What Happens to Your Workers’ Comp Benefits if You Lose Your Job? 

Employers and their insurers are required under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act to pay temporary total disability benefits to employees injured while engaged in acts within the scope of their employment. A workers’ compensation attorney at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. in Chicago can help you protect your rights following a work injury. 

Many employees want to know what happens to workers’ compensation benefits when an employee loses his or her job. An employee can be terminated while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits, as long as the reason for termination is wholly unrelated to the work injury – such as a factory closure, a reduction in workforce, downsizing, etc. 

You will continue to receive workers’ compensation benefits if you are terminated after suffering an injury while at your place of employment. Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees pay the costs of medical care. Injured employees are also entitled to periodic wage replacement payments if an injured employee is not able to work due to the injuries they sustained on the job.

What You Should Do If You Have Been Terminated

If you lose your job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, notify your attorney as soon as possible. Losing your job does not automatically end your eligibility for benefits, but your circumstances may affect your claim.

Keep copies of your termination notice, medical records, work restrictions, and any communications from your employer or its insurance company. Let your attorney know if your benefit payments change or stop.

Whether you are already receiving benefits or need to file a claim, an attorney can review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue the benefits you may be entitled to receive.

What If My Employer Went Bankrupt?

An employee may still receive workers’ compensation benefits even though the employee was terminated because an employer filed bankruptcy. Insurers pay workers’ compensation benefits, and workers’ compensation coverage should still be available after a business stops operating. The attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. can help you fight for your workers’ compensation benefits if an employer claims you cannot receive benefits because the employer filed bankruptcy. 

Obtaining Legal Representation

Employers in Illinois must hold worker’s compensation insurance. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney in the state of Illinois can help you understand how best to pursue legal recourse. Speaking with an attorney is strongly advised if you believe you lost your job due to you obtaining or trying to obtain worker’s compensation benefits. 

A Chicago Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help.

If you were injured on the job or are having trouble obtaining benefits, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. The attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the benefits you deserve.