Workers Comp FAQs

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Legal Advice FAQs

Bob Edens Answers Your Workers’ Compensation Questions


If you have been injured at work and don’t find the answers you seek below, we strongly encourage you to contact Bob at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens. Bob is an award-winning attorney that has been fighting for the rights of injured workers for over 20 years. Take the time to look over this website. See if our law firm is the right firm to handle your workers’ compensation claim. We have video testimonials from numerous satisfied clients that claim we are the best. We have searchable verdicts and settlements that demonstrate the MILLIONS OF DOLLARS that our law firm has gotten for our clients.

If you or someone you love has been injured on the job call Bob and put his 20+year of experience to work fighting for you to get you the MONEY your claim deserves. During the initial FREE evaluation, Bob will take a detailed look at your case and let you know whether you need an attorney and exactly what he can do for you. You will not be pressured in any way to sign a contract. After hearing the details of your case, Bob and you can decide if you need an attorney, and if so, whether his law firm is right for you. “THE CALL IS FREE, THE ADVICE CAN BE PRICELESS!

Bob is not only a recognized TOP attorney in Illinois, but he is also highly rated by AVVO, and active in the Lake County Bar, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

In furtherance of his goal to provide injured workers with top-notch personalized legal services, Bob has written three books to date. His first book was dedicated to personal injury in general and focused on the abuses by insurance companies in handling personal injury claims. Because of his vast experience with dog bite claims, Bob’s second book focused on dog bite injuries. Bob’s most recent book focuses on the the unique practice and field of Workers’ Compensation. All of Bob’s books are written in plain English and are designed to give the layman an insight into the various types of claims, how they are handled, and the issues that inevitably arise in each and every case

If you or someone you love has been injured, order Bob’s book, “12 Things You MUST Know About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim.

We can not emphasize enough the importance of getting legal advice in all but the most minor of cases. Remember, THE CALL IS FREE – THE ADVICE CAN BE PRICELESS!

Answers to the Most Common Illinois Workers’ Compensation Questions

Table of Contents

1. What are Some of the Most Common Work-Related Injuries?


The most common injuries differ from one industry to the next. Obviously, the top 10 injuries in a machine shop will differ from those of an office environment. Usually, the injuries fall into one of these categories.

  • Over-Exertion Injuries– The number one cause of workers’ compensation injuries is the overexertion of employees’ bodies. These injuries occur from heavy or excessive lifting, pulling, carrying, throwing, or pushing. Many jobs require such work. Even smaller tasks such as carrying copy paper in an office can cause back, leg, shoulder, and other strain injuries. Don’t be the hero – feel comfortable asking for help if something is too heavy for you to move or lift.
  • Slipping/Tripping – Many workplace accidents occur when employees trip over something or slip-on materials left unattended. Even bad weather can instigate this type of injury for workers. Attention to what is going on around them is required of employees. Employers should have safety guidelines to ensure spills are promptly cleaned and no debris is present which can be dangerous.
  • Falling from Heights – These injuries can occur due to faulty equipment or falling off a ladder or scaffolding. Harnesses and protective gear are necessary to prevent more serious injuries. Also, the equipment needs to be checked and replaced regularly to prevent injury. The workplace environment needs to be secure and regularly checked for equipment and structural problems.
  • Reactive Injuries – A reaction by an employee to a situation, such as jumping out of the way of a falling object or pulling back when startled can cause muscle injuries amp; tears, body trauma, and a variety of other medical issues. These incidents are not always avoidable or foreseeable so it is important to remind employees to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
  • Falling Objects –These injuries occur when something falls from above and strikes a part of the body. A common cause of this is when an employee reaches overhead to get something from a higher area. Head injuries are a common result of this type of accident. Proper work gear and attention to one’s surroundings can keep these injuries to a minimum.
  • Walking Into Objects – As odd as this sounds, there are many reported injuries caused by employees walking into objects within their environment. Head, knee, ankle, neck, and foot injuries are common results of these walking-type injuries. An employee’s attention to their surroundings and a focus on keeping the work environment free from hazards are key to preventing these types of injuries.
  • Vehicle Accidents -Workers who drive as part of their job duties can be injured in an auto accident, some of which can be fatal. As a driver, an employee has a responsibility to follow protocols and safety measures put in place by the employer which often includes not talking on a cell phone or texting while operating the vehicle.
  • Machinery Injuries – Workers using and working around heavy equipment and machinery are susceptible to getting caught in the moving parts of the device. Clothing, shoes, fingers, and hair are common items that can easily get caught or compressed by everyday equipment during normal operation. Protective equipment and attention to personal details are necessary to avoid these incidents.
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries – Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common injuries and is caused by the continuous, repeated motion used to perform one’s job. Factory workers or those who do a tremendous amount of typing are frequent sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Violent Acts – These acts occur when an employee gets angry at his/her co-workers, management, or anyone they perceive as “wronging” them in some way. Fortunately, this is the least occurring of our top 10 injuries. Preventative education and employee training to spot and report suspicious behaviors keep incidents from being exacerbated. If you suspect something or are being provoked by a co-worker, talk to your manager or Human Resources Department. Don’t let something get out of control. If you have experienced any of the above injuries during your workday, it is important to protect your potential workers’ compensation claim.
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries –The shoulder joint has the widest range of motion of all the joints in the body. This area is comprised of four tendons that attach the four shoulder muscles to the upper arm bone – also known as the “rotator cuff.” The complexity of this joint area makes it prone to injury. Causes of rotator cuff injuries include lifting, falling, reaching, throwing, and repetitive arm motion. Fifty percent of these injuries can heal on their own by reducing activities that aggravate the muscles, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, icing the area 2-3 times daily, and using a sling on and off throughout the day to support the weight of the arm. However, it is important not to use a sling for prolonged periods of time as this will cause stiffness to the area and can actually worsen the injury. For the fifty percent of the cases that don’t heal on their own treatments can include: (1)Physical therapy to build strength and increase flexibility; (2)Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, to reduce inflammation and pain; and, (3)Surgery – If you have a large tear in the muscles in the rotator cuff you may need surgery to repair the tear. Surgeries include both a hemiarthroplasty (a partial shoulder replacement), and a Prosthetic Arthroplasty (a total shoulder replacement).
  • Meniscus Tears-WHAT IS A MENISCUS TEAR? Many of us have never heard the term meniscus until we, or someone we know, has torn it. However, a meniscus tear is a very common knee injury. The meniscus is a C-shaped disc, which cushions your knee on both the inner and outer sides. Its rubbery texture allows you to balance by keeping your weight distributed across the entire knee. A torn meniscus can interfere with your ability to balance and in some cases even support your weight.
    WHAT CAUSES A MENISCUS TEAR?

