5 Workers’ Comp Tips Your Boss Doesn’t Want You to Know
Injured at work? You have rights your employer may not explain. While workers’ compensation is meant to protect employees after a workplace injury, many employers and insurance companies quietly work to delay, minimize, or deny valid claims. Understanding how the system really works can help you protect your health, income, and future.
If you were hurt on the job and have questions about filing a claim, benefits, or deadlines, our workers’ compensation FAQ is a helpful place to start.
1. A Preexisting Condition Does Not Automatically Disqualify You
Having a medical condition before you were hired does not mean you are barred from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If a workplace accident or repetitive job duties aggravated or worsened an existing condition, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Common examples include:
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Arthritis or joint degeneration
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Herniated discs or old fractures
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Sprains, strains, and repetitive stress injuries
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Prior sports injuries
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
Employers and insurers often try to deny these claims outright. Learning how workers’ compensation benefits work can help you respond effectively.
2. You May Still Qualify Even If You No Longer Work There
Some work injuries don’t become obvious until weeks or months later. Others worsen after an employee leaves a job. In many cases, workers may still file a claim if the injury occurred during employment—even if they were laid off, terminated, or resigned.
If you are unsure whether you can still pursue benefits, reviewing your rights with someone familiar with delayed claims can make a significant difference.
3. Workers’ Compensation Is a No-Fault System
Workers’ compensation does not require you to prove that your employer did something wrong. Even if the accident was partly your fault, you may still qualify for benefits such as medical care and wage replacement.
The only situation where benefits are typically denied is when an injury is intentionally self-inflicted. If your employer is blaming you for the accident, that alone does not eliminate your right to file a claim.
Examples of covered incidents can be found on our page discussing common workplace accidents and injuries.
4. Injuries Away From the Job Site May Still Be Covered
Workers’ compensation eligibility is based on whether the injury happened while performing job-related duties—not necessarily where it occurred.
You may be covered if you were injured:
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While traveling for work
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At a client’s home or job site
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While running work-related errands
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While working remotely
Work-related vehicle accidents are a common example. Learn more about these situations in our guide on workers’ compensation claims involving work-related car accidents.
5. You Are Not Required to Accept the First Settlement Offer
Many injured workers feel pressured to accept an early settlement, especially when they need income or medical care. However, you are not obligated to accept the first offer made by an insurance company.
Once a settlement is accepted, your right to future benefits may be limited or permanently closed. Speaking with a professional before agreeing to a settlement can help ensure you are not accepting less than what your claim may be worth.
If your employer is disputing the facts of your injury, this article on what to do when an employer lies about a workplace accident may also be helpful.
How McHargue & Jones, LLC Can Help
At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we have represented injured workers in Chicago and throughout Illinois for more than two decades. Our firm focuses on helping employees pursue the benefits they are legally entitled to after workplace injuries.
We handle:
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Workers’ compensation claims and appeals
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Disputed or denied claims
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Delayed-onset injuries
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Employer retaliation concerns
You can learn more about our experience by visiting our legal team or by reaching out directly.
📞 Call (312) 739-0000 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options after a workplace injury.