Most of us have held jobs at companies with more than one employee, and we’ve heard of workers’ compensation insurance as mandated coverage that protects employees and employers if a worker is injured on the job. Thankfully, some of us have never had to use this coverage, but we know it’s there in case a situation arises where it’s needed.
No matter how safe we try to be while we’re working, accidents still happen, resulting in injuries and illnesses. If you or a loved one has suffered harm on the job, a qualified LaSalle workers’ compensation lawyer is ready to help you file for the financial support you are owed.
Who Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover?
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, all employers with one or more employees have automatic coverage for any employee who becomes injured or falls ill. The only exceptions to this are agricultural enterprises, sole proprietors, or limited liability companies. Some employers can choose to self-insure and must go through an application approval process with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
As stated in Section 6b of the Act, employers must maintain accurate records of and report to the Commission any illness or injury that arises out of and in the course of employment that results in the loss of more than 3 scheduled work days. Section 6c states that injured employees should report their accident as soon as is practicable and no later than 45 days after the incident occurred, otherwise they may not be eligible for benefits.
If you’re unsure that your employer has coverage, you can search on the IWCC website, or you can contact a workers’ compensation attorney at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP.
Most Dangerous Illinois Occupations
According to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 112,500 private industry nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported. Of those, 23,700 were in goods-producing industries such as natural resources and mining, construction, and manufacturing, while another 38,900 were in the trade, transportation, and utilities industries.
Additionally, other BLS data shows that in 2022, there were 177 occupational fatal injuries reported in our state, with 127 of those reported in the following top five most fatal industries:
- Trade, transportation, and utilities: 54
- Construction: 27
- Manufacturing: 20
- Leisure and hospitality: 14
- Natural resources and mining: 12
Any occupation or industry can be dangerous, no matter how many regulations or safety tips are followed. Between employers purchasing cheap or after-market materials or third-party contractors dropping off supplies in busy walkways or work areas, there can be many opportunities for accidents in any workplace.
A LaSalle workers’ compensation lawyer in our office is ready to help you understand your right to take legal action if you’re hurt to ensure you can afford quality care and make financial ends meet in light of your lost wages. Contact us for assistance today.
Common Workplace Injuries
Accidents happen all around us, and even the most severe of incidents can be prevented. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has tips to prevent the top four construction hazards, which are falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocutions.
That earlier cited BLS data on workplace fatalities in Illinois suggested that occupations with the highest numbers of worker deaths included:
- 75 transportation incidents
- 30 exposures to harmful substances or environments
- 26 acts of violence and other injuries by persons or animals
- 23 falls, slips, and trips
Falls are known to be one of the most common causes of injury to anyone, as noted by OSHA and the statistics shown previously. In fact, it’s estimated by the National Safety Council (NSC) that workplace falls cause 20% of reported injuries across the United States.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Most workers’ compensation claims are straightforward, or they should be. However, sometimes an employer might deny a worker’s claim or maybe a settlement from an employer doesn’t cover all of your medical bills. In any case, it’s best to have a LaSalle workers’ compensation lawyer on your side to help walk you through the claims process.
The legal representatives at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP have the experience to handle all the details of your claim, from the initial filing to pursuing a settlement in court if necessary. Legal paperwork is the last thing you should have to worry about when recovering from an injury, so contact our office today and let us help you get the compensation you’re owed.
