What do I do if my employer refuses to pay my bill?
Workers Compensation - July 11, 2022
Illinois law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees. Workers’ comp provides for the medical and rehabilitative expenses for workers who are injured on the job.
If you were injured at work and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) awards you benefits, your employer is required to pay them. Unfortunately, not all employers do. This is against the law, and you can hold your employer responsible for paying your medical bills by filing a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit.
The Chicago worker’s compensation attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation.
You Have Options
If your employer is not paying your workers’ compensation benefits, you or your attorney should file a claim with the IWCC. Although your employer is required to report accidents to the IWCC, they will not act until you file a claim.
If your employer is ignoring the benefits that were awarded to you by the IWCC, you have a couple options.
File a petition in circuit court.
You and your attorney can ask the court to make your employer pay your benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. In Chicago, this court is the First District Appellate Court. There are other courts throughout the state that hear these petitions. Click here to view the interactive Illinois court map.
File a petition with the IWCC.
Employees can file for penalties against their employer for the delay in workers’ comp payment.
According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, when an employer or their insurer do not pay for pre-authorized treatment, they may face a penalty equal to 50% of the amount payable at the time of award.
You can file a petition with the IWCC online. Click the link to visit the IWCC website and view their resources. The process can be confusing, so it’s highly recommended that you hire a workers’ compensation attorney before attempting to file.
Your Rights Under Illinois Paycheck Laws
Employers are required by law to provide employees with a safe work environment and keep them informed of their health and safety risks at work. Employers must also pay for any job-related medical expenses incurred by their employees.
However, sometimes employers may try to avoid paying for these medical bills by claiming that the injury was not work-related or that it was the employee’s fault.
If you have been injured at work and your employer is refusing to pay your medical bills, contact an experienced Illinois worker’s compensation attorney to help you assert your rights.
An employer’s refusal to pay medical bills for a work-related injury can put a tremendous financial strain on an injured worker and their family.
This is when employees need to get a worker’s compensation lawyer involved.
Worker’s compensation attorneys understand the law and can help injured workers get the benefits they deserve.
If you have been injured at work, do not hesitate to contact an attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, as well as for any wages you have lost as a result of your injury.
Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act
If your employer is refusing to pay your medical bills, you may be able to recover the money you are owed under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
The law also prohibits employers from making deductions from an employee’s wages without the employee’s consent. If your employer has made deductions from your wages to pay for your medical bills, you may be able to recover the money you are owed under this law.
Our Chicago Workers’ Compensation Attorneys are Here to Help
If you have been injured at work and your employer is refusing to pay your medical bills, contact an experienced Illinois worker’s compensation attorney today. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Call (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
