The Types of Benefits Covered by Workers’ Comp

When you're injured on the job, you should be getting the care you need and receiving the compensation you deserve. As top workers’ compensation lawyers in Northern Illinois, our team is here to help. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, an injured worker is entitled to compensation for medical costs as well as wages lost while they are unable to work.

The following benefits are covered by workers' compensation in Illinois:

Medical

Workers’ compensation covers the necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses. This might include things like doctor visits, hospital costs, prescriptions, physical therapy and more.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

TTD benefits provide income replacement for injured workers. This benefit is designed to replace a portion of an injured worker's lost wages while they are recovering and cannot perform their regular work duties or earn their regular wages. A worker injured on the job who cannot return to work in any capacity until they've recovered under orders of their doctor can receive TTD benefits. Workers who are given restrictions, but whose employer is unable to offer work within their restrictions, are also eligible for TTD benefits.

For workers eligible for TTD, lost wage benefits begin after a waiting period of three working days and continue to be paid as long as the disability exists. If the injured worker is unable to work for more than 14 days, the employer then becomes responsible for paying for the first three days of wages that were previously missed. During this time, the individual is paid two-thirds of their original wages, and this income is not taxable by state or federal governments.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

TPD benefits apply to injured workers who return to work, but in a limited capacity. An injured worker who is unable to work their regular hours due to restrictions from their doctor or who is paid a lower wage by their employer while working lighter duties is eligible for TPD benefits.

Workers eligible for TPD usually receive two-thirds of the difference between their old and new wages until they have fully recovered. You must have a statement from your doctor saying you are unable to work at your current job at full capacity due to your injury.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

PPD benefits are for workers whose injuries cause permanent impairment, but don't prevent the worker from working or performing some employment duties. Typically, this means the worker is not able to perform all the duties they were prior to sustaining their injury. PPD is meant to compensate the employee for any permanent residual disability that was caused by the work accident.

PPD benefits are not owed until an employee is at maximum medical improvement which usually is when they are done treating or reached a point of healing where their condition will not likely improve further.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

PTD benefits are for workers who sustain a permanent injury or illness that results in the inability to ever return to work in any capacity.

To be eligible for PTD, the injured worker must first reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), which occurs when an injured person reaches a state where their injury or illness cannot be improved by any further medical treatment. If the injured worker’s doctor determines that the person cannot return to work in any capacity or has such severe restrictions that they are unable to secure employment given their age, education, training, skills and restrictions, they may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits for life.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If a worker is unable to return to their previous job due to injury but may be able to secure other employment with assistance, they may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits help injured workers find and keep a job. This benefit can include retraining or job placements services.

Death Benefits

If a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or illness, their dependents (like their spouse or children) may be eligible for death benefits. This may include funeral expenses and ongoing weekly payments based on the deceased worker's weekly wage.

You don’t have to navigate the complex workers’ compensation system alone. As Rockford, Illinois’ top workers’ compensation law firm, Black & Jones helps people like you file claims and receive compensation. We can help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today at (815) 967-9000 or fill out our online form for your free consultation.