Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Workers’ Comp) is a form of protection for workers who are injured on the job. In the United States, it first made its appearance in 1912 on May 1st. It has since evolved from humble and restrictive beginnings into a more comprehensive form of legislative protection. However, since each state governs the application and form of this insurance, it can emphasize different aspects of the original intention. While it still remains a means through which workers can obtain compensation for their injuries, the issue in Illinois is what is workers’ compensation insurance today after the 2011 changes?
Alterations to Workers’ Comp
Workers’ Comp began as a means to provide monetary compensation for those employed in two dangerous fields: mining and construction. Initially, it excluded factory work making the act laughable. In fact, the various parties concluded this piece of legislation was ineffective and invalid. The result was an overhaul in 1913.
A new Workers’ Compensation Act was drafted. In Illinois and throughout the United States, the judicial system saw fit to uphold this new piece of legislation. During the years that followed, the applicability of this Act increased, embracing more-and-more occupations. Today, it is inclusive, but certain types of employees still lack coverage under the law. Moreover, in Illinois, changes to the Act in 2011 altered significantly the existing dynamics between employees and employers. Some advocates for employees feel the Act currently works in favor of the employer at the expense of the employee. The change, however, has not affected what specific health issues and injuries the Act currently covers.
What Injuries Does the Act Cover?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act is inclusive in many ways. It embraces compensation for most employment-related injuries and/or diseases. However, at I Am Calling My Lawyer, we also understand the restrictions in play. The harm or damage must specifically have a co-relation to the employee’s job. It must occur within the confines of or as a result of the work performed for the employer.
Benefits under Workers Compensation
If your lawyer can prove the action is permissible under the Act, he or she can then ask for benefits for his or her client in the following areas:
- Medical Expenses
- Temporary Total Disability
- Permanent Partial Disability
- Temporary Partial Permanent Disability
Our attorneys can also ask for funds to sponsor your retraining. It will depend upon the attorneys handling the case as to which is the best feasible approach to take.
What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
When you ask, “What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?” you need to examine the legislation as it currently stands in Illinois. You also have to closely at the relationship between the employer, the employee and the resultant health issue. At I am Calling My Lawyer, we are capable of quickly, efficiently and effectively analyzing the situation and providing you the right answers to all your work-related questions.
