As an employer in Illinois, it’s crucial to understand the state’s workers’ compensation laws to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees, as well as to protect your business from potential financial losses due to workplace injuries.
Workers’ compensation insurance provides medical care and lost wage benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This blog post will discuss the damages covered under Illinois workers comp.
Traumatic Physical Injuries
Employees who suffer a traumatic physical injury during work are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This category of injuries includes any physical harm that results from a sudden and unexpected event, such as falls, slips, and trips. Traumatic physical injuries often lead to fractures, concussions, lacerations, and strains.
Occupational Diseases
Occupational diseases result from prolonged exposure to the workplace environment. This may include mesothelioma, asbestosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hearing loss. If an employee suffers from an occupational disease due to the nature of the job, they may be entitled to Illinois workers comp benefits.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries occur due to repeated, continuous motions that cause damage to joints, tendons, and muscles. They may result from typing, packaging, and repeatedly using tools. Employees who develop a medical condition due to repetitive motion may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Mental Health Injuries
Mental health injuries are increasingly recognized as workplace injuries that can result in long-term damage- especially in high-stress jobs. If an employee suffers from stress-related anxiety, depression, or any other mental health illness due to the workplace, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Vision or Hearing Loss
Employees who experience loss of vision or hearing due to workplace accidents can receive workers’ compensation law coverage. These losses may be due to chemical exposure or loud noises in the workplace.
Burns
Burns are a common workplace injury ranging from mild to severe, causing disfigurement, nerve damage, and even death. Employees who suffer from a burn injury during work may be entitled to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
Occupational Diseases
Employees contracting an occupational disease due to workplace conditions may be eligible for Illinois workers comp benefits. Common illnesses include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other respiratory infections caused by long-term exposure to toxins or asbestos.
Mental Health Issues
The workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety, leading to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. Employees above that work-related conditions caused their illness or disease may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Fatal Injuries
In worst-case scenarios, employees may suffer injuries that result in death. Their dependents or beneficiaries are entitled to death benefits to cover funeral expenses, lost wages, and other costs.
What kind of injuries are covered under Illinois workers comp?
Illinois workers comp supports employees who sustain workplace injuries while protecting employers from expensive lawsuits. Knowing and abiding by workers’ compensation laws can benefit employers and employees in the long run.
Employers should be wary of occupational hazards and take necessary safety precautions to ensure their workers’ compensation claims can be minimal and effectively handled when needed.
