Illinois law requires that employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. The coverage they provide indemnifies the company from direct liability if professionals get hurt on the job or diagnosed with work-acquired medical conditions.
It also protects the worker by paying for necessary medical treatment and providing disability benefits if they cannot work. Those hurt on the job may have questions about when their employer’s workers’ compensation policy begins protecting them.
Is there a delay in coverage after starting a job?
Protection begins immediately
Certain crucial benefits are only available to workers after a certain amount of time. Many employers have a vesting period, during which workers may not yet qualify for standard benefits. Certain government protections, such as the right to take unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), are only available to workers who have maintained the same job for a full year.
Workers’ compensation coverage is different. It takes effect the very first moment that a worker is on the clock for their employer. Even during paid training, a worker hurt on the job could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
The only delay that applies relates to disability benefits. Those who cannot work and who require temporary total disability benefits typically only start receiving benefits on the fourth day of missed work. They may only receive pay for the first three days of missed work if their total amount of time off work reaches 14 days or more.
Learning more about the restrictions that apply to workers’ compensation claims in Illinois can be helpful for employees. Benefits are typically available from day one, as even trainees can get hurt on the job.
