Rockford, Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Gary represented me in my Workers Comp case and Newland and Newland are GREAT!!! Gary's paralegal Lupe was wonderful and was a great go between, they do good work and care about their clients. Definitely recommended!!

Work-related injuries can happen in a wide variety of situations. When people are hurt while working in Illinois, the workers' compensation system can provide them with financial support. While workers' comp benefits will usually be available no matter who was responsible for a worker's injuries, the process of filing claims and obtaining compensation can be complex.

When an injury has occurred while you were at work, the attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP can help you understand your rights and make sure you receive the proper benefits. We will guide you through the workers' compensation process, taking steps to maximize the benefits you can receive and determining whether additional compensation through third-party claims.

How Illinois Workers' Compensation Works

Almost all employers in Illinois are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. This coverage ensures that benefits are available to workers who are injured, and a person will not need to prove that their employer was careless or negligent. As long as an injury was related to a person's work, they will generally be able to receive workers' compensation benefits.

Injuries and Conditions Covered by Workers' Compensation

Workers' comp will cover injuries caused by workplace accidents as well as occupational diseases and conditions that develop over time as a result of a person's work duties. Common workplace injuries that may be addressed through workers' compensation claims include:

• Back and neck injuries, including herniated discs and spinal fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries caused by falls or being struck by a falling object
• Broken bones
• Shoulder, knee, and other joint injuries
• Lacerations
• Cush injuries
• Amputations
• Burns from fires, chemical exposure, or electrocutions
• Occupational diseases such as mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure
• Hearing loss caused by prolonged exposure to noise
• Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Workers' Compensation Benefits in Illinois

Medical Benefits

Workers' compensation will cover all medical treatment that may be necessary to address a work injury. An injured worker will not be required to pay any out-of-pocket costs. Benefits may cover emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical devices.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

When a work injury prevents an employee from working at all while they are recovering, they may be paid temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. A person may receive compensation for two-thirds of their average weekly wage before they were injured. Benefits will continue for as long as the worker is unable to work.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits

When a worker can return to work in a limited capacity, temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits may be available. These benefits will compensate the worker for two-thirds of the difference between their average weekly wage before they were injured and the reduced wages they receive following their injury.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

When work-related injuries lead to permanent impairments that will not completely prevent a person from working, they may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits are typically calculated based on injuries to different body parts and the extent of the loss of use of those body parts. A person may receive compensation based on the wages they would earn over a specific number of weeks to address their permanent disabilities.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits

When a work injury is serious enough to prevent a person from working at all for the remainder of their career, they can receive permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. These benefits provide a person with two-thirds of the average weekly wages they earned prior to their injury, and they will continue for the rest of a person's life.

Vocational Rehabilitation

When an injured worker will be unable to return to their previous job, workers' compensation may provide services such as job retraining, educational opportunities, assistance with job placements, and other resources. These benefits may help a person reenter the workforce and find a job that will fit within any limitations caused by an injury.

Death Benefits

When a workplace accident or occupational disease leads to a person's death, their spouse and children may receive death benefits through workers' compensation. In general, these benefits may provide a family with two-thirds of the person's average weekly wage for a certain amount of time. Benefits may also help cover burial expenses.

When Third-Party Claims May Be Filed

Workers' compensation will not fully address all of the losses a person may suffer due to a work injury. Disability benefits will only cover two-thirds of the income a person has lost, and workers' comp will not address pain and suffering. When a party other than an employer was responsible for a worker's injury, a person may be able to receive additional compensation by filing a third-party claim.

By taking legal action against a third party, a person may be able to receive compensation for all of the damages they have suffered. They may be compensated for their pain and suffering, the full amount of wages they have lost, and issues that have affected their quality of life. Third-party claims may address:

• Construction site accidents in which contractors, subcontractors, or other parties were responsible for a person's injuries.
• Motor vehicle accidents that occur while a worker is driving as part of their job duties.
• Injuries caused by defective equipment, tools, or machinery.
• Exposure to toxic substances because of a manufacturer or supplier's failure to provide warnings about potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Compensation in Rockford

Contact Our Rockford, IL Workers' Compensation Attorneys

A workplace injury can affect your ability to earn a living, support your family, and maintain your health. You deserve to receive workers' compensation benefits to address the ways a work-related injury has affected your life. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys can assist with your workers' comp claim and make sure you receive the full benefits you deserve. Contact our Rockford workers' comp lawyers at 847-797-8000 to arrange a free consultation.