Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. They happen at home, they happen on the road, and they happen in our workplace.

You are always told that if you get injured on the job, worker’s compensation will protect you from financial ruin, but what is worker’s compensation? How do you get it once you’re injured? And what if it isn’t enough? It’s difficult to know when it’s the right time to contact a worker’s comp benefits attorney. Educating yourself on worker’s compensation and the benefits you’re entitled to can give you an edge and help protect you from disaster.

What is Worker’s Compensation?

Worker’s compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or fall ill as a result of their job. The purpose of worker’s compensation is to ensure that employees receive medical care and financial support if they are unable to work due to their injuries or illness.

Also Read: How to Choose the Most Appropriate Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Your Small Business?

Who is Covered by Worker’s Compensation?

In Chicago, most employers are required to provide worker’s compensation insurance to their employees. This includes both full-time and part-time employees, as well as temporary workers and contractors. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. For example, certain types of workers, such as independent contractors, may not be covered by worker’s compensation. Additionally, some small businesses may be exempt from providing worker’s compensation insurance.

How to File a Claim For Worker’s Compensation

If you are injured on the job or become ill due to your work, you must notify your employer as soon as possible. In most cases, you will need to file a claim for worker’s compensation to receive benefits. To do this, you will need to complete a form provided by your employer or by the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission. This form will ask for details about your illness or injury, the medical treatment you’re receiving, and your employer. Once you’ve submitted your claim, it will be reviewed by your employer’s insurance company and they will determine whether or not to give you approval to receive benefits.

What are the Benefits of Worker’s Compensation?

Worker’s compensation provides many important benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. These benefits include:

• Medical care: Worker’s compensation will cover the cost of medical treatment related to your injury or illness, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
• Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injury or illness, worker’s compensation will provide you with a portion of your regular wages.
• Disability payments: If your injury or illness results in a permanent disability, you may be eligible to receive ongoing disability payments.
• Vocational rehabilitation: If you are unable to return to your previous job due to your injury or illness, worker’s compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you learn new skills and find a new job.

What are the Common Types of Injuries That are Covered by Worker’s Compensation?

Worker’s compensation covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses that can occur on the job. Some of the most common types of injuries that are covered by worker’s compensation include:

• Repetitive motion injuries: These are injuries that occur as a result of performing the same motion over and over again, such as typing or lifting.
• Slip and fall injuries: These are injuries that occur when an employee slips, trips, or falls while on the job.
• Equipment-related injuries: These are injuries that occur as a result of using machinery or equipment on the job.
• Transportation-related injuries: These are injuries that occur while an employee is driving or riding in a vehicle for work purposes.
• Work-related illnesses: These are illnesses that occur as a result of prolonged exposure to harsh substances or toxic chemicals.

What if Your Claim Doesn’t Get Approved?

If your claim doesn’t get approved, or if the benefits you’re given do not fully cover your medical bills and lost wages, you should consider reaching out to a worker’s comp benefits attorney.  Your attorney will be able to help you build a strong case to increase your chances of receiving compensation. They will fight to ensure that you get every cent that you are owed for your injuries or illness–including medical bills, lost wages, and any other associated pain and suffering that you experienced as a result.

Also Read: What Are Some Effective Fundraising Strategies for Non-Profit Organisations?

Conclusion

Worker’s compensation provides essential benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. If you find yourself in this boat, you must notify your employer and file a claim for worker’s compensation as soon as possible. If you feel that you are not being given what you are owed, don’t be afraid to seek legal help.