Do you need to file an Illinois workers compensation claim? Are you wondering if you have a case? One of the most common questions injured workers ask is, “How much is my case worth?”

Ultimately, the answer depends on a variety of different factors based on the Illinois Workers Compensation Act.

Under the law, when an employee is injured on the job, they are entitled to compensation from the moment the injury began to cost them any lost time from work.

What Should You Do If You’re Injured At Work in Illinois?

There are some ways to speed up the process when it comes to collecting compensation.

While the law protects employees who are injured on the job or while performing job-related duties, it’s still in your best interest to protect yourself.

Some things to do in the aftermath of an injury:

• Report your injury as soon as possible. Be honest about how/why the injury occurred to prevent inconsistencies in your story. It is also important to move fact in order to prevent your inability to work from preventing you from paying your bills.
• See a doctor. Because you may not recognize an injury for what it is, it’s important to seek medical attention to verify your injury, which creates a stronger case for compensation.
• Keep a journal. Write down your memories of the accident after it happens and chart your progress toward improved health. You can also use your journal to keep track of all related medical bills.

Illinois Workers Compensation Benefits May Be Immediate; Settlements Vary

Illinois Workers Compensation InformationBenefits are immediate as a way to provide medical care and a salary for an injured employee as temporary total disability, and workers are eligible for a lump sum for their injuries as permanent partial disability, depending on certain factors.

They include:

• A physicians rating, which is an impairment report prepared by a physician using American Medical Association guidelines.
• The age of the injured employee. (Younger people with permanent injuries stand to lose more income over time, so are likely to receive a higher workers’ comp settlement.)
• The future earning capacity of the employee.
• The physical and educational requirements of the occupation at the time of the injury.
• Evident of disability associated with the injury.

There are always variables, however. Those with higher salaries are often eligible for more money, and those who receive more medical care as a result of their injury will also see bigger payouts in order to cover the costs associated with that care.

Schedule of Injuries: What An Injury Is Worth in Illinois

Illinois rates for the compensable value of body parts are significantly higher than those of the national average, according to data.

In Illinois, workers compensation varies depending up the loss.

Some estimates include:

• $269,980
• $249,869
• $134,237
• $61,064
• Index Finger. $34,083
• Middle finger. $30,752
• Ring finger. $24,108
• Pinky finger. $18,617
• $135,640
• Big toe. $28,312
• $138,890
• $1,660
• $45,859.

Other Illinois Workers Comp Benefits

Injuries that don’t result in amputation of an extremity or the loss of a body part can be equally catastrophic. Injuries that are not on the schedule but would be covered by a workers’ comp claim are paid at 60 percent of the average weekly wage for the number of weeks – up to 500 – that are deemed eligible for compensation.

For example, any permanent disfigurement is eligible for up to 162 weeks of benefits.

Depending on the injury, vocational rehabilitation and maintenance benefits are also available if a worker cannot return to his or her pre-injury job. Compensation includes treatment, instruction, and training as well as maintenance costs such as funds for living expenses and other incidentals until the employee is able to take on a new position at the company or seek new employment.

The law does not specifically address future medical expenses, but an arbitrator can set aside a portion of any lump-sum settlement to be designated for future medical expenses.

Attorney fees are in most cases capped at 20 percent of the total compensation covered, although there are a variety of different factors allowing attorneys to charge more.

Some Work Injuries Aren’t Covered Under Workers Comp

Unlike other workers, railroad workers aren’t covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, but instead can file work injury lawsuits under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act.

In 2010, a Chicago railroad conductor won $9 million dollars when he filed suit against the Chicago-based CSX Transportation over a 2007 fall he attributed to unsafe working conditions. In the fall, he fractured his leg, sustained a neck injury that required surgery and suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused the loss of short-term memory.

Injuries are common for railway workers, so lawsuits are not uncommon.

Some injuries that are high risk for railroad workers include:

• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Injuries associated with a train accident
• Joint injuries
• Burn injuries
• Slip-and-fall injuries
• Hand and wrist injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Elbow injuries
• Knee injuries

Lawsuit amounts in Illinois also will vary depending on your injuries.

Were You Injured at Work in Illinois And Need An Attorney?

While you may not think you need an attorney to help you with your workers’ comp case, it’s important to have someone in your corner ready to take on your employer’s insurance company, or if your case isn’t covered under traditional workers’ compensation.

The right lawyer can help prevent insurance companies from dragging out the process, putting you in a desperate position that could cause you to return to work unsafely in order to prevent losing the house or car, rendering your claim null and void.

You want the right attorney to help you navigate the challenging, complicated legal system and win.

Call today to schedule a free consultation. You don’t pay us a dollar until your case is settled.