What Is the Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement for a Back Injury in Illinois?
Back injuries are quite common among workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over a million workers suffer back injuries yearly. The BLS estimates that back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. Among the workers at great risk of suffering back injuries are construction workers, warehouse workers, gardeners or landscapers, truck drivers, and retail workers. Fortunately, if you suffer a back injury while at work in Illinois, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurer and recover benefits. And the good news is that because the workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system, you don’t have to prove negligence on the part of your employer to recover benefits.
If you recently suffered a back injury while on the job and are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurer, you may be wondering what the average workers’ compensation settlement is. So, what is the average workers’ compensation settlement for a back injury in Illinois? There is no average workers’ compensation settlement for a back injury, meaning it’s not easy to tell what your employer’s insurer will pay for your injury. The amount of workers’ compensation you will receive for your back injury depends on several factors, including the ones discussed below;
Factor #1: The Severity of Your Back Injury
One of the main factors that will affect the amount of workers’ compensation you will receive for your work-related back injury is the severity of your injury. The more serious your back injury, the more compensation you should expect to receive.
It is crucial to note that just because you are in a lot of pain does not mean you will receive a larger payout. You must provide medical evidence, such as MRIs, to prove your case. Another thing that can be used to determine the severity of your back injury is the treatment you have received for your injury.
Factor #2: Whether or Not You Can Return To Work
Another factor that will affect the amount of workers’ compensation you will receive for your work-related back injury is whether or not you can return to work. If you can’t return to work for a long time, or ever again, you can expect to recover more compensation because of the missed income. If, for example, you are a construction worker who suffered a back injury that resulted in severe physical restrictions that limit your ability to resume work, you have the potential to receive a larger payout.
Factor #3: The Strength of Your Case
Finally, your case’s strength will affect the workers’ compensation you will receive for your work-related back injury. If it is clear you suffered your back injury while on the job, or you have enough evidence to prove that your injury is work-related, this can result in your employer’s insurer being more generous with a settlement offer. For this reason, it is in your best interest to work with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney who can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case.
Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a work-related back injury and need help recovering the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, contact our skilled Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law.
Source:
essr.umd.edu/about/occupational-safety-health/ergonomics/back-injuries-fact-sheet#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Bureau%20of%20Labor%20Statistics%20(BLS)%2C%20more%20than%20one%20million%20workers%20suffer%20back%20injuries%20each%20year%2C%20and%20back%20injuries%20account%20for%20one%20of%20every%20five%20workplace%20injuries%20or%20illnesse