Getting hurt at work can be frightening and overwhelming, especially when it affects your ability to provide for yourself and/or your family.
Understanding facts about workers’ compensation can help relieve some of your anxiety. These are five things to know as you go about your claim.
- Car accidents count
While work injuries tend to happen at the workplace, it is not the only applicable situation. Any time you are on the clock and sustain an injury you may qualify for workers’ compensation, including when you are driving for the job. The only time this does not count is during your daily commute to and from work.
- All industries are eligible
Some industries are more dangerous than others and have a high rate of accidents and diseases. However, your occupation does not have to be in something like construction to receive benefits. Office jobs can lead to repetitive motion injuries, and you can fall or slip at any type of workplace.
- Time is of the essence
As soon as you sustain an injury or become aware of a work-related medical condition, you should notify your employer within 45 days. According to Illinois law, you have up to three years to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove your case.
- Benefits depend on your injury and recovery
The type of benefits you are eligible for will depend on the following factors:
- If your injury is partially or totally disabling
- If your disability is temporary or permanent
- If you will need a new job that requires additional vocational training
In the case of a fatality, the surviving family members would receive death benefits.
- You are safe from retaliation
You may worry about filing a claim due to how your employer may react. Rest assured that it is illegal for your boss to fire you for seeking workers’ compensation.