How long do I have to report a work injury in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois workers must report a workplace injury to their employer within 45 days. Reporting the injury immediately is recommended to avoid disputes and protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

Can I get workers’ compensation in Illinois if the accident was my fault?

Yes. Illinois workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system, meaning injured workers may still qualify for benefits even if they made a mistake, as long as the injury occurred while performing job-related duties.

Should I hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago or Illinois?

You should consider hiring an Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer if your claim is denied or delayed, you are not receiving wage-loss benefits, you are pressured to return to work too soon, you need surgery, or your injury may cause permanent disability.

If you were injured at work in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, what you do next can directly impact your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Whether your injury happened suddenly—such as a slip and fall, lifting accident, or machinery incident—or developed over time as a repetitive trauma injury (like carpal tunnel, shoulder damage, or chronic back pain), Illinois law may entitle you to medical treatment and wage-loss benefits. However, you generally must report the injury to your employer within 45 days, and delays or mistakes can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim. This step-by-step guide explains exactly what to do after a work accident in Illinois to protect your health, your job, and your case.

Quick Answer: What to Do After a Work Injury in Illinois

After a workplace injury in Illinois, you should:

seek medical treatment immediately, 2) report the injury to your employer as soon as possible (preferably in writing), 3) document the accident or symptoms, 4) follow all medical restrictions, and 5) consult a workers’ compensation lawyer if your benefits are delayed, denied, or your employer pressures you to return to work too soon.

For a full overview of how Illinois workers’ comp works, see our complete Illinois Workers’ Compensation Guide.

Step 1: Get Medical Treatment Immediately (Even If You Think It’s Minor)

Q: What should I do immediately after a work accident in Illinois?

After a workplace injury in Illinois, you should seek medical treatment immediately, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible (preferably in writing), document the accident or symptoms, and follow your doctor’s work restrictions. If your claim is delayed or denied, you may need to file a case with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).

Q: What if my injury developed over time instead of happening in one accident?

You may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois. Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, shoulder injuries, and knee injuries may qualify as repetitive trauma injuries. These claims often require detailed medical evidence and documentation of job duties.

Q: What benefits does workers’ compensation cover in Illinois?

Illinois workers’ compensation may provide medical treatment coverage, temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and other compensation depending on the severity of the injury and the worker’s ability to return to work.

Q: What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied in Illinois?

A denied workers’ comp claim does not necessarily mean your case is over. Many valid claims are denied due to disputes over medical evidence, notice, or whether the injury was work-related. You may be able to appeal or pursue your case through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).

Q: Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim in Illinois?

Illinois law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim, but retaliation can still occur. If you are threatened, disciplined, or terminated after reporting a workplace injury, you should speak with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.

Q: What if my employer tells me to use PTO or vacation time instead of workers’ comp?

You should be cautious if you are told to use PTO or vacation time after a workplace injury. Using PTO can create confusion about whether your time off was injury-related and may affect wage-loss benefits. Many workers may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Your first priority after a workplace injury is your health.

If the injury is serious, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Even if your injury seems “minor,” you should still get medical care quickly. Many injuries worsen over time, including:

back injuries
shoulder injuries
knee injuries
neck injuries
concussions
repetitive motion injuries
nerve damage
ligament tears

Important tip:

Tell the doctor your injury happened at work.
If your medical records do not clearly state the injury is job-related, the insurance company may later argue the injury happened outside of work.

Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer ASAP (Illinois Has a 45-Day Rule)

Illinois workers generally must report a work injury within 45 days, but waiting is risky. You should report the injury immediately, preferably the same day.

Best practice:

Report the injury in writing, such as:

email to your supervisor or HR
text message to your manager
written incident report

Include details like:

date and time (or timeframe if repetitive trauma)
location of the injury
what you were doing
what body parts were injured
names of any witnesses

Late reporting is one of the most common reasons employers and insurance companies try to deny valid workers’ compensation claims.

Step 3: Identify Whether You Have a Specific Accident Injury or a Repetitive Trauma Injury

Not all workers’ comp claims are treated the same. One of the most important early steps is identifying what type of injury you have.

A. Specific Accident (Traumatic Injury)

A specific accident injury happens during one clear event, such as:

slipping and falling at work
lifting a heavy object and injuring your back
being struck by equipment
falling from a ladder
getting caught in machinery
being hit by a vehicle at a job site

These claims are often easier to prove because there is a clear date, time, and event.