    A meniscus tear is usually caused by a quick twist or turn of your knee while your foot is planted firmly to the ground. Basketball players are notorious for this type of injury. However, another common cause is a workplace injury where there is frequent, repeated, or heavy lifting. Additionally, with practicing personal injury law for the last 20 years, I have seen this as a result of auto accidents, especially when a driver is rear-ended while they are stopped at a light with their foot firmly on the brake.

    WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A MENISCUS TEAR?

    If it is a minor injury, you will have mild pain and swelling, while a moderate tear can cause pain on the side or center of the knee, with gradual swelling that worsens in the subsequent 2 or 3 days following the injury. Your knee may feel stiff and painful to bend but walking is still possible. Sharp pain when squatting or twisting is also possible. If untreated pain from a moderate tear may subside after several weeks but can easily come back when you twist or overuse your knee. The pain can come and go for years and over time the injury can worsen and cause water on the knee.

    HOW IS A MENISCUS TEAR DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?

    An experienced orthopedic surgeon can usually feel the meniscus tear with an examination of the injured area; however, the tear is usually confirmed through an MRI of the knee area.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment will depend on where the tear is and how severe it is. Additionally, it will depend on your age and level of activity. Rest, support bandages, and propping the leg up on pillows are the very minimum. Physical therapy and ultimately surgery to repair or remove part of the meniscus for more severe tears is likely. However, surgery may not work as well in older people due to the body’s inability to repair muscle and tissue as it once did.

Recovery will depend on the type of surgery you have. Your recovery plan is likely to include rest, walking, and special exercises

If you have a torn meniscus as a result of an auto, motorcycle, truck accident, or workplace injury that took place in Lake County, IL you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering as well as other damages. Don’t let the statute of limitations run out – act now to preserve your right to collect.

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2. What Should I Do After An Accident


The Workers’ Compensation Act places several obligations on the injured employee and the employer after an injury occurs on the job. A few of these obligations are discussed below.

  • Immediate Treatment: Do not let the fear of repercussions or embarrassment keep you from getting medical attention. Ultimately, this can have a great bearing on the outcome of your worker’s compensation claim. Aside from it being your legal responsibility to report your injury to your employer, you owe it to yourself to get medical attention, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Once the adrenaline wears off, you may feel worse than you did right after your accident. Also, there can be injuries that would otherwise not be detected until a later date if you do not get treatment.
  • Reporting: Illinois law requires that your injury be reported to your employer within 45 days from the date of the injury. It is not always readily apparent that you have suffered an injury at the time of the accident or the extent of your injuries so the law allows sufficient time after the occurrence for any latent injuries to surface.
  • What and Who Determines if You Qualify For Workers’ Compensation? Any injury that prevents you from doing your full-time duties for a prolonged period of time, as determined by your doctor(s), entitles you to medical and compensation benefits. Your employer can’t fire you or insist you return to work unless your doctor clears you to return to work, full-time, part-time, or light duty. In many cases, your doctor will put restrictions on the tasks you can perform. Examples include no lifting over 10 pounds, no bending, and no standing for over one hour, to name a few. In these cases, your employer may either find another job for you to do or tell you to stay at home until your restrictions are lifted. Problems in this area often arise. There are specific rules that apply, and if this is your situation, it would be wise to consult an attorney to discuss the specific details of your case.
  • Obligation to Your Employer: It is your responsibility to keep your employer apprised of your recovery and your anticipated return to work date. In almost all instances your employer will not allow you to return to work without documentation from your doctor stating that you are allowed to return to work and in what capacity. If the adjuster requests that you go to see their doctor for an “independent medical review,” you are required to comply. Understand this medical review is anything but independent. It is an attempt by the adjuster to justify the discontinuance of your benefits and reduce the amount of your permanency award. If the adjuster requests that you go to such an exam, it is highly recommended that you consult an attorney beforehand.

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3. What Happens When You Hire Attorney Bob Edens?


Once you have hired The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens work on your case begins immediately. With your assistance, I will review the facts of your case in order to give you an honest assessment of the value of your case. I will review any accident reports, photos, medical records, insurance documents, and any other paperwork you have. Afterward, I will give you an overall assessment of your case including your chances of recovery.

A more in-depth evaluation will take place once all documents pertaining to your workplace injury have been obtained. This will include current and prior medical records, doctor’s notes and narrative reports, accident reports, and everything else needed to evaluate your case; then I will explain to you the entire process from start to finish as it applies to your case.

Depending on what you and I agree is the best approach, I and my staff will prepare a demand on your employer including detailed support on liability, as well as case value. Again, this will often include other verdict studies, medical opinions, accident reconstructions, day-in-the-life videos, future care plans, and whatever else is necessary to fully prepare for this demand.

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4. The question every client wants to know is “what is my case worth?”


Any experienced attorney will tell you there is no way to determine that until all treatment has been completed and you have been released from your doctor’s care. Valuing a claim is not an exact science. It will vary depending on your medical bills, lost wages, long-term prognosis, pain and suffering, and so on. You can view recent case results at www.RobertEdensLawOffice.com to get an idea of what your case might be worth.

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5. How long do I have to file a claim?


I can’t say this enough; it is critical that you do not let the statute of limitations pass. Generally, you have 3 years from the date of your injury or two years from the last payment of benefits, whichever is later. This is the statutory time frame allowed and once it passes you will be forever barred from receiving further benefits.

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6. How long will it take to receive any money?


This depends on whether your case is settled or goes to a hearing. In either situation, you most likely will not receive your PPD until you have fully recovered from your injuries, or until, with reasonable certainty, your treating physician can estimate the future cost of your medical expenses. If you settle your case and sign a release, you will be forever barred from seeking damages relating to that incident. Therefore, it is in your best interest to wait until your injuries are fully known.

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7. Will I have to go to court?


If a satisfactory settlement can be reached, you will have to have a hearing on your claim for adjustment. You will typically need to give a sworn statement. During the statement, you will be asked questions about the accident, your injuries, and your treatment. The only time you will usually go to court is for the hearing or a pre-trial with the hearing officer. A pre-trial is a conference with the hearing officer where the parties explain their case and the officer helps them to settle the matter without a hearing.

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8. Can I Recover for My Injuries If I was at Fault?


