Different Types of Workers’ Compensation

A work-related injury can cause many difficulties to an employee as its impact is not only limited to their health, but also affects their finances, career prospects, and social life. The 2016 annual report prepared by the Worker’s Compensation Commission states that the frequency of injury in Illinois is 2,991 per 100,000 workers.

If you have become a victim of such an injury, you can benefit from a compensation system which is designed to compensate Illinois workers for their losses and helps them to return back to their work. However, severity and impact of an injury varies in each case, therefore, there are multiple types of benefits available for the assistance of employees. Let’s discuss them briefly.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary Disability Benefits can be availed by an employee who picked up an injury at work and requires time off to recover. However, the first three working days of disability are deemed unpaid unless an employee requires a leave of over 14 days. This benefit remains in effect until a doctor assesses the condition of the employee and declares that they are fully recovered and able to return to work.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits

Permanent Total Disability benefits cover an employee who sustained severe injuries that have rendered them unfit to work in any capacity. Some of the examples include loss of eyesight, hearing impairment or amputation.

A doctor may evaluate an employee for permanent disability once their medical treatment is complete. If an employee qualifies for permanent total disability benefits, they will be entitled to receive weekly payments as per the rate specified for temporary total disability.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

Employees who are not completely disabled but suffer from some type of lasting impairment or those who have had to accept a lower-paying job due to their injury are eligible for Permanent Partial Disability benefits. PPD benefits have four different types: disfigurement benefits, scheduled losses, unscheduled losses, and wage differential benefits. Each type of benefit contains different approaches to calculate the amount of compensation that an employee is eligible to receive.

Limitations of Workers’ Compensation

While you may receive compensation benefits without having to file a lawsuit, it only covers the amount pertaining to lost wages and does not pay for the suffering and emotional distress caused by the injury. If you are a victim of a work-related injury and are also looking to obtain compensation which encompasses full value of your losses, you can file a claim in the court. It can be extremely beneficial for your case to hire an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. A skillful attorney will help you construct an effective case against the party at fault and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your suffering.

If you or your loved ones were involved in a work related accident, consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney by contacting I Am Calling My Lawyer at 888-841-4878.