If you’ve been injured or become ill due to your job, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides a range of benefits to help support your recovery — regardless of who was at fault. These benefits are designed to cover medical treatment, replace lost wages, and provide long-term financial support in serious cases.
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits available to injured workers in Illinois:
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers 100% of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your work injury or illness. You do not pay deductibles, copays, or out-of-pocket costs. Covered care includes:
- Doctor visits and hospital stays
- Surgical procedures and specialist care
- Prescription medications and physical therapy
- Assistive devices, such as crutches, braces, or wheelchairs
These benefits continue for as long as your treatment is medically necessary and directly tied to your work-related condition.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If your doctor determines that you cannot work during your recovery, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability benefits. TTD provides:
- Two-thirds of your average weekly wage, including overtime
- Consideration of income from second jobs, if your employer was aware of them
- Ongoing payments until your physician clears you to return to work
These benefits help bridge the financial gap while you’re off the job and undergoing treatment.
Rehabilitation and Retraining Benefits
Injuries that prevent you from returning to your old position may make you eligible for additional support, such as:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Vocational rehabilitation or job retraining, so you can transition into a new line of work
These services are designed to help you regain function and remain employable, even if your original role is no longer feasible.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your condition leads to a lasting impairment, you may receive compensation for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you’ve lost partial use of a body part or function
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you can no longer work in any capacity due to your injury
Depending on your case, benefits may be awarded as a lump sum or ongoing weekly payments, determined by the extent of your impairment and your prior earnings.
Death Benefits
If a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness, their eligible dependents may receive:
- Compensation payments
- Coverage for funeral and burial expenses
- Ongoing financial support, as defined by Illinois law
These benefits provide essential relief to families facing the emotional and financial toll of a tragic loss.
Need Help Understanding What You’re Entitled To?
At The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm, we fight to ensure injured workers receive the full scope of benefits available under the law. If you’re unsure what you qualify for — or facing pushback from the insurance company — contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, cut through the red tape, and help you access the support you need to recover and move forward.
