What Kinds of Work Injuries Can Cause Total Disability?

 Posted on May 10, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Illinois requires most employers to have insurance that covers employees who get hurt on the job. When employees are injured on the job badly enough that they can never fully recover, future employment can be out of the question. In cases like this, it may seem like common sense to make sure the injured employee receives permanent disability benefits. Unfortunately, employers’ insurance companies usually fight these claims and deserving victims can be left without the resources they need. If you have been injured at work, be sure to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney before you make any decisions. 

What Injuries Cause Permanent Disability? 

Construction workers, truck drivers, police officers, and other high-risk employees are at particular danger of suffering injuries that can cause permanent disability. These injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Neck and back injuries 
• Quadriplegia and paraplegia 
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations 
• Knee injuries
• Severe burns

How Can I Get Permanent Disability Benefits? 

When a workplace accident causes an injury so significant that someone cannot work again, permanent disability benefits are available. While certain injuries, such as the loss of the use of any two of a victim’s eyes, hands, feet, or legs automatically qualifies the victim for permanent disability benefits, it can be difficult to prove that other injuries have made it impossible to work again. An attorney can help make the case that permanent disability benefits are appropriate, as well as help to maximize those benefits. 

How Much Are Total Disability Benefits? 

The value of permanent disability benefits varies. It should be two-thirds of an employee’s gross average weekly salary, but determining what is an employee’s “average” salary can be subject to whichever method the employer’s insurance company decides to use. Unsurprisingly, insurance companies usually try to calculate an employee’s weekly wage in a way that minimizes the amount of money the insurance company has to pay. 

Meet with a Joliet Workplace Injury Lawyer

At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, our skilled Joliet workplace injury lawyers have seen catastrophic work injuries time and again; that is why we know how important it is to fight for the settlement you need after an injury that causes permanent disability. We have the resources and experience to fight your employers’ insurance company and secure the benefits to which you are entitled. When your future could be impacted forever by the outcome of your case, do not leave anything to chance. Call us today at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.  

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430&ChapterID=68