What Is Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

 Posted on July 29, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

When employees get hurt while doing their jobs, they are generally entitled to workers’ compensation that can cover the costs resulting from their injuries. However, to be awarded coverage, the injury must meet certain conditions. There are limits to workers’ comp benefits and not all injuries are covered. If you have suffered an injury and are unsure whether you are eligible for benefits, speak with a qualified Will County, IL workers’ comp attorney to understand your rights.

Conditions That Are Not Covered

There are several types of injuries, illnesses, and other conditions that are not generally covered by workers’ compensation in Illinois. These Include:

• Non-work-related injury: Workers’ comp specifically covers conditions resulting from something that happened at work. Anything unrelated to your job will most likely not be covered. This goes for mental health conditions, too. If PTSD can be linked to a traumatic experience at work, it is generally covered. If the incident that triggered it was not connected to your job, it generally will not entitle you to workers’ comp coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions: Costs from pre-existing conditions are not generally covered in full, even if they are aggravated by your work. You might be entitled to coverage for the costs related to how your condition was aggravated but not the full treatment. 
• Intentional self-inflicted injury: If you injure yourself on purpose, even at work, you will most likely not be entitled to coverage.
• Injuries sustained while committing a crime: If you were doing something illegal while you got injured, you will likely be denied workers’ comp coverage.
• Injuries sustained during your commute: The time spent commuting to work is not considered time at your job, as far as workers’ comp is concerned. You might get coverage if you were running an errand for your employer when you were injured but in general, things that happen while you are on your way to or from work are not included.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Joliet, IL Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Understanding the limitations of workers’ compensation coverage in Illinois is important because it can help you set reasonable expectations and know when to seek additional support. A knowledgeable Will County, IL workers’ comp attorney can help you seek maximum coverage when applicable or explore alternative options if necessary. Call McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation so we can provide you with legal guidance that is personally tailored to your situation.