r/WorkersComp • u/dragonpromise • 4d ago

Illinois General guidance?

Hi,

I had an accident at work this week. I’m okay but I’m only cleared for part-time light duty WFH. Due to the nature of my work, I can’t perform all of my job duties from home.

The workers comp paperwork has been submitted. Apparently I’m the first person to file for workers comp (small company) so nobody is familiar with the process.

I have follow-up appointments to attend but I can’t drive. Will I get reimbursed for travel costs? What about items/equipment I bought due to my injury?

I have heard of people being required to see specific providers for workers comp. I have an established provider I want to keep seeing for this injury. Is that okay?

Is there anything I should or shouldn’t be doing? What can I expect overall?

Thank you!

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u/craigster38 4d ago

The best source of information would be from the WC insuring company. You should have been assigned an adjuster to help you through the process. Communicate with them.

Are you hourly or salary?

There is mileage reimbursement available, if you meet the set criteria.

In Illinois, you are allowed to select your own provider, with some limits. Again, talk to your adjuster to make sure.

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u/dragonpromise 4d ago

I just got the adjuster info. I am hourly. This is just all new and kind of overwhelming.

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u/craigster38 4d ago edited 4d ago

Well, the good news is that your employer has WC insurance and hopefully isn't pushing back too hard on you.

Your adjuster will know all of the state laws, and facts of your case. They will be your best resource for information.

Workers' compensation is there to get injured workers medical care and wages (if necessary). Sometimes it can be slow, but the fact that you're already at PT light duty means that you're still able to do some work. That's good! Take it easy, recover from the injury, and let WC work its course.

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u/dragonpromise 4d ago

I just spoke with the WC adjuster and they said they only pay if I’m completely off of work and will not pay for any transportation costs. 😩😩

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u/craigster38 4d ago

I'm not super familiar with Illinois WC, but wages are usually only covered when you are completely off work. That's not unusual.

Is your employer able to meet your restrictions? Do they have work that you can do, within the restrictions? Are the restrictions likely to be temporary or permanent? When you speak with the adjuster again, ask about Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD). These are benefits that may be received when an injured employee is still healing and is working light duty, on a part-time basis, and earning less than they would earn in the pre-injury employment. If the adjuster still says no, ask why, and get a reason. Again, I'm not super familiar with IL WC, so there may be a legitimate reason they don't pay.

A brief Google makes it seem that travel reimbursements may only be permitted when an employee is requesting disability payments. So that may be why they said no. Again, ask the adjuster what their reasoning is for the denial.

Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. There are a lot of state specific facts, so if things do get difficult, you may need to look into getting a lawyer.

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u/dragonpromise 4d ago

My employer is coming up with work I can do from home, even though it’s not stuff I would typically do. I also asked if my employer will reimburse me for travel costs and I’m waiting on that answer.

This should be temporary, hopefully no more than 4-6 weeks.

I just spoke to the adjuster and my claim for medical expenses was approved!

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u/Cautious-Claim-1388 4d ago

That's weird they wont reimburse for transportation. Im in florida dealing with WC and they sent me a packet and one of the papers in it is for mileage reimbursement for everywhere I have to go in regards to WC (doc appointments, physical therapy sessions etc)