When a person is injured and cannot work, their livelihood is threatened, but when an injury is work-related there are protections in place for employees. If a person is injured in a car accident and a party can be held liable, they can receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. To receive workers’ compensation benefits, there is no lawsuit involved unless a third party is involved, and it does not matter if an employer or employee can be found liable.

All employers in Illinois are required to have workers’ compensation insurance no matter how large or small their company is. Any of their employees have the right to file for benefits after a work accident. Employers cannot threaten retaliation for employees seeking benefits, and part-time disability benefits must begin if an employee cannot return to work within three days.

It is a myth that pre-existing conditions affect an employee’s eligibility for workers’ compensation. This can be a device used by employers and insurance companies to defer people from filing. The truth is that if a pre-existing condition is aggravated by a work injury or illness, a person still may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation is available for all eligible employees after a work accident. The benefits are to assist the employee with lost wages and medical bills. Injuries associated with workers’ compensation are often traumatic and life-changing. While this is also true for disfigurement cases, a person with a burn may be able to return to work quickly without issue. However, physical scars are lifelong and may be embarrassing.

Since it was officially instituted in Illinois law in 1912, Workers’ Compensation has been a resource for any employee who has been injured on the job. If a person cannot return to work after an accident within three days, benefit payments must begin. These payments are to assist an employee when they are not able to work and make money. Medical treatment for qualified injuries will also be covered by workers’ compensation.

For disfigurement to be compensated for, the scar must still be visible six months after the date of injury. Any scar can make a person feel self-conscious, but to receive benefits, it must be considered permanent and serious. Because scars and their impact are subjective, it is important to have an attorney experienced in cases of disfigurement.

When people think about workers’ compensation , they will often associate it with catastrophic injuries that happen on work sites. While an amputation or brain injury will likely result in a worker receiving benefits, they are also eligible if they develop an illness because of their work environment. Occupational diseases can take years to develop but can be just as devastating to a person’s health. Even when safety precautions are taken, long exposure to lead, asbestos, or other toxic chemicals will leave a lasting effect.

No matter if an injury is sudden or drawn out from years on the job, most employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. It also does not matter if the illness or injury in question was the fault of the employee or the employer. If someone is hurt, and cannot work after three days, employers are required to start paying temporary disability. Illinois law requires employees to report the accident within 45 days. When it comes to an occupational disease, it must be reported as soon as the employee is made aware of their condition.

Although workers’ compensation can be received if work conditions contribute to a pre-existing condition, these are some of the most common occupational diseases caused by a work environment.