Illinois workers compensation covers most workplace injuries — but it may not be your only option. Third-party claims can provide significantly more compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Illinois workers compensation: report injury immediately. Personal injury claims against third parties: 2 years from the date of injury.
Illinois requires employers with 1 or more employees to carry workers compensation insurance (820 ILCS 305/1 et seq.). Illinois provides medical treatment, temporary total disability at 2/3 of wages, and permanent partial disability benefits. Illinois also has a specific procedure for resolving disputes through the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC).
Illinois-Specific Tip
Illinois workers compensation disputes are heard by arbitrators at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Illinois has specific rules about choice of physician — you are entitled to one choice of treating physician and one referral. An Illinois workers comp attorney is recommended for any disputed claim.
📊 Illinois's workers compensation system processes tens of thousands of claims annually. Third-party claims are frequently overlooked but can dramatically increase total recovery.
Report the injury to your supervisor in writing immediately
Seek medical attention immediately
File a workers compensation claim with your employer under Illinois law
Document all expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs
Evaluate whether any third party contributed to your injury
Contact a Illinois workplace injury attorney to evaluate all available claims
Illinois requires employers with 1 or more employees to carry workers compensation insurance (820 ILCS 305/1 et seq.). Illinois provides medical treatment, temporary total disability at 2/3 of wages, and permanent partial disability benefits. Illinois also has a specific procedure for resolving disputes through the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC).
Generally workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer. However you can still pursue third-party claims against any other party whose negligence contributed to your injury — contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners.
Even if your employer carries workers compensation, you can sue any third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. These third-party claims can include pain and suffering damages that workers comp does not cover, and can be pursued simultaneously with a workers comp claim.
No upfront cost. Contingency fees — you only pay if you win.
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