Are Seasonal Workers in Illinois Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Seasonal workers are any workers who are employed in temporary employment situations that repeat themselves yearly around the same time. The work that a seasonal worker does is generally exclusive to a specific season of the year in a particular place, which is why they do not work all year round. Seasonal workers can be an invaluable asset to employers. Some common industries for seasonal workers in the U.S. are retail, tourism, agriculture, construction, and farming.
Seasonal workers are susceptible to work-related injuries and illnesses like any other employee. If you are a seasonal worker in Illinois, you may wonder if you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after you suffer a work-related injury or illness. So, are seasonal workers in Illinois eligible for workers’ compensation benefits?
In Illinois, seasonal workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Although seasonal workers do not work full-time or year-round, they meet the state’s definition of an employee for the purposes of workers’ compensation eligibility.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are You Entitled to as a Seasonal Worker in Illinois?
After suffering a work-related injury or illness as a seasonal worker in Illinois, you may receive the same benefits as any other employee. The standard workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois include the following;
- Medical expenses: This may include the fees and expenses for doctor’s visits, medications, and procedures.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits: You may be eligible to recover these benefits if you are unable to work while recuperating.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits: If you resume work with restrictions, like light duty, you could be entitled to TPD benefits.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits: These benefits are awarded to a worker who suffers a physical impairment, amputation, or disfigurement but can perform work at some level.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits: You may be eligible to recover PTD benefits if you are permanently disabled and can no longer work in any capacity.
Calculating the Average Weekly Wage for Seasonal Workers
In Illinois, temporary total disability and permanent total disability payout two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage (AWW). Temporary partial disability and permanent partial disability benefits are two-thirds of the difference between an employee’s AWW before their injury or illness and their AWW after their injury or illness. Because seasonal workers do not work full-time or year-round, their AWW may vary significantly from that of full-time employees. This may make it hard to calculate a seasonal worker’s disability benefit payment amounts. Fortunately, a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you calculate your disability benefit payment amounts.
Steps to Take After Suffering an Injury or Illness as a Seasonal Worker
In order to protect your right to recover workers’ compensation benefits as a seasonal worker, there are certain steps you should take after suffering a work injury or illness. They include the following;
- Inform your employer about your injury or illness as soon as possible. Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, you have up to 45 days to report your injury or illness to your employer.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Ensure your employer submits the workers’ compensation report
- Seek the help of an attorney
Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness as a seasonal worker in Illinois, contact our skilled and dedicated Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law for help with your workers’ compensation claim.
