Did you suffer a work-related injury in a construction accident in Illinois? You likely have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s what you need to know about your rights as an injured employee and how these benefits could help you recover.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Construction Worker in Illinois
Illinois law now requires companies involved in construction and other hazardous industries to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. If your employer carries the required coverage, you should know you have certain rights after sustaining an occupational injury or illness.
Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
You have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits for injuries or illnesses related to your job. These benefits are available from your first day on the job. They can cover your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and compensation for any permanent disabilities.
Right to Medical Treatment
You can choose your own doctor to treat your work-related injury. In Illinois, you have the right to choose your primary medical provider.
Right to Appeal
If your insurer denies your workers’ compensation claim or you disagree with the benefits it provides, you have the right to have a hearing on those issues.
Right to Protection from Retaliation
It’s illegal for your employer to fire or demote you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You have the right to take separate legal action if you face that type of retaliation for asserting your rights.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you get hurt or sick from a work-related injury in Illinois, workers’ compensation benefits can help you recover and manage your financial situation. Here are the types of benefits you could receive:
- Medical Benefits – Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and any other medical services you need to recover.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits – If you can’t work because of your injury, TTD benefits can replace up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. You should continue to receive TTD benefits until your doctor clears you to return to work or until you reach MMI(Maximum medical improvement).
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits – If you can return to work but only at a limited capacity, TPD benefits can make up for the difference in your earnings. These benefits replace up to two-thirds of the gap between your pre-injury wages and your current reduced income.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits – If your injury causes a permanent loss of function, you might qualify for PPD benefits. These benefits vary depending on the nature of your injury and how it impacts your ability to work.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits – If you are permanently unable to work, PTD benefits can provide long-term financial support. These benefits typically replace up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage and could continue for the rest of your life, depending on your condition.
- Wage Differential Benefits – You could receive wage differential benefits if you cannot return to your previous job and must take a lower-paying job due to your injury. These can cover two-thirds of the difference between what you earned before and what you make now.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits – Workers’ compensation could cover the cost of vocational training or job retraining if you can’t return to your old job.
Contact an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you suffer on-the-job injuries as a construction worker in Illinois, you deserve to know your rights and what benefits you could claim. Greg Shevlin of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, is here to help. He offers a free initial consultation to help you determine if you’re entitled to workers’ comp benefits or even compensation from a potential personal injury claim. Contact him today to arrange your consultation and take the first step toward getting the support you need.