Anyone who has ever suffered a back injury knows just how painful these injuries can be. When a work-related incident leads to a back injury, the worker can be left with limited capabilities. Some back injury sufferers are unable to work at all. Back pain is the leading cause of disability across the globe.

Auto accidents, strenuous activities, and repetitive stress are just some of the ways workers can suffer neck and back injuries while on the job. The results of a serious back injury can affect an individual’s life professionally, financially, physically, and psychologically.

Work Accidents and Repetitive Strain Can Lead to Back Injuries

Sometimes, a spine injury is the result of a sudden accident like falling or being involved in a car crash. Other spine injuries are the result of repetitive stress. Sitting in an ill-fitting office chair, standing all day, or carrying heavy objects can lead to repetitive stress back injuries. A serious back injury or neck injury can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life.

Work injuries can happen to anyone in any industry. Occupational illnesses can develop due to unsafe work environments or chronic exposure to toxins. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, and other repetitive strain injuries can be caused by repetitive activities at work. Sudden accidents like falling or being struck by an object can lead to traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones, and other painful injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured or fell ill because of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, getting compensation for medical expenses and lost income is often a drawn out, complex process. If the employer requests a utilization review, this can further complicate the workers’ compensation case.  

The Purpose of a Utilization Review

When a worker is injured, he or she understandably wants the best medical care possible. The employer and insurance company wants the most cost-effective option. This can lead to disagreements about the type of medical care a worker receives.

Work injuries can happen to anyone. Sometimes a work injury is the result of repetitive motions like typing and lifting. Other times, work injuries are caused by a sudden accident like an equipment failure or fall. Many injured workers are unable to fulfill job requirements due to their injuries and are left burdened by medical debt. Workers’ compensation may provide the financial support injured workers need. But what happens If a workers’ compensation claim is denied?

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation in Illinois

All Illinois employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. An injured worker is entitled to compensation through workers’ comp if:

• The injury occurred while or because of the employee’s work.
• The injury occurred while the employee was at work or performing work duties.
• The employee was not committing a crime or violating company policy at the time of the injury.
• The worker notified the employer within 45 days of the injury.

Employees may not be eligible for workers’ compensation if:

Being hurt in a work accident can lead to overwhelming medical expenses and lost income. Workers’ compensation is intended to cover these expenses. Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for workers’ compensation. In Illinois, injured employees are covered by workers’ comp but independent contractors who suffer a work injury are not entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation insurance. However, workers that are misclassified as independent contractors but are actually employees may be able to get compensation for lost wages and medical bills through workers’ comp. If you were hurt on the job and you suspect you have been misclassified as an independent contractor, read on to learn more.

Employee Misclassification in Illinois Work Injury Cases

There are pros and cons to being an employee. Employees of a company are usually entitled to benefits like paid time off and health insurance. However, they must also adhere to certain work hours or other conditions of employment. Independent contractors, on the other hand, are not under the employer’s control to the extent that employees are. Independent contractors are also ineligible for certain benefits, including workers’ compensation.

Some employers misclassify individuals as independent contractors when they are actually employees. They may do this intentionally or unintentionally. If an injured employee is classified as an independent contractor in error, it is possible that he or she will be entitled to workers’ compensation.

Many workers drive as a part of their job. Workers who are injured in car accidents while on the clock may qualify for workers’ compensation. In some cases, those workers may also be able to pursue a third-party injury claim against the party that caused the accident. Whether you were driving to or from different branches of your company, traveling for work, or delivering goods at the time of your accident, it is important to explore all of your options for seeking financial compensation.

Workers’ Compensation for Car Accidents in Illinois

In most car accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurer is responsible for compensating accident victims. However, if you were driving for your job, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. To qualify for workers’ comp, you must be an employee and the car accident must have happened while you were fulfilling work duties. Typically, car accidents that occur on the way to and from work do not qualify for workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses such as hospital bills, emergency room bills, ambulance fees, medications, surgery, and doctor’s visits. You may also be entitled to a partial compensation for your lost income while you are recovering from your injuries.