How Long Does it Take to Get My Money From Illinois Workers’ Comp?

If you have suffered an injury while working in Illinois, you may be concerned about missing income. Every day you miss could put additional pressure on you financially, and you may wonder when you’re going to receive compensation. If you’re facing delays in receiving compensation for missed income, consider speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago.

You Must Report Your Injury as Soon as Possible 

If you want to receive workers’ compensation payments as quickly as possible, you should provide your employer with a report of your injury immediately after the accident. The longer you delay, the longer your payments may take to arrive. This is because your employer generally has 14 days to provide payment after receiving your injury report.

If you are not sure how to create an injury report, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. However, this process is not complex – and you can download the necessary forms online.

What if Your Payments Are Late? 

If you haven’t received any compensation payments and it has been more than two weeks since you reported your injury, consider speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Illinois. These legal professionals can help you communicate with the Workers’ Compensation Commission and fight for your payments.

It Might Take Longer to Receive Your Compensation After a Serious Injury 

If you only missed a few days or weeks due to injury, the normal 14-day deadline will probably apply. However, this timeline could be much longer if you suffered a serious injury. In this situation, you may need to pursue a settlement instead of normal missed wage compensation. It could take months or even years to negotiate a settlement with the Workers’ Compensation Commission, depending on your unique situation.

You also need to be aware of something called Maximum Medical Improvement or “MMI.” After a severe injury, you might need to wait until reaching MMI before pursuing compensation. This is because the true consequences of your injuries will not be clear until you reach MMI.

For example, doctors might give you a 40% chance of walking again after a crush injury at a factory. You might have to wait six months before determining whether you will regain the use of your legs. At this point, you can pursue an accurate, fair amount of compensation that reflects the true extent of your injuries.

 Key Takeaways 

• Your employer has 14 days to provide you with compensation
• This two-week time limit begins when your employer becomes aware of your injury
• It might take longer to receive a settlement payment after a serious injury

 Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?

The workers’ compensation program in Illinois is legally required to provide all employees with compensation for missed income due to injury. If you are experiencing any challenges in this regard, you might want to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago. These legal professionals can help explain the general process and fight for your rights on your behalf. To learn more about the next steps, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources: 

iwcc.illinois.gov/resources/faq.html

iwcc.illinois.gov/