Workers’ compensation is designed to help employees when they’re injured while carrying out their job duties. However, some workplace accidents result in fatalities, which can leave their families in a difficult position. Workers’ compensation accounts for this and provides benefits to eligible dependents. An added benefits for dependents workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago can provide direction.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can help you pursue added benefits for dependents after the loss of your loved one. With the support of legal representation, you can receive the help you need to navigate the claim process and secure support faster. A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer will help you complete all applicable forms and resolve any potential issues so you can recover benefits.
How an Experienced Added Benefits for Dependents Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Chicago Can Help
Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is traumatic and devastating. In one moment, your world is turned upside down, along with your financial security. As a spouse or dependent family member, you may have the right to recover death benefits through workers’ compensation. Support from a Chicago added benefits for dependents workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate the process with empathy.
The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can answer your questions and help you file a claim for added benefits under your family member’s workers’ compensation plan. We discuss your rights and legal options under workers’ compensation, as well as simplify the process. We do this by assisting you with completing forms, meeting deadlines, fulfilling requirements, and handling communications.
Workers’ compensation insurance companies aren’t focused on your best interests, so having a lawyer on your side ensures you have a strong advocate who can make your voice and needs known. This is one of the many reasons to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in these situations. They will also make sure you are compensated fairly so you can find a way to face the future and rebuild it.
How Workers’ Compensation is Structured in Illinois
Employers are required to provide employees workers’ compensation benefits to help cover medical costs and lost income if they are hurt on the job while executing their assigned duties. Employees don’t have to demonstrate negligence, so they are able to recover compensation faster, and employers are protected from liability. If a request is granted, then employees receive monetary support.
The Handbook on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) outlines the claim process, types of benefits, dispute resolution, and death benefits for an employee’s family. A deceased employee’s spouse or minor children are the primary recipients, but other dependents may be eligible if the employee didn’t have a spouse or child.
Additionally, if an employee is injured in the workplace, they may be able to request additional compensation if they are supporting a spouse, children, or other applicable dependents. Workers’ comp usually pays out two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage, but extra compensation may be granted depending on the type of injury and the number of dependents involved.
Types of Benefits Dependents May Receive if a Loved One is Injured on the Job
Dependents who have lost a loved one due to a fatal workplace injury may be eligible for death/survivor benefits. The compensation from these funds can help the employee’s spouse or children cover the cost of burial expenses and make up for lost income. Workers’ compensation pays up to $8,000 toward the cost of burial, and pays the decedent’s dependent beneficiary two-thirds of the gross average weekly wage that the employee had earned. Compensation may be periodically adjusted for cost-of-living.
For situations where a living, injured employee is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and has dependents, they can request additional funds to be included with the benefits they receive. Depending on the severity of the employee’s injury and their ability to work, benefits may include temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent partial disability, or permanent total disability.
Regardless of your situation, an experienced lawyer can help you fill out the correct forms, submit evidence, and take the right steps to make sure your claim is complete and receives fair consideration. Loss of income can be difficult on an employee’s whole family, so added benefits for dependents help alleviate some of the stress that comes with workplace injuries or fatalities.
A Chicago Added Benefits for Dependents Workers’ Comp Attorney Walks You through How to Apply
To recover workers’ compensation benefits, employees are responsible for giving notice of a work injury. In the event of a fatality, family members must provide notice of the employee’s death as soon as possible. Claimants must fill out the appropriate forms and submit evidence of injury or death, along with detailed information about the event in question and the resulting losses that were sustained.
The IWCC will review the request to see if it is eligible for benefits. If approved, the benefits will be calculated according to the appropriate formulas. Two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage will be identified, as well as the duration of payments. Some limits may apply to compensation, so it’s important to consult a lawyer about what caps or other factors may apply to your situation.
A lawyer is also beneficial for navigating disputes that can arise while requesting workers’ compensation benefits for dependents. Since workers’ comp is insurance, the company handling the employee’s plan may not cooperate, deny partially completed claims, or pay you less than you may be entitled to receive. They can also make errors. Lawyers advocate for you in these and all other situations.
Seek the Help of Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. is dedicated to fighting for you and your family. Our team strives to alleviate your stress by securing the resources you need.
We have a long track record of success, and we use that experience in your case to provide innovative solutions. Schedule a free consultation with an added benefits for dependents workers’ comp attorney in Chicago today.