Yes. Even if your injury was your own fault you are still entitled to full benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. So long as your injury occurred at work, or in the course of performing your duties and there were no special circumstances that would preclude recovery, you are entitled to certain benefits.

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9. Can I Recover for My Injuries If there were no Witnesses to the Accident?


Yes. In many cases, there won’t be any witnesses to your accident. However, that has little bearing on your ability to collect benefits. Again, as long as you were hurt at work or during the course of performing your duties then you are entitled to receive benefits. It is important to remember that it is your obligation to notify your employer as soon as possible about your injuries.

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10. Can I Recover Damages If I’m a New Employee or My Employer Doesn’t have coverage?


Yes. The fact is, your employer is required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and not doing so may result in fines and subject the employer to liability. If your employer provided you with a handbook when you were hired, it is a good idea to give a copy to your attorney. There will usually be a section specifically detailing what to do if you’ve been injured at work.

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11. Can I Recover Compensation For My Injuries If I didn’t go to the Hospital or Doctor Right Away?


Yes. Injuries aren’t always immediately evident. An employee may feel fine immediately after the incident but a serious injury may develop later. While it is advised you seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, it does not automatically prevent you from bringing a worker’s compensation claim for injuries caused by the accident.

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12. Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries Which Relate to a “Pre-Existing” Condition?


Yes. An accident can often further injuries in an area that is already weakened by a prior condition. This is most common in back, shoulder, and knee injuries. An insurance company will try to use the fact that you received treatment to the same area to their advantage. For example, a person might have a previous shoulder injury, but as a result of this accident, they may now have a permanent injury and require surgery. An experienced attorney will have encountered this issue on many prior occasions and can aggressively challenge the insurance company’s allegations. Therefore, it is important to tell your physician, as well as your attorney, about any prior injuries as the insurance adjuster will eagerly argue that you were intentionally being deceptive to collect money for a pre-existing injury when you had no intention.

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13. Can My Employer Eliminate My Position While I’m Out Sick?


Yes. Your employer does not have to hold your particular position open but they do have to place you in a position at the same salary you were receiving at the time of your accident. If you have been told one or more of these myths, especially by an insurance company, you can easily find out the truth by consulting an experienced attorney who handles workers’ compensation cases and will evaluate the unique circumstances of your individual accident.

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14. Will the Insurance Adjuster Treat Me Fairly?


After your accident, the insurance adjuster who calls you will be pleasant, friendly, and will just want you to answer a few questions so they can help you. Customarily, they will tell you that your medical bills and lost wages are covered and may even offer to pay them as soon as you send them copies. Once received, they will give you one reason or another why the claim cannot be paid and they can’t pay your lost wages. This is the first of many false promises and the first of many excuses you will hear. The goal is to get to a quick settlement and prevent you from retaining an attorney.

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15. Do I have to give a Recorded Statement?


When it comes to recorded statements a good rule of thumb is “anything you say can and will be used against you.” Most people readily admit to their role in their on-the-job accident because they honestly believe that the insurance adjuster is sincerely trying to help them and understands that the nature of some jobs is dangerous. This is one of the biggest traps they hope you fall into. Once they have your version of events they can start building a case against you. If an employee claims they were trying to finish a job that can translate into they were careless and therefore caused their own accident. If they state they were not feeling well at the time of the accident, then the employee should have stayed home.

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16. Doesn’t the Insurance Company have to Tell Me The Truth?


I have already stated that insurance companies are in business to make money. Recently, Fortune Magazine named insurance companies as one of the top 50 most profitable businesses. Most insurance companies are publicly held. The better they perform, the more valuable their stock becomes, and the larger and more powerful they become. Don’t be fooled into thinking an insurance company, their agents, and adjusters will tell you the correct answers to your questions. Don’t believe they will give an honest estimate of what your injuries are really worth. Finally, don’t believe the insurance company is not going to give you what you ask for your injuries if they can pay you less.

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17. What If I had Pre-Existing Injuries that were Not Related to My Accident?


You can bet if an employee has ever been treated for even a minor injury in the same area of their body, the insurance company will find out and the adjuster will tell them all of their symptoms are due to that prior injury. Most people suffer injuries beginning in early childhood, and periodically throughout their adult life. Therefore, statistically, it is quite likely that at some point in the past a person has injured the same area on more than one occasion such as a knee. Don’t try to hide a prior injury from the doctors or nurses treating you, or your attorney, because it will give the insurer another reason to avoid paying you. There is nothing harder to deal with in front of a jury than a client caught in a lie about their injuries or how they happened. It is imperative that you are honest and let your attorney determine how best to present your case.

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18. Doesn’t the Insurance Company have to Inform Me of the Damages I’m Entitled To?


Most accident victims already know that they are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and lost wages. The secret the insurance companies are keeping from them is that they are also entitled to recover damages for many other things. These include Permanent Disability Benefits, Future Medical Expenses, Wage Differential, Training, and Wrongful Death benefits for the worker’s family.

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19. Doesn’t the Insurance Company have to Inform Me what My Claim is Worth?


Insurance companies go to great lengths to prevent you from learning how much your injuries are actually worth. The biggest way they do this is to try to prevent you from hiring an attorney. They know that once you do, statistics show you will receive two or three times as much for your injuries. Another way is not to inform you of the resources for valuing your claim. If you are dealing with an adjuster, ask them where you could go to value your claim. I bet they won’t direct you to the local jury verdict reporter or a website like mine that will do just that.

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20. Can the Insurance Company Blame Me for My Injuries and Deny the Claim?


While an employee may be in part, or in some cases fully, responsible for their injuries this in no way excludes them from receiving full benefits. Many injured workers wrongfully believe this to be true and therefore may not even seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits. If you have been told this by your employer or the insurance company please call me to discuss the details of your case. Your consultation is always FREE. The information you receive may be priceless!

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21. Does the Insurance Company have to Inform Me of the Long Term Consequences of My Injuries?


One reason insurance adjusters are often so eager to process a claim and offer a quick settlement is to prevent the victim from discovering the extent, and possibly long-lasting effects, of their injuries. Only you and your doctor can really answer this question and it usually takes time. On the other hand, the insurance companies use a “cookie-cutter” technique to assign a value to each injury, or combination of injuries and assess a dollar amount based on this formula. The Act does assign certain weeks of benefits for loss of limbs and has very specific guidelines. However, it is arrogant on the part of the insurance company, and insulting to you, when they attempt to classify all victims and their injuries into narrowly defined “one-size-fits-all” categories. You are unique, your injuries are unique, and you deserve individualized personal attention to every aspect of your case.

