What Should Illinois Teachers Know About Seeking Workers’ Comp?

Teachers play one of the most important roles in the lives of children, not only acting as educators, but helping facilitate their social and emotional development as well. However, when working in a classroom with children, it’s no surprise that there are an abundance of hazards that can result in serious injuries. As such, if you are a teacher who has been hurt on the job, the following blog explores what you should know about seeking compensation for the damages you have suffered with the help of an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney to fight for the help you deserve as a result of the injuries you’ve sustained.

What Kind of Injuries Can Teachers Sustain on the Job?

Unfortunately, the most common accident that teachers suffer on the job is a slip and fall. These accidents are among the most common in any workplace, and classrooms, hallways, and stairwells are no exception. If there is a hazard on the floor, whether it be a spill from a lunchbox, scraps of paper, or loose colored pencils, it can result in a serious injury as a result.

It’s also important to understand that teachers can recover compensation for any work-related illnesses they suffer. Though this can look like cancer or scleroderma for some manual laborers, teachers are more prone to suffering illnesses and viruses as a result of spending time around children. However, in older districts and buildings, issues like mold exposure or asbestos can result in serious illnesses for teachers. Regardless, if you can show that your illness is a direct result of your employment, you may be able to recover the compensation you need.

Can Injured Teachers Recover Workers’ Comp in IL?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in which an injured employee can recover compensation for their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages after sustaining an on-the-job injury, regardless of who is at fault. As such, an injured teacher will generally be eligible to file for compensation. Generally, the only eligibility requirements are that the injury happened at work, while you were engaged in work-related activities, and you were not participating in horseplay or anything illegal at the time the injury occurred.

It’s important to understand that even if your injuries happen outside of contract hours, but you are still engaged in work-related activities, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.

Filing for workers’ compensation can be incredibly difficult, especially while you are healing from an on-the-job injury or illness. As such, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore to discuss your circumstances and explore your options. Our team can help guide you through the filing process in the fight for the compensation you deserve. When you need help, do not hesitate to connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.