Illinois Updates Workers Compensation Laws
AP news reports that on June 28, 2010, after months of negotiations, the State of Illinois has passed improvements to their workers’ compensation laws which, according to State Senator Christine Radogno, “will lower costs for Illinois’ employers and improve the state’s job climate.”
Radogno adds, “I’ve learned that workers’ compensation is extremely complicated, with many different parties involved—unions, workers, trial lawyers, medical professionals, insurance providers—who often were on different sides of the issue. This law is not perfect, but it is a good agreement that will address some of the more obvious flaws and flagrant abuses of the system.”
Radogno expressed concern that state lawmakers would sufficiently monitor the state’s workers compensation system to make sure that the new law, House Bill 1698, would solve the problems it was intended to address.
The main provisions of the new bill will restrict intoxicated workers from getting workers compensation benefits if they are injured on the job, stop “doctor shopping” by employees and require Illinois workers’ compensation claims to be evaluated using the guidelines established by the American Medical Association (AMA). The law will also make adjustments to the medical fee schedule.
According to proponents of the bill, the states workers compensation system needs a drastic overhaul which this bill will address. Charges have been made recently by the media that the Illinois system is full of “ineptitude and corruption”.
Radogno admits that the main goal of the new law is to create a good job environment. “In the past, the state’s high workers’ compensation rates have acted as a disincentive for job creators. This law addresses our main objectives: it will lower the cost for Illinois’ employers, and it will ensure injured workers are taken care of.”
What is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation insurance is provided to most employees and will pay for injuries which occur while an employee is performing their normal job functions. Not all work injuries are covered by work comp insurance. Injuries which are caused by intoxication, flagrantly ignoring standard safety procedures or while traveling to and from work may not be covered.
Common work injuries which may be covered by Illinois work comp laws may include: carpal tunnel syndrome, concussions, abrasions, burns, back injuries, torn meniscus, hernia, bone fractures and occupational diseases.
Workers Compensation Benefits
The type of benefits offered for work injuries may vary by state but can generally include: medical benefits, temporary total disability benefits, temporary partial disability benefits, permanent total disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits and death benefits for qualified survivors of the deceased. Most states will also offer some type of vocational training to help the injured employee return to full-time employment.
Hiring a Workers Compensation Lawyer
For minor injuries which do not leave a permanent disability or injury, employees may not need legal assistance, but if you have been injured at work and the injury is severe or will leave you permanently disabled, a workers’ compensation attorney can help.
Workers compensation lawyers understand Illinois state law and can review your work injuries and make sure you receive fair compensation to pay for your losses. Many companies may have the best interest of their employees in mind, but for those who do not or who refuse to offer a fair work comp settlement, a work comp lawyer can help.