B. Repetitive Trauma Injury (Overuse Injury)

Repetitive trauma injuries develop over time from repeated physical stress. Common examples include:

carpal tunnel syndrome
shoulder tendonitis or tears
chronic back injuries
knee injuries from repetitive squatting/climbing
neck injuries from repetitive movement
nerve damage

Insurance companies often challenge repetitive trauma claims because they claim the injury is due to aging, pre-existing conditions, or activities outside of work.

If your injury developed gradually, read our full guide explaining how to prove a repetitive trauma injury in Illinois workers’ comp.

Step 4: Document the Injury and Preserve Evidence

If your injury was caused by a sudden accident, document the scene immediately if possible. Workplaces change quickly, hazards get cleaned up, and video footage can be overwritten.

Evidence you should collect:

photos of the accident scene
photos of equipment involved
photos of visible injuries (bruising, swelling, cuts)
witness names and phone numbers
the names of supervisors present
any safety violations or missing warning signs

If your injury is repetitive trauma, documentation may look different. Instead of photographing a hazard, useful evidence includes:

job descriptions and work orders
production quotas
written job duties
photos or videos showing repetitive movements
coworker statements confirming repetitive tasks

Strong documentation can make the difference between a smooth claim and months of delays.

Step 5: Get a Copy of the Incident Report (and Create Your Own Written Record)

If your employer completes an incident report, ask for a copy.

If they refuse, create your own written summary immediately. A short email to yourself explaining what happened can later serve as valuable evidence.

For repetitive trauma injuries, you should document:

when symptoms started
when symptoms worsened
when pain began interfering with your job
what specific work tasks caused the condition

Step 6: Be Careful With Employer-Selected Doctors

In Illinois, injured workers often have the right to choose their own doctor, but employers may use a Preferred Provider Program (PPP) which can affect medical options.

The most important thing is that your doctor accurately documents:

what happened (or how symptoms developed over time)
which job duties caused the injury
the diagnosis and treatment plan
work restrictions
whether time off work is required

Medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence in an Illinois workers’ comp case.

Step 7: Follow Your Work Restrictions and Be Cautious With Light Duty

After treatment, your doctor may restrict you from:

heavy lifting
bending and twisting
overhead work
prolonged standing
climbing ladders
repetitive motion

Employers often offer “light duty” work, but light duty is one of the most common areas where injured workers are pressured into unsafe job tasks.

If your light duty job violates your restrictions, it can worsen your injury and harm your workers’ comp case.

For a full legal breakdown, see our complete guide on light duty work in Illinois workers’ compensation.

Step 8: Understand What Benefits You Can Receive Under Illinois Workers’ Comp

Many injured workers assume workers’ comp only covers medical bills. In reality, Illinois workers’ comp may provide multiple types of benefits depending on your injury and work status.

Common benefits include:

medical treatment coverage
temporary total disability (TTD)
temporary partial disability (TPD)
permanent partial disability (PPD)
permanent total disability (PTD)
vocational rehabilitation

For a complete breakdown, read our guide on types of workers’ comp benefits in Illinois.

You can also review our broader Illinois Workers’ Compensation Guide for how the process works from start to finish.

Step 9: Do Not Use PTO or Vacation Time Unless You Understand the Consequences

After a workplace injury, some employers or insurance companies pressure workers to use PTO or vacation days instead of filing a workers’ comp claim.

This can be a serious mistake.

Using PTO may:

reduce wage-loss benefits you are entitled to
create confusion about whether your time off was injury-related
weaken your workers’ comp case

If you’ve been told to “just use vacation time,” read our guide on PTO and vacation time vs. workers’ comp in Illinois.

Step 10: Avoid Social Media Posts About Your Injury

Insurance companies monitor social media. Even innocent posts can be twisted and used against you.

Avoid posting:

photos of yourself exercising
vacation photos
videos lifting or moving items
updates about your case
comments about your employer

Even if you are truly injured, a defense attorney can argue your posts show you are not hurt.

The safest approach is to stay offline regarding your injury until your case is resolved.

Step 11: Watch for Signs Your Employer or the Insurance Company Is Undermining Your Claim

Workers’ compensation is supposed to protect injured workers, but insurance companies frequently look for reasons to delay or deny benefits.

Common red flags include:

delayed approval for medical treatment
TTD checks stopping unexpectedly
being pressured to return to work too soon
being told your injury “isn’t work-related”
being told to use your personal health insurance
being scheduled for an IME (independent medical exam)
your adjuster refusing to respond

If your benefits have been denied, you may still have legal options.

Step 12: Understand Your Rights If You Fear Being Fired

A common concern after a work injury is:
“Can my employer fire me for filing workers’ comp?”

Retaliation does happen. Some employers terminate workers under excuses like “attendance,” “performance,” or “restructuring” after an injury is reported.