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22. In Some Cases Can I also make a Claim Against a Third-Party who was at Fault for My Injuries?


A third-party claim would involve a set of facts that could make a third party, someone other than the insurance company’s client, responsible for your injuries. These claims often dramatically increase the value of your case. However, if you settle the claim without preserving the 3rd party claim, in some circumstances you may lose this opportunity.

Some examples of third-party claims are:

  1. Accidents caused by faulty equipment or manufactured products.
  2. Injuries caused by an employee of another company at your job site.
  3. Injuries as a result of unsafe premises when owned or operated by someone other than your employer.
  4. Car accidents caused by someone else’s negligence when you are driving as part of your job.

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23. Is it True that Injured Workers Receive 2-3 Times More Money With an Attorney?


Victims represented by an attorney typically receive two to three times more money than they obtain when they represent themselves. Insurance companies don’t want you to know this. If you are dealing with an adjuster, ask him if they would advise you to speak to an attorney before proceeding any further. I bet you will hear a lot of things, but one thing you won’t hear is “yes, I suggest you seek legal counsel immediately.” This is why the insurance companies want to settle your claim quickly and why the adjuster will do everything possible to keep you from hiring a lawyer.

In Illinois, statistics show that the average settlement for an auto accident in 2010 was a little over $30,000 if the individual was not represented by an attorney and between $60,000 and $90,000 for the same damages if they were represented by an attorney. However, small accidents, typically under $5,000 in damages, may not require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. You still should know what to expect when dealing with a potentially unscrupulous insurance adjuster. Therefore, it is always a good idea to call me for a free, no-obligation case analysis and just get some good, honest advice on what to do and what the settlement value of your case likely is given your injuries.

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24. Is it True that Insurance Companies Routinely Deny Claims in Hopes that Injured Worker won’t Challenge Them?


Insurance companies will sometimes give you multiple or repeated reasons why you are not eligible for certain benefits. Some of the more common ones are that you did not go to the correct doctor for your particular injuries and will therefore try to deny coverage to certain types of doctors including, but not limited to, chiropractors, plastic surgeons, and orthodontists. Additionally, they will argue certain treatments were unnecessary or excessive, even if prescribed as part of your overall recovery plan. Then there will be facilities they try to exclude too. Sport medicine clinics routinely perform physical therapy, yet the insurance company will claim your injury does not qualify you to be seen there or that you were overtreated. The insurance company tries to inject itself into the doctor-patient relationship and dictate treatment. They have no business here, but a trained attorney is needed to deal with these issues.

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25. How Do I Select The Best Workers’ Compensation Attorney for My Claim?


Getting injured at work is traumatic and can be very anxiety-provoking, especially if the injured worker is the primary provider for the family. In addition to your injuries, there is the stress of dealing with how you will provide for your family, pay the medical bills, or you may be worried about losing your job if you file a worker’s compensation claim.

Your main objective is to get well and return to the workforce and the stress of trying to handle your claim on your own may actually complicate or hinder your recovery. Illinois worker’s compensation cases are very complex and can get extremely technical as the employer will bring in their experts to testify against you. Unfamiliar terms such as “MMI,” “TTD benefits,” “PPD benefits,” “19-B petition,” “section 16(k) penalties,” and “8(d)(1) case” will be used throughout the hearing by the insurance company’s attorney as a tactic to intimidate you and keep you from arguing against their findings. An experienced and qualified attorney will not only speak the same “language,” they will be able to spot the issues that will maximize your recovery while minimizing the deficiencies in your case.

How will you know the right attorney for you and your case? They all say they are the best or something to that effect. You need to get to the right lawyer and sort out the bad ones quickly.

To assist you in getting through this process, I have found that most people face the following issues shortly after being injured;

  • Do I need to hire an attorney to represent me in this case?
  • How do I determine the right attorney for my case?
  • Family, friends, or others have recommended an attorney. How do I know if he or she is right for me?
    Family, friends, or others have recommended an attorney. How do I know if he or she is right for me?
  • Do I need an attorney to represent me? I recommend that, in almost all cases, it is a good idea to obtain the advice of an attorney. Often times I recommend to individuals that they handle the case themselves. We live in a society where all too many people are “sue happy”. Although I advocate that people should be properly compensated for their injuries, I do not advocate the filing of lawsuits based on frivolous claims or the refusal to settle minor incidents with insurance companies that are offering reasonable settlements. If your case involves a significant amount of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, it is likely that hiring an attorney will substantially benefit you in the end. Before making this decision, it is important to understand how a workers’ compensation attorney is compensated. Although many people have a general idea about this, most people do not understand the details contained in the Workers’ Compensation attorney/client contract. The contract is based on a contingency fee and ALL WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CONTRACTS ARE THE SAME. Contingency means the attorney is compensated based on a percentage of the settlement or judgment that is received in the case. The percentage is generally fixed at 20%. If you have received a written offer from the insurance company the attorney is limited to 40% of the increased award. The 20%, or 40%, as the case may be, is only of the PPD benefits generally plus any other disputed benefits. The attorney is not compensated for the TTD or medical bills unless the employer disputes them.The best answer to the question of whether or not to hire a lawyer is to contact an experienced attorney and seek advice as to whether or not they recommend you retain legal counsel for your particular situation. I invite you to contact me for a free, honest evaluation of your case. Again, oftentimes I recommend that people handle a case themselves and give them a substantial amount of advice and information on just how to do it. You are always welcome to contact my firm to seek advice on the best course of action for your given circumstances.
  • How do I select the right attorney for my case? Although there are many criteria to consider in the selection of an attorney, probably the most important are experience with cases of your type, a proven long track record of success, and testimonials from people just like yourself giving you the assurance that you will be satisfied throughout the process. Client TESTIMONIALS can be viewed here on the website and new ones are continually being added.I have over 20 years of legal experience representing thousands of injured workers. It is important that you select a worker’s compensation attorney that can take your case to the end. Not only have I represented thousands of injured victims, but I have tried hundreds of cases both in front of juries and judges, as well as taken many cases to win appeals. I am known for my aggressive, no-nonsense, approach to insurance pre-litigation negotiations. Once a complaint is filed, I will use a streamlined and fast-tracked method of getting the case settled or achieving judgment through a hearing.My legal team is experienced at gathering evidence and using the latest technology to strongly persuade the insurance companies to give you the money you deserve. Everyone at my firm knows how the legal game is played and will be here to help you with everything from answering questions to preparing you for a hearing if necessary.It is through my years of experience, knowledge of evidence and technology, along with my relationships with the players in the insurance field that has earned me the reputation as a top-notch negotiator and the leading worker’s compensation attorney throughout Northern Illinois.As soon as I become involved in your case, I and my team will immediately begin the process of gathering evidence to support your claim. This will include obtaining medical records, doctor’s notes, narratives, accident reports, and accident reconstruction if required. It does not matter whether you were injured by faulty equipment or even your own negligence, you need to immediately gather and preserve the evidence necessary to secure your worker’s rights. I have handled cases involving wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, premises liability, product liability, and many others. I have the resources necessary to pursue your claim and level the playing field between you and your employer’s insurance company.
  • Family, friends, or others have suggested an attorney; how do I know if he or she is right for me? I am often called by individuals who have been referred by family, friends, or others. Unlike many other attorneys, I will be the first to admit when I am not the right attorney to handle your case and whenever possible, I will recommend an attorney who is. It bothers me greatly when a lawyer is asked if they will accept a workers’ compensation case and they agree to do so even if they have little or no experience in the field. By doing this, they are doing themselves, and their clients, a great disservice. I have been asked by many clients to aid them in their legal issues regarding copyright infringement, bankruptcy issues, contract issues, and real estate issues. All areas are outside my field. The best I can do is refer a competent attorney that I know who practices in the area or tell them how to find one.How then do you know if the attorney you are calling is right for you? The first thing you can do is ask questions such as, how much of the practice is devoted to workers’ compensation? Do they have a website you could review? Have they written and published any books or other materials in the field of workers’ compensation? How many cases of your type has the practice handled? How many workers’ compensation hearings has he/she done? Has the attorney ever done appellate work? Do they have client testimonials relating to workers’ compensation cases? What kind of settlements have they received? How many attorneys work at their firm? Each of these questions will help you decide on the right attorney to handle your case.With regard to the last question, oftentimes it may seem that firms with a large number of attorneys are beneficial. However, the answer to this may be just the opposite because in today’s economy many of the large firms are finding it more and more difficult to maintain the high cost of high priced lawyer salaries and as a result, they are taking on more and more cases of a smaller size than they had in prior years. Then the smaller cases get buried in a pile on an associate’s desk at the firm, getting little or no attention. Don’t let your case become a victim to this type of large law firm. Your case deserves personal, individualized, attention.If you select The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, I will personally handle your case, giving it the attention it requires for a successful outcome. When you call my office, not only will the phone be answered by someone who knows you personally, but also knows the status of your case. We pride ourselves on client communications; keeping our clients abreast of where their case stands at all times. If at any time you can’t reach me personally, because I am conducting a trial or with another client, my staff, who knows you personally, will be able to assist you.

