State laws govern workers’ compensation benefits. In Illinois, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act outlines the rights of injured workers.
Medical expenses – Medical expenses are 100% covered. No deductible or co-pay from insurance is required.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – If you need to heal from accidents or injuries that occurred at work, you are entitled to a weekly lost wage benefit. This sum is calculated based on two-thirds of your average gross weekly wage.
Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) – This benefit is meant to compensate you for your injuries if you suffer from partial loss of the use of a body part. These benefits are determined by what body part is permanently impaired and how that will affect your life ongoing.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If your injury leaves you unable to do any kind of work or you lose two of the same body parts, you are entitled to benefits for life. These benefits are calculated based on two-thirds of your average gross weekly wage.
Wage Loss Differential – If your injury stops you from being able to do your job and therefore you must take a lower paying job, you may be entitled to a benefit equal to two-thirds of the difference between the average gross weekly wages of each job.
Vocational Retraining – If you cannot return to your job due to your accident or injury, then you may be entitled to compensation for retraining within another occupation.
Survivor benefits – If a worker is killed while on the job, then their dependents are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Were you hurt at work? Check out the first steps you should take before filing a claim.