6 Things You Should Know about Workers’ Compensation Laws

Workers’ compensation provides important protection for workers across most industries. If you’re injured on the job or develop a work-related disease, workers’ compensation insurance is supposed to pay for it. If you’re killed on the job or die from a work-related disease, the insurance is supposed to pay out death benefits to your survivors. However, there are many other things you should know about this coverage.

1. Laws Can Vary Dramatically from State to State

Worker’s compensation laws vary a lot from state to state. That includes everything from how much is paid out in death benefits to which businesses must carry workers’ compensation in the first place. That can lead to a lot of misunderstandings regarding your workers’ compensation insurance, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the specifics in your state if you’ve been injured on the job.

2. The Requirements for Filing Vary in Every State

In Illinois, you have three years from the date of the injury to file for workers’ compensation, or you must file within two years of the last benefits payment, whichever comes last. However, that’s not the case in all states. Some cap it at two years, while others vary depending on the type of injury. 

3. You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Report Your Injury 

All states have different timelines for reporting your injury to your employer. In Illinois, you must report your injury within 45 days. 

4. It’s Not Just Medical Care

Many people assume that worker’s comp only covers the costs of medical care, but that’s not the case. In Illinois, it covers medical treatment, lost wages, the costs of retraining, and compensation for permanent disability. 

5. Your Case Probably Won’t Go to Trial

Worried that your workers’ comp case will go to trial and take years to end? Roughly 90% of Illinois workers’ comp cases are settled, with very few going to trial. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney increases the chances of a beneficial settlement, too.

6. You’re Not Covered During Your Commute

If you’re injured in an accident while commuting to or from your job, workers’ compensation does not apply. However, if you were injured while driving as part of your job duties, you would be covered.

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident or developed a work-related disease, contact Grewer Law Group to fight for your rights.