of your Workers’ Compensation Claim”
A recent study found that when injured, Illinois workers spend double the amount of time off of work as do workers in other states (Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana). The explanation for why this is may have to do with the rate of opioid use amongst injured workers who seek treatment under workers’ compensation insurance, which …
Continue reading “Injured Workers in Illinois Exploited for Personal Profits”
An occupational disease refers to an illness or condition that arises out of and in the course of employment, or that has been aggravated due to a risk that is peculiar to the employment. Just like acute injuries, a worker who acquires an occupational disease is entitled to benefits under workers’ compensation insurance. What Types …