Illinois law provides protections, and you may have legal options if you are fired or threatened.

Learn more here: Can You Be Fired for Filing Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

Step 13: File a Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) if Necessary

If your employer refuses to cooperate or your benefits are delayed or denied, you may need to formally file a claim through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

You can access official IWCC information here:
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC)

Filing with the IWCC is often required to protect your legal rights and move a case forward.

Step 14: Talk to a Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer if Your Injury Is Serious or Your Claim Gets Complicated

Not every workers’ comp case requires an attorney immediately. But if your claim is denied, delayed, or you are being treated unfairly, speaking with a lawyer early can help protect your rights.

You should consider contacting a workers’ comp attorney if:

your claim is denied
your medical treatment is delayed
your TTD checks stop
you need surgery
you are being forced into unsafe light duty
your injury is a repetitive trauma injury
your employer disputes your injury happened at work
you are offered a settlement and aren’t sure it’s fair

If you need help, you can learn more here:
Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer – McHargue & Jones, LLC

Common Mistakes After a Work Accident in Illinois

Many injured workers unintentionally hurt their own claim by making avoidable mistakes, including:

waiting too long to report the injury
failing to tell the doctor the injury was work-related
returning to work too early
ignoring medical restrictions
assuming the insurance company will “do the right thing”
signing documents without understanding them
accepting a settlement too early
using PTO instead of filing a workers’ comp claim
posting on social media

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly strengthen your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Work Injuries in Illinois

What should I do immediately after a work accident in Illinois?

You should seek medical treatment immediately, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible (preferably in writing), document the accident or symptoms, and follow your doctor’s restrictions. If your benefits are delayed or denied, you may need to file a claim with the IWCC.

How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Illinois?

In most cases, you must notify your employer within 45 days of the accident or injury. Waiting too long can lead to disputes and potential denial of benefits.

Can I get workers’ comp in Illinois if the accident was my fault?

Yes. Illinois workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system. In most cases, you can receive benefits even if you made a mistake, as long as you were performing job-related duties.

What if my injury developed over time instead of happening in one accident?

You may still qualify for Illinois workers’ comp. Injuries like carpal tunnel, chronic back pain, shoulder damage, and knee injuries may qualify as repetitive trauma injuries, but they often require stronger medical evidence and documentation.

For more detail, see: How to Prove a Repetitive Trauma Injury in Illinois Workers’ Comp

What benefits does workers’ compensation cover in Illinois?

Workers’ compensation may provide medical treatment coverage, wage-loss benefits, and disability benefits depending on the severity of the injury.

See: Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Illinois

What happens if my employer offers me light duty work?

If your doctor releases you to restricted work, your employer may offer light duty. However, you should ensure the job matches your restrictions. If light duty violates your restrictions, it can worsen your injury and damage your case.

Learn more: Light Duty Work in Illinois Workers’ Compensation

What if my workers’ comp claim is denied in Illinois?

A denial does not mean your case is over. Many valid claims are denied due to disputes over medical evidence, notice, or whether the injury was work-related. You may be able to appeal or pursue the case through the IWCC.

See: Denied Workers’ Comp in Illinois

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim in Illinois?

Illinois law prohibits retaliation for filing a workers’ comp claim, but retaliation can still happen. If you are threatened, disciplined, or fired after reporting an injury, you should speak with an attorney immediately.

What if my employer tells me to use PTO or vacation time instead?

You should be careful. Using PTO can create confusion about whether you were off work due to a work injury and may affect your entitlement to wage-loss benefits.

Should I hire a workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago or Illinois?

You should consider hiring an attorney if your injury is serious, your claim is denied, your benefits are delayed, you need surgery, or your employer pressures you to return to work too soon.

Learn more here: Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Health and Protect Your Workers’ Comp Claim

A work accident can impact your income, your physical health, and your future ability to work. The best thing you can do is report your injury immediately, get medical treatment, document everything, and avoid common mistakes that give insurance companies a reason to fight your claim.

If you want a complete overview of how the Illinois workers’ comp process works, visit our full guide here:
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Guide

And if your benefits were delayed or denied, you can learn what to do next here:
Denied Workers’ Comp in Illinois

If you need legal help now, our attorneys can explain your options and fight for the benefits you deserve:
Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer – McHargue & Jones, LLC

Summary

Article Name

What to Do After a Work Accident in Illinois (Step-by-Step Guide)

Description

Learn what to do after a work accident in Illinois, including how to report your injury within 45 days, get medical treatment, document the accident or repetitive trauma injury, handle light duty, and respond if your workers’ comp claim is denied.

Author

Matthew C. Jones

Publisher Name

McHargue and Jones, LLC

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