Getting sick or injured from work affects a worker not only physically and mentally but also financially. Fortunately, the law requires Illinois employers to compensate their employees for injuries and illnesses resulting from their jobs. This compensation can cover medical care, therapy and lost wages. However, not all claims are automatically valid. There are specific conditions that the situation must meet before an employer pays workers’ compensation.
Elements for eligibility
Before a worker can be awarded compensation, they must prove that the following conditions exist:
- There is an employer-employee relationship at the time the illness or injury was sustained
- The injury or illness occurred while performing employment duties and tasks
- The nature and severity of the injuries or illness sustained
The third condition will be the basis for the amount of compensation. Claimants may provide medical documentation, employment records and accident reports to prove the conditions above.
Injuries outside of the workplace
How about injuries sustained away from the workplace? Generally, employees who get injured outside of the workplace are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the worker happens to be away from the workplace as part of their job or as ordered by their employer, then they may be able to claim benefits.
The first step
If your situation meets the conditions mentioned above, you must inform your employer within 45 days of the incident, and your employer must notify their company insurer. Any employee can feel lost and intimidated by the process, but understanding how a worker can qualify for compensation benefits is the first step in making a claim.