State laws require that all employers offer their employees workers’ compensation payments on a no-fault basis, meaning that a business does not have to be found liable for an injured party to receive benefits. There are many things that a worker must do to apply for this compensation, including notifying their employer within 45 days of an accident.
If an employee fails to notify their employer of an incident or does not complete the application steps correctly, they will likely lose their eligibility to collect benefits. However, a knowledgeable worker’s compensation attorney could help you understand the process and follow the proper steps in the application. Call a lawyer today to learn more about how to apply for workers’ compensation in Joliet.
After a workplace injury, there are three vital steps an employee must take before they may apply for workers’ compensation benefits:
If an employee misses three or more days of work due to a job-related injury, state statute requires employers to do one of the following:
A skilled attorney in Joliet could provide an injured employee with information about how to begin applying for workers’ benefits.
Once an employee notifies their employer of an accident, they may collect payments within three years of the accident. A worker can apply for benefits by completing and submitting an “Application for Adjustment of Claim,” including the “Proof of Service” portion on the back.
After answering all questions on the form, they must mail a copy to their employer and send three copies to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. A seasoned lawyer could help an injured worker applying for benefits fill out necessary application forms quickly and accurately.
Workers’ compensation benefits will depend on the extent of an employee’s injuries and the number of days they missed work. Potential workers’ compensation benefits include:
A replacement of benefits offers a worker coverage for most of an their wages until they return to work. Decision makers will use a specific formula to determine the average amount that an employer pays a worker per week and base their benefits off that number.
An employer typically pays all medical expenses stemming from a work-related injury through workers’ compensation. Costs that workers’ compensation will pay include emergency room visits, prescription medications, and physical therapy expenses until an employee makes a full recovery.
Specific injuries may prevent an employee from returning to work for longer than others. For example, a team member may have the option to collect disability coverage for short or long-term debilitating injuries. To learn more about how to apply for worker’s compensation benefits, contact an experienced attorney in Joliet.
Employers that fail to comply with a state’s workers’ compensation benefits laws will likely face penalties. According to Illinois Compiled Statutes 820 ILCS 305/4, if an employer or insurance agency fails to comply with workers’ benefits laws, they may be subject to a civil lawsuit.
A civil claim will enable an employee to recover damages for all unpaid costs resulting from a workplace injury. Non-payment by a business after the civil judgment may even result in criminal prosecution. A lawyer in Joliet with knowledge about how to apply for workers’ compensation could review a case and ensure the worker and their employer comply with employee benefits laws.
If you were hurt at work, you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits. However, it can be challenging to reach an agreement without the help of a hardworking legal professional.
An attorney could help you apply for benefits, file an appeal, and ensure the business you work for is following the worker’s compensation statute. Call a diligent lawyer today for more information about how to apply for workers’ compensation in Joliet.
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