When you’ve been injured on the job, you shouldn’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Workplace injuries can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. At Wilson Law Office, we understand the challenges injured workers face, and we’re here to level the playing field.

Attorney Mark M. Wilson has successfully represented injured workers throughout Naperville and surrounding communities for 25+ years. As a dedicated member of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, he knows exactly how to navigate Illinois workers’ compensation law to secure maximum benefits for clients.

A Brief Explanation of Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance. It aims to cover medical expenses and replace lost wages for employees who sustain injuries while working. In return for these benefits, the injured employee agrees not to take legal action against their employer.

Workers’ compensation is your safety net when workplace accidents threaten your livelihood. This system provides crucial benefits to injured workers throughout Illinois, including those in Naperville.

What Workers’ Compensation Covers

Under Illinois law, workers’ compensation provides comprehensive coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses. You can file a workers’ comp claim to seek compensation for:

• All necessary medical treatment, from emergency care to ongoing therapy
• Wage replacement to replace a portion of your lost income while you recover from your injuries
• Disability benefits for temporary or permanent disabilities resulting from workplace injuries
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Benefits for dependents and coverage for funeral costs if a worker dies as a result of a work-related incident

Employers are expected to assist with workers’ compensation claims. However, there may be instances where they are uncooperative, resulting in the injured worker not receiving fair compensation.

Working with a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can be invaluable. At Wilson Law Office, our Naperville workers’ compensation attorney helps clients understand workers’ comp law in Illinois. We work diligently to build a strong case supporting your claim for assistance.

The State of Illinois Workers’ Compensation Law

Laws related to workers’ compensation vary from state to state. Understanding the intricacies of these programs can be challenging. Here are some essential facts about workers’ compensation law in Illinois:

• Workers’ compensation is mandatory for employers in Illinois.
• Work-related illnesses or injuries entitle employees to benefits, regardless of fault.
• Certain injuries, such as those sustained while committing a crime, while not on the job, while violating company policy, or self-inflicted injuries, may not be covered.

While Illinois law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage, the reality isn’t always straightforward. You may face:

• Delayed or denied claims
• Disputes over whether your injury is work-related
• Pressure to return to work too soon
• Inadequate medical treatment authorizations
• Lowball settlement offers

This is why you need an experienced Naperville workers’ compensation attorney on your side. At Wilson Law Office, we know workers’ compensation policies inside and out. We fight to ensure insurance companies follow the law, employers meet their obligations, and you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.

Common Questions About Workers’ Comp

Here are answers to some common questions we hear from injured workers in Naperville and throughout DuPage County:

How do I initiate a workers’ compensation claim?

• Step 1: Notify your employer as soon as possible after your workplace injury occurs. Illinois law generally requires you to report the injury within 45 days.
• Step 2: Get medical treatment right away, preferably from a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Keep detailed records of all medical visits and treatments.
• Step 3: File your claim. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms, but if they don’t cooperate, contact an attorney.

What is the Statute of Limitations for workers’ comp in IL?

There is a 3-year statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois. Or, it’s 2 years from the last payment of compensation to file further claims for additional benefits. (Whichever is later is the appropriate end date.) Deadlines can be complex, and waiting too long can jeopardize your claim.

How much should I receive in workers’ compensation benefits?

Workers’ compensation benefits depend primarily on your average weekly wage (AWW) before the injury and the type of benefit you’re receiving.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits pay you two-thirds of your AWW, with weekly minimum and maximum limits.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits are typically calculated based on a schedule of specific body parts and the percentage of loss or impairment to those body parts.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission uses a list of scheduled injuries for various body parts with a fixed number of weeks assigned for each type of impairment. The amount you receive depends on the degree of permanent loss or impairment. It’s calculated as a percentage of the State’s Average Weekly Wage (SAWW), generally 60%, multiplied by the weeks assigned to the impairment.

Other benefits, such as death, permanent total disability (PTD), and amputation benefits, have their own specified rates.

What are the reasons for claim denials?

Insurance companies deny valid claims more often than they should. Common denial reasons include:

• Insurance companies often dispute the connection between your injury and your job duties
• They may claim your injury was caused by a previous condition rather than your workplace accident
• Delays in reporting can give insurers grounds to deny claims
• Independent contractor status
• Insurance companies may claim you were under the influence or engaged in misconduct
• They may question the necessity or extent of your medical treatment

Fortunately, most denials can be appealed with proper legal representation. At Wilson Law Office, we’re skilled at handling all types of workers’ compensation cases.

Attorney Mark Wilson is available to address any questions or concerns regarding getting benefits after a work-related injury. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Your Experienced Naperville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ compensation law is complex, and insurance companies count on injured workers not knowing their rights. Our lawyer handles many types of work-related injury claims. We help workers get benefits for knee injuries, back injuries, injuries caused by chemical exposure, carpal tunnel, shoulder injuries, and more.

If you want to ensure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to under Illinois law, contact Wilson Law Office. We offer free consultations and have years of experience helping injured Illinois workers get the benefits they deserve. We also handle personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases in Naperville.

Attorney Mark M. Wilson

Contact Wilson Law Office Today

Contact Wilson Law Office for legal representation if you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice or other injury. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to sitting down with you and learning more about your case.