How Our Chicago Work Injury Lawyers Help You Recover Lost Time Benefits
When an injury prevents you from working, insurers may delay, reduce, or deny lost time benefits. Our attorneys take over the legal burden so you can focus on recovery. We:
- File and manage your Illinois workers’ compensation claim
- Collect medical evidence and expert opinions proving disability
- Challenge unfair denials or low benefit calculations
- Seek Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), or long-term benefits
- Pursue third-party personal injury claims when applicable
- Represent you at Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) hearings
Overview of Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lost Time Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If a doctor finds you cannot work at all during recovery, TTD generally pays about two-thirds (66⅔%) of your average weekly wage until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you return to restricted or reduced work and earn less, TPD pays two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages.
Permanent Partial & Permanent Total Disability
For lasting impairments, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits may apply depending on severity and future earning capacity.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you cannot return to your prior job, retraining and placement services may be available while you continue to receive benefits.
What Qualifies as Lost Time in Chicago Work Injury Cases?
“Lost time” is any period you cannot perform your job because of a work-related injury. Qualifying situations include:
- Doctor-ordered time off or recovery after surgery
- Inability to perform essential job duties due to pain or restrictions
- Employer cannot provide suitable light-duty work
- Hospitalization, rehab, or intensive outpatient therapy
- Time spent attending work-related medical appointments
Common injuries that trigger lost time benefits: back injuries, fractures, TBIs, severe sprains, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational illnesses.
Why Lost Time Benefits Are Denied , And How We Fight Back
Insurers often deny or reduce benefits by arguing the injury didn’t occur at work, attributing symptoms to pre-existing conditions, disputing medical restrictions, or miscalculating wages. We respond by:
- Securing robust medical records and expert testimony
- Proving the causal link between your job and your injury
- Correcting wage calculations and tracking lost earning capacity
- Filing appeals and representing you at IWCC hearings
Third-Party Claims: Additional Recovery When Others Are at Fault
Workers’ compensation covers medical costs and partial wage loss, but not pain and suffering. If a third party (e.g., a negligent driver, equipment manufacturer, contractor, or property owner) caused or contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for additional damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost income and future earning capacity
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Why Choose Phillips Law Offices for Lost Time Benefits
Our Chicago workplace injury attorneys combine deep workers’ compensation knowledge with personal injury litigation experience to maximize your recovery. We offer:
- Free case consultations and no-fee-unless-we-win representation
- Decades of experience handling IWCC claims and third-party suits
- Personalized strategies and direct attorney communication
- Proven record of securing wage replacement and fair settlements
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re out of work after a job injury in Chicago, don’t wait , deadlines may apply. Call (312) 847-8984 or fill out our free consultation form to speak with a Chicago lost time benefits lawyer today. We’re available 24/7 to evaluate your case.