This is the next post in my series on handling temporary total disability (TTD) claims in Peoria, Illinois. My last article discussed when an employee is eligible to receive temporary total disability. It is important to understand that there are two situations in which one can receive TTD. The first involves employees who are physically unable to work for their employer in any capacity. The second involves employees who can perform work, with light duty restrictions in place, but the employer is not accommodating the employee. TTD claims are highly scrutinized and it is important that you retain an experienced attorney to assist you. In this article I will discuss what to expect when filing for TTD. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Illinois TTD claims begin with a doctor declaring you unable to work and determining your average weekly wage
The first step in a TTD claim is for the treating physician to declare that you are unable to return to work in any capacity. Many make the mistake of thinking that if they simply claim that they cannot work then they will receive benefits. Once your claim is approved you will receive benefits until you return to work or until you reach what is considered your maximum level of improvement. Benefits will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage over the past year. It is important to understand, however, that there is a maximum amount which you may receive. This amount is recalculated every six months by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. An injured employee’s TTD benefit, therefore, will be the lower amount of either the capped benefit or two-thirds of their weekly wage.
The calculation of an injured worker’s average weekly wage can become complicated if they have switched roles at the company within the last year or if they have received promotions. Also, other pay raises and one-time events may create disputes over how an employee’s wage benefit should be calculated. It will be important to retain an experienced attorney so that your interests are protected during any dispute over the amount of your benefits.
Retain a Peoria workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you with your TTD claim
If you have been temporarily injured on the job then it is important to retain an experienced attorney to assist you. Disputes can quickly arise as to whether the injury occurred on the job or whether you are in fact totally disabled. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for there to be disputes over what constitutes “reasonable accommodations” at a job and whether your employer is making efforts to accommodate you. This is an important time in your life and you should have representation.
I am a Peoria workers’ compensation lawyer who assists with TTD claims. My office believes in standing up for the rights of workers over those of companies and we will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. My office also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
