Illinois law requires employers to offer workers’ compensation in most cases. Since workplace accidents are not infrequent occurrences, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the state saw almost 107,000 cases of nonfatal injuries and sicknesses in the private industry (not including unreported incidents) in 2020, there is reason for it.
However, you may carry concerns and misconceptions about workers’ compensation that prevent you from trying to obtain your rightful benefits.
1. Filing a Claim Hurts Your Boss
You may like your employer and worry that your receiving benefits may result in a negative financial impact on the company or individual. Your boss does not pay your workers’ compensation benefits and thus does not suffer any loss. Instead, the workers’ compensation insurance that exists to protect your employer, as well as yourself, pays.
2. It is Over Once the Claim Denial Comes In
Workers’ compensation claims often end in rejection the first time, but this does not render you forever ineligible. You have the right to appeal and try to get the decision overturned.
3. Off-Site Injuries Do Not Qualify
If you sustain an injury while you are not in your workplace, you may still qualify to receive benefits if you were in the process of performing work duties when you did so. For instance, if you were in a vehicle on your way to do an inspection and became involved in an accident, you remain eligible for benefits.
You have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim if you suffer harm while carrying out work duties and legal recourse even if you receive a rejection the first time you file a claim.