    Not only will you always be informed of the status of your case and its current progress, but you will also be kept informed of any negotiations with the insurance company and any offers made on your case will be conveyed to you as soon as they are made, often the same day. If your case can’t be settled favorably, you will know well in advance and be thoroughly prepared by my team of experts before going to a hearing. No settlement will ever be made on your case without your authorization. I will make it clear and you will understand exactly what costs will be incurred on your behalf and how they will impact your case. No rock will go unturned in an effort to maximize the amount of money you get for your injury.

    I have handled cases involving brain injuries, loss of limbs, and catastrophic injuries. I have extensive experience with injuries to the back, neck, knees, hips, wrists, shoulders, ankle injuries, and many more. It is not only important that your attorney has experience with the type of injury, he/she must be experienced in anticipating what the insurance company’s position will be and what maneuvers they will use in an attempt to devalue your case. Most workers’ compensation cases involve a battle of the experts. This means that your treating physicians will be testifying concerning your injuries and the cause of those injuries and they are experts in medicine, not law.

    On the other hand, the insurance company will hire an outside doctor who routinely testifies on their behalf, reporting on the nature of your injuries and whether or not they were caused by the incident involved. It is this expert testimony that requires a seasoned attorney with knowledge of your particular injury and how to counter the defense’s expert opposition.

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26. What Should I Expect During the time My Workers’ Compensation Case is Pending?


If you have recently been injured as a result of a work-related accident in Illinois (for example neck, back injury, slip, fall, eye, or hand injury), you are probably confused or worried about what step to take next and have lots of important questions on your mind like:

  • Will I be paid for the time I have lost from work?
  • Will my medical bills be paid?
  • Will I be able to see the doctor of my choice or do I have to see a company doctor?
  • What if I can’t return to work?
  • What if my injuries are permanent?
  • Do I really need a lawyer to represent my case or can’t I just work this out with my boss?
  • How will I know that the lawyer I’ve chosen to represent my case is the right lawyer for me and will he/she is strong-willed and be able to fight for my rights?
  • If I open a workers’ compensation claim will I lose my job?
  • How will I feed my family in the meantime if I’m not able to work?

If you currently have any of these concerns, then please keep reading this in its entirety, because it will help answer a lot of these questions.

I have been a worker’s compensation trial lawyer for over twenty years defending the rights of people who were injured on the job. I have settled over a million dollars in worker’s compensation claims in the past five years.

Being involved with the legal system, I have seen hard-working, honest, unsuspecting people be taken advantage of (that’s right, taken advantage of) by uncaring insurance companies, and doctors you as an employee are forced to see after a work-related injury. Doctors who say, “you’re O.K.., it’s not that bad, you’re not hurt, you can go back to work in a couple of days.”

If you have been recently injured on the job, there are some “facts” you absolutely need to know before you speak to anyone or sign any document. This book details some of the critical facts you want to be aware of in order to ensure you protect your rights.

Over the past 20 years, I have encountered many people who have suffered from all types of work-related injuries, however, failed to get the “right” legal advice. Some of these people haven’t gone to a lawyer because they didn’t know they have the right to compensation, and some are intimidated by meeting with an attorney.

They don’t want to file a workers’ compensation claim because they think that they might lose their job, their health insurance benefits, or the time they have put into the company, losing their pension.

Each year, I hear of dozens of cases where injured workers who are entitled to receive compensation for injuries never took action to submit a claim to get what they truly deserve. In this day and age, doing nothing at all is one of the worst things you can do.

I consider myself to be a fighter; someone who looks out for the small guy. That’s why I have taken the time to sit down and write my books in plain English without a lot of legal technical jargon. It makes me sick to my stomach seeing hard-working people who get injured on the job cheated out of what they rightfully deserve because they were intimidated by a big insurance company and were “SOLD” an unfair settlement simply because the company doctor said they really weren’t in bad shape. Or they were afraid of losing their job. It’s hard enough to make ends meet these days and getting injured on the job shouldn’t have to make matters worse.

