What is Covered Under Workers’ Comp for Truck Drivers in Illinois

If you are involved in an Illinois truck accident, there are many factors to consider when filing a workers’ compensation claim. The process can feel daunting to determine who is responsible because many businesses are involved in the transportation process.

You never have to guess where to begin or who is responsible when you work with the Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys at Holley, Rosen & Beard, LLC. We will help you navigate the complicated maze of workers’ compensation as it applies to your trucking accident and determine what compensation is available to you for your injuries.

Available Workers’ Compensation for Truck Drivers in Illinois

Workers’ compensation is available to most employees in Illinois, and injuries compensation is available under various types of coverage under the no-fault insurance system. Employers must insure employees, with few exceptions. If a trucking company employs you and you suffer injuries as a result of job duties, Illinois workers’ compensation will cover the following:

• Any medical expenses related to the injury, including doctor’s visits
• Medications
• Physical and rehabilitative therapies
• Needed home modifications
• Loss of complete or partial use of part of the body, the total or partial use of a body part, or losing partial use of the whole body is covered under permanent partial disability (PPD).
• The payment of benefits equaling two-thirds of the average weekly salary for life to individuals who are permanently disabled and cannot work because of the loss of two body parts through permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.
• The payment of two-thirds of the average weekly income under temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if the driver cannot work during recovery.
• The difference will be determined between the average driver’s income before the injury and the earnable income while on light duty. Payment of two-thirds of this amount occurs through temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits.
• Benefits are paid if a driver is permanently disabled or disfigured but can still work through permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits.
• Vocational recovery training and counseling that is approved
• Death benefits are paid to surviving family members

Workers’ Compensation as Independent Contractors

Many drivers owning their trucks set up contract agreements as independent contractors with companies requiring their transportation services. It is common to have an Illinois workers’ compensation claim denied by insurance companies if you are an independent contractor, complicating and prolonging the process of receiving compensation. But the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that independent contractors may still be eligible for benefits if injured while on the job.

This ruling determines that independent contractors may be afforded the same rights as protected employees under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Proving your claim will take experience and require detailed knowledge of the Illinois laws and rulings that ensure your benefits.

Any injured Illinois truck driver will greatly benefit from the expertise of a Springfield workers’ compensation attorney in proving their claim. And independent contractors will face additional battles that require skilled legal navigation.

Representation for Central Illinois Truck Drivers Workers’ Compensation Claims

To successfully claim the full range of benefits in Illinois workers’ compensation claims, you need a team that cares about your financial and physical recovery. Holley, Rosen & Beard, LLC is ready to work with you. We are prepared to assist you through a free initial consultation in Illinois. Various time limitations apply to filing, and these deadlines must be met. Do not hesitate to reach out today.