Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

  • The injury must be reported within 45 days to the employer.
  • The injured has the right to seek care from no more than 2 physicians (as defined under the Illinois Medical Practice Act), and their referrals, for the same condition as per Section 8(a) of the Act.
  • “Physician” means a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act to practice medicine in all of its branches or a chiropractic physician licensed to treat human ailments without the use of drugs and without operative surgery.
  • The choice of two (2) physicians does not include:
    • Emergency Room
    • Company Doctor
    • Insurance Doctor
  • If the employee is placed on Temporary Total Disability by his physician, then the injured employee is entitled to receiving equal to 66-2/3% of the employee’s weekly average wages.
    To read more on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, please click hear The IWC Act

To read more on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, please click here The IWC Act

The following are frequently asked questions:

1. What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a system of benefits provided by law to most workers who have job related injuries or diseases.

These benefits are paid regardless of fault.

The amount of the benefits is limited by law.

2. Who is Covered?
Almost every employee who is hired or injured in Illinois or whose employment is localized in the State of Illinois.

These employees are covered from the moment they begin their jobs.

3. Who Provides the Benefits?
The employer is responsible for providing the benefits.

The employer pays the benefits either directly or through a service or an insurance company that administers the program for the employer.

No part of the workers’ compensation insurance premium or benefits can be charge to the employee.

The employer must post a notice in the work place indicating the name, business address and business telephone number of the person, service company or insurance company (including the insurance policy number) to contact for questions relating to workers’ compensation.

4. For What Injuries and Diseases are Benefits Paid For?
In most instances, workers’ compensation benefits are paid for accidental injuries that are cause, in whole or in part, by the employee’s work.

Workers may also be compensated for aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

Injuries are accidental if they happen unexpectedly, without plan or design.

This includes injuries brought on by the repetitive us of a part of the body, as well as strokes, heart attacks or any other physical problem caused by work.

Injuries suffered in employer-sponsored recreational programs (i.e., athletic events, parties, picnics) are not covered unless the employee is ordered by the employer to participate.

5. Who Should the Injured Worker Notify?
The employee must inform the employer promptly.

Any delay in the notice to the employer can delay the payment of benefits.

A delay of more than 45 days may result in the loss of benefits.

Notice to a fellow worker who is not a part of management is not considered notice to the employer.

6. What Benefits are Provided?

  • Medical care benefits
  • Temporary Total Disability benefits
  • Permanent disability, disfigurement and death benefits