Types of benefits for injured workers in Illinois

 Posted on August 15, 2017 in Blog

If you got hurt at work or developed a condition as a result of your job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

Unfortunately for many people, it is not enough to simply fill out all the right forms and hope for the best. Many times, workers and their attorneys have to engage in a protracted struggle to obtain necessary workers' compensation benefits. Depending on the circumstances, some cases may contain more complexity than others.

Medical coverage

The first thing you may worry about after an injury is getting the medical treatment you need. Workers' compensation benefits may include medical costs for treatments. Sometimes, employers and their insurance companies dispute the necessity for the type or extent of the treatment your doctor wants you to have. If this happens, you may need to attend an independent medical examination.

Permanent or temporary disability

If you become unable to work as a result of your injury or condition, you may receive disability benefits. These may be permanent or temporary.

Temporary total disability benefits are for people who cannot come to work at all for a period of time but do expect to recover enough to return eventually. They usually cover two-thirds of your normal wage. If you return to work but need to be on reduced duty, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability.

Some people end up with a permanent disability. If you can return to work, you may receive permanent partial disability payments. If you cannot work at all, you may need permanent total disability payments.

Vocational rehabilitation

Another option is vocational rehabilitation if you become disabled from performing your prior job duties but could benefit from training for a different type of career. For example, someone who can no longer engage in manual labor may be able to work in an office setting after receiving appropriate training. Workers' compensation vocational rehabilitation can help you with job training, career counseling or other benefits.