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27. What Benefits Does the Workers’ Compensation Act Provide?


When an employee is injured on the job, he/she can only recover damages from their employer under the Workers’ Compensation Act. An injured worker may not sue his/her employer in Circuit Court. However, if a third party was at fault for the employee’s injuries, the employee will have a “cause of action” against the at-fault individual for the company. This is common in vehicle accident cases.

Generally speaking, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides the following benefits:

  • Temporary Total Disability (T.T.D.) Benefits: You are entitled to recover 66% of your average weekly wage during the entire time you are unable to work as a result of the work-related injury.
  • Medical Expenses: You are entitled to recover the medical expenses that you incur and that are reasonably certain to be incurred in the future as a result of the injury. You are entitled to choose your own doctor and go to any specialist he refers you to. The insurance company is required to pay for the specialist’s medical bills.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (P.P.D.) Benefits: The injured employee is entitled to a permanent disability benefit based on the part of the body injured and nature, and degree of the injury. The rate for determining the benefit is 60% of the average gross wages times the number of weeks that the injury is determined to disable the employee. This is the amount from which your attorney is paid his 20% fee. Additionally, this is the amount the insurance company will argue over most.

Unlike an automobile accident when the plaintiff is entitled to other benefits above and beyond, in a workers’ compensation case, the injured worker is limited to the above benefits because they do not have to prove another person or entity was at fault, only that his injury arose out of and was in the course of his employment. There are other benefits under the Act, so if you were severely injured it is highly recommended that you consult an attorney to protect your rights.

It is important that you are aware of these benefits because it is not uncommon for the insurance company to offer you a lesser amount than you deserve. Insurance companies are in the business of making money. The way they do that is by collecting premiums and not paying claims.

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28. What is a Statutory Employer?


The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits not only to employees but also to the employees of sub-contractors who directly or indirectly perform any work. This portion of the Act is important because it benefits an injured worker who is employed by a sub-contractor who does not have worker’s compensation insurance of their own or does not have the assets to pay benefits that the injured worker is entitled to. If you were injured and your employer did not have worker’s compensation but there was a general contractor on the job, you can file what is known as “an application for adjustment” claim against your employer and the general contractor who becomes the “statutory” employer. The statutory employer is then responsible for paying your benefits. After those benefits are paid and your case is closed, the statutory employer has the right to sue your employer for reimbursement.

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29. What Notice Must Be Given to the Employer?


The Act requires that an injured employee give the employer notice of the injury within 45 days from the date the injury occurred. This notice must be given to a supervisor, human resource manager, or any other member of the management team. This notice can be given orally or in writing. If it is oral the employer will usually write up the details themselves based on the employee’s account.

Again, this is why I stated previously that you should write down everything you can remember about the accident and/or your injuries before you forget. Failure to notify the employer within the 45-day time period will be something the insurance company will use to avoid paying you benefits. Within 3 years from the date of the accident or 2 years after the last payment of benefits has been made. This is the statutory time frame allowed. Once it passes you will be forever barred from receiving further benefits.

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30. When Does an Injury “Arise Out Of” Employment?


The injury must happen when an employee performs work and not on a personal errand. Therefore, the statement “arising out of employment” simply means that the employee’s injuries are traceable to a specific time, place, and cause, all of which are related to their employment.

Not all injuries which happen during work are covered by the Act. The Act does not cover an injury just because it happened at work. For example, if an employee trips while walking down the hall, without any reason or defect in the flooring, then this is not compensable under the Act because the worker was not at any more risk than the general public would be. However, if an employee was walking down the hall while carrying a large box of work-related materials and tripped, then this could be sufficient to qualify for benefits. If you have questions about your particular situation then please speak to an experienced attorney who can advise you properly. Don’t attempt to handle this on your own. If you are being denied benefits call an experienced attorney for advice.

There are a handful of states that allow benefits for an injury just because it occurs during work hours, regardless if the risk was personal but Illinois is not one of these states.

  • Fighting at the Workplace A fight between co-workers’ regarding the performance of work is entitled to benefits under the Act. However, the aggressor is not entitled to benefits if they are hurt during the fight. If a fight breaks out due to personal reasons then neither party is entitled to benefits. An example would be if a co-worker attacks an employee because he or she suspects them of keying their car in the parking lot, then any claim arising out of this situation would be denied. An exception occurs if you were an innocent bystander who was injured during the course of this fight.
  • Recreational Activities. An employee may be covered under the Act during recreational activities but each case is qualified under specific facts. For example, an employee that is injured while playing on a company’s softball team may qualify for benefits if the employer supplied uniforms, paid any team fees, and/or allowed time off with pay for practice and the games. Another example is if an injury occurs at a company picnic. If the employer required attendance at the company picnic then that injury would qualify for benefits under the Act. If the employee’s attendance at the company picnic is voluntary, and the employee has the option of attending the company picnic or having the day off, an injury occurring at that company picnic will generally be denied benefits.
  • Intoxicated Employee. In general, an employee who gets injured on the job while intoxicated will still qualify for benefits under the Act. However, there is an exemption if the employer can show that the employee was so severely intoxicated that he/she was unable to perform their job. Failure to pass a field sobriety test, being charged with a DUI, or having a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit will not automatically deny injured worker benefits. Of course, the employer is going to argue that if the employee was legally intoxicated at the time of the injury then the injury didn’t “arise out of employment.” Again, the general rule of thumb is that alcohol or drug use will not bar benefits under the Act.
  • When Does an Injury Occur “In the Course of” Employment? An injury must also happen during the course of employment. This means either at the physical location or during work duties that might be at another location as part of the employee’s overall responsibilities.

Generally, commuting to and from work is not covered by the Act. However, if you are running a special errand for the company or if the employer is paying your travel expenses to and from work then you are entitled to benefits.

Many cases involving this question surround injuries that happen in the parking lot. In the event, a worker is injured in a parking lot that is owned by the employer, or if the employer requires employees to park in a certain area, generally an injury will be covered under the Act.

As you have read, determining a case’s eligibility under the Act is very fact-specific and it is beneficial to have an experienced worker’s compensation attorney to avoid losing a case or falling victim to the hidden dangers and pitfalls the insurance carrier will commonly use to trip up the injured worker to avoid paying out any benefits.

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31. What is The Average Weekly Wage?


