Resolving injury claims and treatment can be an overwhelming process. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act was enacted to provide lost-wage compensation and medical benefits to employees who sustain an injury while working in Illinois.
Workers' compensation is a compromise between the worker and the employer. The worker forfeits the right to sue their employer over a work injury and instead accepts workers' compensation. In exchange, the worker receives immediate medical care and potential wage-loss compensation, and avoids a lengthy legal battle.
Medical benefits are paid to Illinois workers who suffer a work injury and require medical care. They may include:
Medical care is paid at 100% and includes all "necessary and reasonable" care, subject to the maximums set out in the Illinois fee schedule.
An employee may choose up to two physicians. Emergency medical care or a visit to an emergency room is not counted as a "physician choice" — though subsequent follow-up visits may be. Because that choice is limited and consequential, it is worth speaking to someone who knows Illinois workers' compensation before you make it.
The state pays workers' compensation benefits for injuries that occur while an employee is performing work duties. Commonly covered injuries include: