When a work-related injury or illness occurs, Illinois workers are fortunate to have access to a range of benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits provide financial support and assistance to workers who suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job. Illinois workers comp benefits include Medical, Temporary total disability, Permanent Partial Disability, and Permanent Total Disability benefits.
Medical Benefits:
Medical benefits cover the costs of necessary medical treatment related to a work-related injury or illness, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other medical expenses. Illinois workers are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical care for their injuries, with the costs typically covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Example:
A factory worker, Sarah, suffers a back injury while lifting heavy equipment. She undergoes surgery to repair the injury and attends several months of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. All medical expenses related to Sarah’s injury, including the surgery and therapy sessions, are covered by her employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits:
Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are provided to workers who cannot work due to work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits typically replace a portion of the worker’s lost wages while they recover from their injury and cannot perform any work. TTD benefits are paid until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) or can return to work.
Example:
John, a construction worker, falls from a ladder at a job site and fractures his leg. As a result, he is unable to work for several weeks while he undergoes surgery and recovers from his injury. During this time, John receives temporary total disability benefits to help cover his living expenses until his doctor clears him to return to work.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits:
Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits are awarded to workers who suffer permanent impairments or disabilities due to a work-related injury or illness. These benefits compensate workers for the permanent loss of function or impairment they experience, typically based on a predetermined schedule outlined in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
Example:
Maria, a delivery driver, injures her hand in a workplace accident and loses partial use of her dominant hand. Despite undergoing rehabilitation, she experiences permanent limitations in her ability to grasp and manipulate objects. Maria is awarded permanent partial disability benefits based on the extent of her impairment, as determined by her doctor.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits:
Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are provided to workers who suffer severe and permanent disabilities that render them unable to perform any gainful employment. These benefits provide ongoing financial support to workers who are permanently disabled due to a work-related injury or illness.
Example:
David, a warehouse worker, sustains a traumatic brain injury in a workplace accident and is left with severe cognitive impairments. He requires constant care and supervision and cannot perform any type of work. David is awarded permanent total disability benefits to support him for the rest of his life.
Understanding Your Options:
Workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois are designed to provide financial support and assistance to workers who suffer injuries or illnesses. By understanding the various types of benefits available, workers can ensure they receive the support they need to recover and move forward after a work-related injury or illness.
Ackerman Law Office can help you understand your rights and options for your situation and help you manuver through every step of the process. Contact us for a free consultaion to go over the specifics of your case.