Worker's compensation
A creature of statute, Worker's Compensation was brought into existence by the state legislative body to aid, assist, and make whole workers who were injured on the job. Prior to Worker's Compensation coming into existence, workers were not generally compensated for injuries occurring during the "course of their employment" or it was extremely difficult. Workers had to sue their employers because of their employer's negligence, which was close to impossible in those days considering the cost of litigation, appearance fee, and attorney fees. Therefore, to ensure compensation for workers' injuries, Worker's Compensation came into existence in 1911 by the Illinois Legislature.
In exchange for compensation for workers' injuries "....arising out of..." and "...during the course of their employment..." employers agreed but demanded that caps were placed on the amount of their financial exposure. The employer must pay all "reasonable and necessary expenses" related to workers' injuries, i.e. medical, dental, rehabilitation etc. In exchange for a no negligent concept for employees' conduct, the statute has financial limitations for an employer's exposure.
This is a brief overview of the Worker's Compensation area of law. Call Matteo Rago and Associates to discuss your particular situation and find out how we can assist in making you whole and "Taking Care of Your Needs." Matteo Rago has been a member of the Illinois State Bar Associated Worker's Compensation Committee for many years of his legal career and has authored numerous articles regarding Worker's Compensation in Illinois.