When you’re injured on the job, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is filling out paperwork. This is especially true when you need medical care immediately. In order to receive compensation for your medical bills related to the work accident and/or lost wages, your employer will need to complete Illinois Form 45 or Employer’s First Report of Injury.
The Workers’ Compensation Act requires that this form must be filed by an employer to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission whenever an injury results in an employee missing more than three days of work. Fatal accidents have to be reported within two days. The form contains where, when and how the accident happened, as well as where the employee sought medical treatment. The form also inquires whether the employee was seen in an emergency room and/or spent the night in a hospital.
Workers’ compensation is insurance paid for by the employer that pays for medical care, lost wages, rehabilitation, disability and survivor’s benefits. If an employee is injured and the employer is not covered by workers’ compensation, then he or she can be fined and held liable for the employee’s medical expenses, lost wages and much more.
If a report is required to be completed for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Form 45 may be used. However, OSHA Form 301 is not authorized for use as an accident report for the Workers’ Compensation Commission because Illinois state law requires more information than what is contained on the OSHA form.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can file an appeal. It’s a good idea to have legal representation and at Hannigan Botha & Sievers, Ltd., we would be happy to help you. To learn more about workers’ compensation, take a look at the various webpages we have that deal with the subject.
