This blog recently discussed a fatal workplace accident in Illinois. Because of the dangers of the workplace, it is important for injured workers and family members of workers killed on a job site to be familiar with workers’ compensation protections in Illinois.
Following a fatal workplace accident, death benefits may be available to surviving family members who have lost their loved one due to a workplace injury or occupational illness. Workers’ compensation death benefits can help with funeral expenses and other losses. Following a nonfatal workplace accident that leaves a worker injured, one of the primary concerns of injured workers and their families is how they will receive the medical care and treatment they need which is covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Workers can receive help with the medical care and treatment they need for their injuries.
In addition, wage replacement benefits are available based on the different circumstances the injured worker may find themselves in. If the injured worker is temporarily totally disabled for a period of time, workers’ compensation benefits may help with wage losses. If the injured worker is temporarily partially disabled for a period of time, workers’ compensation benefits may help with the permanent harm the injured worker suffered. If the injured worker is permanently totally disabled, workers’ compensation benefits may be able to help with the total disability they suffered.
Because of the value of workers’ compensation benefits for injured workers and their family members, they should be familiar with how they can obtain workers’ compensation benefits and what they can do for them, including death benefits. Workers should be able to rely on their safety at work but when they cannot, worker’s compensation benefits are available to help them and their families during a difficult time.