The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act was enacted to provide benefits to anyone injured while working in Illinois.  The Act also provides benefits to anyone who was hired in Illinois but was injured in another state or anyone working for a company whose principle place of business is in Illinois.


Benefits provided by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act include:

• Lost Wage Benefit - Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act an injured worker is entitled to a lost wage benefit equal to sixty-six and two-thirds (66-2/3) of your gross weekly wage.

• Medical Benefits - If your injury requires you to seek medical treatment, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides that your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier must pay 100% of “all reasonable and necessary” medical expenses incurred as a result of your work related injury.
  

• Wage Differential Benefits - If your doctor has placed you on permanent restricted duty  which prevents you from performing your regular job and you are forced to accept a lower paying job, you may be entitled to receive two-thirds (2/3) of the difference in your wages.

• Vocational Retraining Benefits - The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act also provides for vocational retraining should your doctor(s) determine that you are unable to return to your usual employment as a result of your injuries.
  

• Permanent Total Disability Benefits - If you are unable to return to any type of work after your accident, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides for permanent total disability benefits for the rest of your life or until such time you are able to return to gainful employment.
  

• Lump Sum Settlement or Award - The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides monies for any permanent  injury sustained from an on-the-job accident either by Lump Sum settlement or from an award by an arbitrator of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. 

Note:  A settlement or award is the only way an Illinois workers’ compensation claim can be legally closed.  If you have not received either an award or settlement and the insurance company is telling you your claim is closed, contact our office immediately. You may still be entitled to monies for your injuries.

For more information about the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, contact Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd, at 800-437-2571 or complete our confidential contact form