Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo[/caption] If you were injured in a work-related accident, you are most likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Under Illinois law, with a few exceptions, injured workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In fact, even those accidents and injuries that occur outside of the workplace may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits as long as the injuries were sustained in the course of employment. For instance, if an employee’s job responsibilities require that he or she operate a motor vehicle, and he or she is injured in an auto accident while on the job, the injured worker is likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Just because an injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, however, does not mean that the employer’s insurance company will promptly pay the benefits. In many cases, an employer’s insurance company will delay, reduce, or deny auto accident workers’ compensation benefits. If this happens, an injured worker can file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, the injured worker may also be able to recover money damages in a personal injury lawsuit against any negligent third parties. Although an injured worker is prohibited from suing his or her employer following a work-related accident, the injured worker is not prohibited from pursuing any applicable third-party claims. For instance, you were injured as a result of defective machinery, you may be able to obtain money damages from the equipment manufacturer. If you were injured in a work-related car accident, you may be able to obtain money damages from the negligent motorist. And if you were injured in a slip and fall on the premises of a third-party, you may be able to obtain money damages from the property owner. Unlike workers’ compensation benefits, which are limited to a percentage of the injured workers’ salary, personal injury damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If you are in a work-related auto accident, or other work-related accident that may involve third part liability, you should first seek medical attention. In some instance, such as in the case of a car crash, you should also notify the police. As soon as possible, you should notify your employer or manager of the work-related auto accident in order to protect your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you contact a Chicago personal injury attorney if you were injured in a work-related accident. The Chicago accident and injury lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish are dedicated to helping accident and injury victims obtain maximum financial recovery from all possible sources following a work-related auto accident. We will guide you through the workers’ compensation claim process and represent you in connection with any applicable third-party claims, as well. Contact Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish at (312) 782-1386 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about a possible personal injury lawsuit. Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