The Average Weekly Wage, also known as AWW, is the foundation on which most benefits are determined including Temporary Total Disability (TTD) and Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) benefits. The AWW is determined by averaging a worker’s pay for the 52 weeks preceding the injury. While this seems straightforward, it is common for claims adjusters, and defense attorneys working for insurance companies, to fail to include overtime, holiday/vacation, or incentive pay when calculating benefits. The Act states that overtime should be included in the average weekly wage computation so long as the overtime is mandatory and occurs on a regular basis. Failing to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can jeopardize an employee’s right to receive the full pay they are entitled to.

It is crucial that you consult an experienced attorney to determine if the average weekly wage is calculated correctly and challenge an adjuster or insurance company if the AWW is incorrect. Bonuses/Fringe Benefits. The Act specifically excludes bonuses and fringe benefits in the calculation of the AWW. The reason for the exclusion is that “bonuses” are not based on specific work performed by an employee. While bonuses are not payable under the Act, incentive pay is included in the AWW calculation so long as the employer has included the incentive pay in the employee’s regular wage statements.

Again, unscrupulous adjusters will try to say that incentive pay was actually a bonus but an experienced attorney will ensure that your pay is calculated correctly. Employees Who Have a Second Job. Many employees do not realize that if they have a second job that the employer knows about, the wages of the second job are added to the employee’s regular wage to calculate his average weekly wage. This will result in the injured employee receiving additional money for the claim. It is not likely that an insurance adjuster will include a second job pay in the average weekly wage calculation for an injured employee.

Insurance companies hire experienced worker’s compensation defense attorneys and pay them large fees to defend worker’s compensation claims. There have been many lawsuits and court cases surrounding the calculation of an injured worker’s AWW Again, this is why it can be very beneficial to retain an experienced worker’s compensation attorney who will be on your side and will stand up to the adjuster and big insurance companies.

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32. How Are Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD) Calculated?


The TTD benefits are paid to an injured worker for the time that he or she is off from work recovering from their injuries. These benefits are calculated at two-thirds of an injured worker’s average weekly wage. The higher a person’s AWW, the higher his TTD benefit check, thus it is important to make sure that there is an appropriate average weekly wage calculation.

The Act has set both a maximum and minimum TTD benefit. The current maximum TTD benefit is $1,178.48 per week and the current minimum TTD benefit is $200.00 per week for a non-married employee. Below are minimum TTD benefits based on the injured worker’s marital status and the number of children.

  • Married: $230.00
  • Married, 1child: $260.00
  • Married, 2 children: $290.00
  • Married, 3+ children: $300.00

If an injured worker was working only part-time and his average weekly wage was less than the minimum, then his entire average weekly wage will be used as the TTD benefits.

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33. When Do TTD Benefits Start and Stop?


TTD benefits start to accrue the day after an injured worker is unable to return to work as a result of his work-related injury. However, if the injured worker is able to return to work within 14 days of getting the injury then they will only be paid from the 3rd day to the 14th day. It is only when the worker is off more than 14 days that the Act requires the insurance carrier to pay the TTD benefits from the first day after the injury occurred.

Temporary Total Disability (TDD) payments stop when the injured employee has returned to work without restrictions.

Defense Medical Exam – Under the Act the employer has the right to require the injured employee to be examined by their own physician. This is sometimes referred to as an “independent medical exam.” However, it is anything but independent. These doctors work for the employer. The employer is required to pay any traveling expenses to and from the defense medical examination and is required to pay any wages if the defense medical examination is scheduled and conducted during a time when the injured worker is usually at work. It is important that you realize that TTD benefits can be terminated and/or temporarily suspended if the employee refuses to submit to a medical examination requested by the employer.

It is common for the insurance company to exercise this right and use it to their advantage. Often they will schedule this examination with very little notice, hoping the injured worker will not show up, so they can suspend the worker’s TTD benefits. This can be a real hardship for the worker and his or her family.

If an employer or worker’s compensation insurance company does suspend TTD benefits, the employee has the right to file an emergency petition to prove to the arbitrator that the employee is still entitled to benefits under the Act. The petition requires a 15-day notice to the employer prior to the hearing and a current doctor’s note stating that the injured worker is unable to return to work as a result of his work-related injury. The doctor’s note should include the basis of the doctor’s opinion on why the injured worker is unable to return to work.

Maintenance Benefits – The Act also provides that in certain cases of a severe injury an injured worker, after he reaches maximum medical improvement, is entitled to receive “maintenance” benefits if he is unable to return to work at his former position. During this time the worker might also undergo vocational rehabilitation training. The maintenance benefit is paid at the same rate as the previous TTD benefits. See the section on Vocational Rehabilitation for further explanation.

Overpayment of TTD Benefits – While rare, there are occasions when an injured worker is accidentally overpaid under the Act and the insurance companies will fight hard to get repayment of that money. They can take their case to an appellate court which can order repayment for the extra money or can issue a credit against any permanency award or PPD benefit the worker may receive.

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34. What Medical Benefits are Covered?


An employer is required to pay for all the medical bills (associated with the work injury only) incurred by an injured worker during his or her recovery time. The law also requires that the employer continue paying for medical bills for the rest of the employee’s life. Despite this, in most cases, the injured worker will settle the case and waive any right to future benefits.

By signing a settlement contract the injured worker can’t come back at a later date and prove that his future medical treatment and care was causally related to the original work injury. This is why it is important that your medical care providers have fully treated your current injuries. Only after you have been fully treated should you settle your workers’ compensation claim.

The Right to Choose Your Own Doctor -Many injured employees are surprised to find out that they have the right to select the doctor of their choice. All too often workers defer to their employer, assuming they have to see the company doctor if there is one. However, not every company doctor has the best interest of the patient in mind when it comes to medical treatment and return to work issues.

If your employer insists that you need to be seen or treated by the company doctor consider seeking the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Bob offers a FREE, honest, no-obligation consultation and will even take your case on a contingency basis if it meets the necessary criteria. Call toll-free at (847) 395-2200. The call is free, the advice might be priceless.

The Two (2) Doctor Rule – Not only does the injured worker have the absolute right to choose their own physician for their medical treatment resulting from a work injury, but the injured worker is also entitled to a second opinion. In addition, the worker may receive additional treatment by any referred physician from either of the initial doctors. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay for these visits and any additional treatment recommended.

The Defense Medical Exam (DME). As stated prior, since the injured employee has the right to choose his own treating physician, the law provides the employer the right to have the injured employee examined by a physician of their choice. This is known as the Section 12 Exam, which is a defense medical exam. The injured employee is required by the Act to be examined by the defense medical examiner. Failure to submit to the exam is grounds to cut off your rights to receive TTD benefits.

