If Injured on the Job in Illinois, What Are My Rights?

If you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. To exercise your rights, you need to take the proper steps at the onset of a claim. Your Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury attorney at Capron & Avgerinos is here to help you start the process.

In Illinois, you have the right to:

1. Consult with an attorney without fear of discharge or discrimination.
2. Select two doctors at company expense, not counting referrals from doctor to doctor. An employer may form a "preferred provider program" (PPO) to treat injured employees. While you are not required to treat with a doctor through the PPO program, the decision not to do so will be considered one of your two "choices" of medical care.
3. Receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you are unable to return to work.
4. Receive a wage supplement if you return to a restricted duty job while under medical care.
5. Receive vocational rehabilitation or job retraining if you are permanently unable to return to your former occupation.
6. Receive additional money if your injury results in permanent disability. If your injury causes you to change jobs, resulting in a decrease in your earning capabilities, you might be awarded differential payments. If you cannot return to any work as a result of the injury, you could be eligible for permanent disability benefits for life.
7. Recover from any third party who contributed to the cause of your injury.

You also might have the right to collect Social Security Disability benefits in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits.

Remember to consult your attorney: the better informed you are, the stronger your case will be.

What Are My Rights?

• Illinois Workers' Compensation
• Iowa Workers' Compensation
• Illinois and Iowa Personal Injury