No one intends to get injured at work. Whether you work in a warehouse or corporate setting, there is an expectation of safety while you’re on the job. Unfortunately, accidents happen and employees can be injured at their workplace, which could result in lost wages and costly medical bills. Injured workers may be wondering just how long their workers’ compensation will last.
Our experienced team at Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers can help guide you through the legal process to make sure you receive the highest amount possible. With years of experience helping injured workers in Illinois, our dedicated team can provide the guidance and support you need to secure the benefits you deserve.
Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits in Illinois
To understand how long benefits last, it’s important to know the types of benefits available:
- Medical Expenses: Covers reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Paid while you’re completely unable to work and recovering from your injury.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Paid if you can return to work on a limited basis while recovering, and you’re earning less than your pre-injury wage.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensates you for the permanent loss of function or use of a body part.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Paid if your injury prevents you from ever returning to any type of work.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Provides assistance with retraining and job placement if you cannot return to your previous occupation.
- Death Benefits: Paid to surviving dependents if a work injury results in death.
Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side can help you understand the benefits you qualify for and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
What Factors Impact the Duration of Workers' Comp Benefits?
Many people who do receive workers’ compensation benefits wonder what factors into how long they will receive the benefits. Several factors determine how long workers’ compensation benefits will last:
- Nature and Severity of the Injury: A minor injury with a short recovery time will generally result in a shorter benefit duration compared to a severe or permanent injury.
- Medical Treatment and Recovery: The length of the medical treatment and recovery process directly impacts the duration of benefits like TTD and medical expenses.
- Ability to Return to Work: If you can return to your previous job or a modified position, your TTD benefits may end or be reduced.
- Permanent Impairment: If you have a permanent impairment, you may be eligible for PPD benefits. The length of time you receive these benefits depends on the severity of the impairment as determined by the Illinois workers’ compensation system.
- Whether Your Employer Disputes Your Claim: If your employer or their insurance company denies your claim or disputes the severity of your injury, it can prolong the process and impact the duration of your benefits.
An attorney with workers’ compensation experience can help you navigate these complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your right to benefits.
What Are the Maximum Limits on Workers' Comp Benefits in Illinois?
Illinois law sets maximum limits on certain workers’ compensation benefits. The amount is dependent on how much you were earning before you were injured as well as the type of disability you qualify for.
- TTD Benefits: Generally, two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and is subject to annual adjustments. There’s no specific time limit, but benefits may end when you reach maximum medical improvement.
- PPD Benefits: Calculated based on a schedule of benefits for specific body parts and the degree of impairment.
- PTD Benefits: Two-thirds of your average weekly wage for life, or for the duration of your disability.
Understanding these limits is crucial to managing your expectations and planning your finances. An attorney can help you calculate the potential value of your claim and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under Illinois law.
Contact Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today
Dealing with a workplace injury and navigating the workers’ compensation system is stressful. At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we’re here to help. Our attorneys have your back and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
