If you get injured at work in Illinois, you might wonder if you can still file a workers’ compensation claim, especially if the accident was your fault. In Illinois, the answer is yes. Workers’ compensation laws do not consider fault when it comes to receiving benefits. Here’s how it works.
Illinois follows a no-fault system for workers’ compensation
Illinois operates under a “no-fault” system for workers’ compensation. This means that no matter who caused the accident—whether you, a coworker, or an employer’s negligence—you can file a claim and potentially receive benefits. The goal of the system is to provide support to workers injured on the job without having to prove fault.
What injuries does workers’ compensation cover?
Workers’ compensation in Illinois covers a wide range of work-related injuries. These include accidents, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational diseases. If you sustain an injury while performing job duties, workers’ compensation benefits should apply, even if your own actions caused the injury.
What limits exist on workers’ compensation claims?
While fault doesn’t determine eligibility, some limits exist. For example, workers’ compensation benefits may get denied if the injury resulted from willful misconduct or if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. In these cases, the law may view your actions as outside the scope of normal workplace behavior.
Why it’s important to report the injury
Even if you think the accident was your fault, you should still report the injury to your employer right away. Timely reporting helps ensure that your claim gets processed correctly and prevents you from missing important deadlines for filing.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois are designed to help you, regardless of how the injury happened. So, if you suffer an injury at work, don’t hesitate to file a claim, even if you believe the accident was your fault.
