If you get hurt at work, you may wonder how to start a workers’ compensation claim. Although filing for workers’ compensation involves several steps, staying informed and proactive throughout this process can help you manage your claim more effectively.
Report the injury
First, inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible. You are required to report work-related injuries within 45 days by telling your supervisor or a designated representative. Reporting the injury promptly ensures that you will meet legal deadlines and helps with the timely processing of your claim.
Seek medical attention
Your next step is to get medical help, and you have the right to choose your doctor. Seeing a doctor supports your recovery and provides medical records that serve as evidence for your claim.
File a claim
After notifying your employer and seeing a doctor, you will need to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). To avoid delays, ensure all the details about your injury and employment are accurate.
Attend the status call
Once your claim is filed, the IWCC schedules a status call. You or your representative must attend this call, which helps both parties stay informed about the status of your claim and what steps you might need to follow next.
Follow up and appeal if necessary
After the status call, if there are issues with your claim, you might need to appeal. This means presenting more evidence or going through a hearing process. Keeping track of all documents and correspondences about your claim is essential.
The law is designed to support you during your recovery. Following these steps ensures you are taking the right actions to support your claim and working towards a successful claim.
