Strain injuries can cause serious pain and limit your ability to work. In Illinois, workers’ compensation covers these types of injuries that happen on the job.
To receive benefits, though, you must prove that the strain came from work duties. Knowing what steps to take can help you protect your claim and ensure proper care.
Report the injury immediately
Illinois law requires workers to report job-related injuries as soon as possible. The deadline provided by the Illinois workers’ compensation handbook is 45 days from the date of the injury. However, reporting it immediately gives the claim a stronger foundation. A delay may raise doubts about how and where the injury occurred.
Explain how the injury happened
A clear description of the event helps prove that the injury relates to work. For example, if you strained a back muscle while lifting boxes or pulling equipment, that specific detail supports the claim. Even if the strain developed over time, you should explain what tasks caused the discomfort.
Seek medical treatment right away
Prompt medical care links the injury to the reported workplace activity. During the appointment, you should tell your doctor exactly what happened and mention that it took place at work. The doctor’s records will become important evidence in the claim.
Follow all medical advice
When workers follow treatment plans, they show that the injury is serious. Skipping appointments or ignoring restrictions may weaken the claim. Your employer and their insurance company may use that against you when reviewing benefits.
Some strains develop over weeks or months from repeated motions, such as typing or lifting. These cases still qualify for workers’ compensation in Illinois. You should report these types of symptoms early and be ready to explain how your job involves repeated stress on the body.
