Chicago Lost Wages Attorney Helps Workers Recover Compensation
Employers' insurers are responsible for paying for lost wages when to injured and disabled employees
Job-related accidents with serious injuries can cost workers their earning ability and leave them monetarily stranded. If you can't work while you recuperate from injuries or you are left totally or partially disabled in the long term, the loss of income can be devastating to you and your family. Wolfe Law, P.C. in Chicago helps injured and disabled employees throughout northern Illinois get the maximum reimbursement available through workers' compensation.
What happens if I suffer wage loss due to a workplace accident?
Workers' comp is a no-fault insurance system designed to quickly reimburse employees after an accident without need of litigation. Employees can recover reimbursement of medical and rehabilitation costs associated with the illness or injury, as well as partial lost wages. But obtaining benefits requires proving that you were injured, that the injury was related to your job and that you have been left unable to perform your regular job duties. Your employer and the insurance company may fight you on the claim, arguing that you had a preexisting condition or that your injuries are not as serious as you assert. As a lawyer with more than 40 years of experience handling workplace accident cases, I can advocate effectively for your right to compensation for your lost wages.
What lost wages are covered by Illinois workers' compensation?
When you cannot work in the Chicago area due to a workplace injury or illness, the workers' compensation you can receive for lost wages depends on your disability classification. You might fall into one of these categories:
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Temporary total disability — If you are unable to work at all for a temporary period due to a work-related injury or illness, you can get partial lost wage compensation. This is typically two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, subject to statutory limits. Your lost wage payments will continue until a doctor says that you can return to work on full or light duty.
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Permanent total disability — If a doctor finds you have reached maximum medical improvement and cannot return to work in any capacity, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages for the rest of your life, subject to the state's maximum rate.
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Temporary partial disability — If you can perform some of your work duties or take on a less physically demanding job, you can be compensated at two-thirds of the difference between the salary you normally earned and what you are earning in the new, lesser-paying position.
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Permanent partial disability — If your injury results in a permanent impairment but does not prevent you from returning to some form of work, compensation is based on a percentage of loss of use of a body part, such as a hand, arm or leg, or on other injuries that impair your ability to perform certain tasks.
If a worker dies because of a workplace accident or illness, eligible dependents may receive a death benefit calculated based on the worker's average weekly wage. This benefit can last for 25 years or until $500,000 has been paid, whichever is greater.
Contact a workers' compensation attorney you can trust for help with lost wages
The firm of Wolfe Law, P.C., with offices in Chicago, helps northern Illinois residents recover lost wages and other workers' compensation insurance benefits after work-related injuries or illnesses. Contact my firm at 844-908-1693 or contact me online to arrange a free case consultation.
