The checklist below will assist you in taking the proper steps to secure your benefits:
and protect your rights under the Illinois Workers' Compensation:

• Make sure to notify your employer as soon as possible after your accident- Although the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act allows you forty-five days to notify your employer of your accident, the sooner the better.

• Keep a copy of the accident report form- If your employer requires you to complete an accident report form, keep a copy for your records. NEVER sign a blank accident report form. 

• Obtain the name and contact information of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier from your employer- Your employer is required by law to post the contact information in a prominent area at your place of employment.

• Seek medical treatment from your own doctor- If necessary seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident.  Although your employer may direct you to a company clinic or doctor, you DO NOT have to be treated by the company doctor

• Give a complete and accurate history of your accident to all your treating doctors- It is very important to give complete, accurate and consistent histories to all your treating physicians.  Any inconsistencies in your histories could raise a red flag and result in your claim being denied by the insurance company.

• Make sure to get an “off work” note from your doctor if your doctor feels that you are unable to work because of your injuries- You must be off work pursuant to your doctor’s orders in ordered to receive workers’ compensation benefits. 

• Make sure to give your employer and the insurance company a copy of the off work note- You should keep your employer and the insurance updated on your medical status.  Failure to notify the insurance company of your medical status could result in having your benefits interrupted.

• Make sure to keep all scheduled medical appointments, i.e. follow-up visits, physical therapy– It is important to keep all your scheduled medical appointments.  Regularly failing to keep these appointments will result in your benefits being stopped by the insurance company.

• Keep a copy of all correspondence, check stubs and any other documentation pertaining to your workers’ compensation claim- It is important to keep complete and accurate records of your claim in the event of a dispute or denial from the insurance company.                   

By following the above checklist you will be doing everything possible to ensure that you receive your workers’ compensation benefits in a timely manner.  

REMEMBER:  If your claim for workers’ compensation benefits has been denied by your employer’s insurance company, it DOES NOT mean that you do not have a claim.   If you are being told by the insurance company that your claim has been closed, and you have not signed lump sum settlement contracts, you may still have a viable claim. 

For more information about how you can protect rights under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act., contact Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd., at 800-437-2751, or complete our  confidential contact form.