State law requires that all companies with at least one employee retain a workers’ compensation benefit policy. This plan provides payments to workers who suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties. However, understanding the types of benefits offered to employees can be overwhelming, especially when healing from

Fortunately, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney could explain the types of compensation offered to people hurt in the workplace. A seasoned lawyer could help guide injured employees through the process of obtaining disability payments in Joliet workers’ compensation claims.

Benefits for Temporary Injuries

Most incidents that happen at work result in temporary injuries, meaning that although a person cannot work for a set period, they can return to their jobs if given proper medical treatment. These workers may receive temporary total disability benefits, which cover 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly earnings and last until the injured person can return to work.

If an employee is able to return to work at reduced hours or duties, they can obtain temporary partial disability payments. Temporary compensation offers payment for 2/3 the difference between a worker’s standard weekly wages and their current income after their injury. For example, if a worker typically makes $600.00 a week but only brings in $300.00 a week after their injury, they can collect $200.00 in benefits. Therefore, the employee’s weekly income would be $500.00.

Although employees are entitled to this compensation for their injuries, the state imposes a maximum and minimum payment amount that workers can collect. The state of Illinois uses a table based on the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW) to calculate these amounts. The table determines the rate of payment based on a worker’s average weekly wage and the size of their family.

Benefits for Permanent Injuries

An injury that leaves a worker unable to perform the same job duties they once did is also entitled to collect workers’ compensation. However, these losses are more complicated to calculate. The SAWW table also determines the possible minimum or maximum payments for permanent injuries. Employees can receive benefits for specific injuries that are defined under law, including loss of function in:

Hands
Feet
Toes
Arms
Vision
Hearing

Speaking with a lawyer could help employees and their families determine if a benefit package offers adequate compensation for permanent losses.

Medical Care Coverage for Injured Employees in Joliet

Another major advantage of workers’ compensation insurance plans is that they offer payment for medical bills related to the illness or injury. Once a worker suffers their loss, they should report to a doctor for treatment and let the physician know that their injury was a result of their job duties. A provider can then charge the treatment to the workers’ compensation insurance plan, rather than the injured employee.

Benefits for medical care should continue until a worker reaches their maximum level of improvement. This does not necessarily mean a full recovery, but rather that additional medical care is unlikely to result in an improvement.

In addition, policies can also provide vocational rehabilitation training and maintenance benefits which can help an employee find new employment should their condition leave them unable to return to their old position. Maintenance benefits can also provide cash assistance while receiving this training. With the help of a local lawyer, a worker could obtain necessary coverage to help themselves and their families after a workplace injury.

An Attorney Could Help Employees Pursue Full Disability Payments in Joliet Workers’ Compensation Claims

The purpose of a workers’ compensation insurance policy is to provide a safety net to employees. This includes offering a way to receive income while unable to work due to a work-related illness or injury. These take the form of temporary disability payments. In addition, policies must provide payment in the event of permanent injuries that affect your ability to earn a living. Finally, policies should pay for all needed medical care and vocational rehabilitation.

A lawyer could evaluate a proposed benefit package to determine if it meets your needs and complies with state law. If not, a legal team member is ready to pursue an appeal on your behalf. Contact us now to learn more.