Attorney Robert Edens, P.C. recommends to all his clients required to undergo a Section 12 defense medical exam to wear a watch and document exactly how long the defense medical examining doctor actually examines them as opposed to how long they were in the waiting room and/or spoke to the defense medical examiner’s nurse and note exactly what tests he performs and any questions that were asked. Then after the exam to make notes of all the facts so they can be recalled later.

Continued Medical Benefits -Even after an injured employee reaches his or her Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and has returned to work full duty without restrictions, they may be entitled to further benefits. This usually occurs when an injured employee’s condition will not improve despite all the medical treatment they have received to date and they are in need of ongoing pain relief expenses.

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35. What Are Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)?


The permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits are the amount of money the injured employee receives after he recovers from his work-related injury. The Act has assigned a specific number of weeks of compensation for injuries to various body parts. The current maximum amount of weeks for each body part is as follows:

  • Arm – 253
  • Leg – 215
  • Hand – 205
  • Foot – 167
  • Big Toe – 38
  • All 10 Toes – 13
  • Thumb – 76
  • Index Finger – 43
  • Middle Finger – 38
  • Ring Finger – 27
  • Little Finger – 22
  • Whole Person – 500

However, it is not as straightforward as the above figures. Only an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will fight for your right to collect the benefits you deserve. The insurance company and their defense attorneys will always underestimate the percentage of disability that the injured employee is entitled to despite the calculation for the PPD benefit being very simple.

To calculate the proper PPD payment, you multiply the average weekly wage (AWW) by 60%, then you take that number and multiply it by the percentage loss for each specific body part that was injured on the job. For example, if the average weekly wage is $500 and the employee lost 75% use of one of their arms then the calculation is as follows:

$500 x 60% = $300 then take

$300 x 75% = $225 to arrive at $225 per week

There is a maximum PPD rate of $636.15 per week or 60% of $1060. Any worker having an average weekly wage of over $1060.00 per week or $55,133.00 per year is at the maximum.

Disfigurement – Disfigurement, commonly known as scarring, carries a maximum of 150 weeks of benefits. For the scarring, to be compensable, it must be serious and permanent to the hands, face, head, neck, arm, leg below the knee, or chest above the sternum. The disfigurement benefit is calculated on a case-by-case basis and can’t be settled until six months have passed since the injury. To obtain the maximum benefit possible under the Act, a disfigured injured worker should consult an experienced worker’s compensation attorney to determine the value of that case.

PPD Benefits don’t include the following:

  • Past pain and suffering.
  • Future pain and suffering.
  • Loss of a normal life.
  • Temporary aggravations of a condition.
  • An injury or scar that completely disappears.
  • Risk of future injury.

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36. What is a Wage Differential Award?


A wage differential is an award made to the injured worker when he or she is unable to return to their former position and the job they are able to perform pays less than their past earnings. If an injured worker qualifies for a wage differential award, the award is generally substantial because pursuant to the Act, the injured worker is entitled to wage differential benefits for the remainder of his natural life, not just his working life.

The wage differential is calculated by taking 66.3% of the difference between the average weekly wage and what the worker currently earns in the new lower-paying position. This benefit is paid weekly for life if the case is won at trial. If the case is going to be settled, the attorneys will estimate the injured worker’s life expectancy and multiply the weekly benefit times the life expectancy of the injured worker. That figure is then multiplied by a discount rate. In a wage differential case, the lower the discount rate is, the higher the money award is to the injured worker. Generally, a wage differential award greatly exceeds any specific body part PPD award.

You can be sure that neither the workers’ compensation adjuster nor the worker’s compensation defense attorney will tell you that you have a wage differential case. They will attempt to settle your case on a loss of use basis, in an effort to save the insurance company money.

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37. What is a Permanent Total Disability Benefit?


If an injured worker is found to be permanently and totally disabled they are entitled to receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage for the rest of their life, subject to the statutory maximums and minimums allowed.

In accordance with the Act, there are two types of Permanent Total Disability (PTD) awards. The first is when the injured worker is completely and permanently disabled as a result of their injury; completely incapable of work. The second form is where there is a specific case of loss to both hands, arms, feet, legs, eyes, or any combination of the two. This is generally referred to as the “statutory permanent total” and has been the basis of many lawsuits and litigation regarding what constitutes a complete Permanent Total Disability.

The Supreme Court of Illinois has held that an employee is totally and permanently disabled when he is “unable to make some contribution to the workforce sufficient to justify the payment of wages”. While the injured worker may be able to perform some intermittent work they are unable to earn a living because the work they can perform is so limited that no reasonable, stable employment exists in the job market.

There are two types of Permanent Total Disability cases that are not classified as statutory:

  • Workers that are “obviously unemployable;” and,
  • Odd lot category workers.

An odd lot on a total disability case is when an injured worker has been unsuccessful in finding work even after a diligent effort has been made, or because of their age, condition, training, education, and experience, he is unfit to perform any but the most menial tasks for which no stable employment market exists. If the injured worker is able to show either of the two, the burden shifts to the employer to prove that a stable employment market does exist and regular and continuous work is available.

Obviously, a Permanent Total Disability case is a complicated and difficult subject with too many hidden dangers and pitfalls. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney is prepared to skillfully challenge the arguments the insurance company will try to use to deny your claim.

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38. What is Vocational Rehabilitation?


If an injured worker is unable to perform the same duties that they were able to prior to the injury then the Act requires an employer to pay for vocational rehabilitation training. Additionally, during the time of re-training, the employer is required to pay “maintenance benefits” which are calculated at the same two-thirds of the average weekly wage, essentially the same amount as the rate of the TTD benefits. Maintenance benefits are to be paid the entire time the injured worker is undergoing vocational rehabilitation training.

To qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits, the work injury must have caused a reduction in the employee’s earning power. Evidence must also exist demonstrating that vocational rehabilitation will increase the injured worker’s earning capacity and the employee is likely to obtain employment upon completion of the vocational rehabilitation. If the injured worker qualifies for vocational rehabilitation, a vocational rehabilitation plan should be filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. The employer is responsible for paying for all the treatment, instruction and training necessary for the physical, mental and vocational rehabilitation of the employee including all maintenance costs and expenses.

Since vocational rehabilitation cases are expensive, insurance companies spend lots of effort, energy, and money defending against them. These cases are very complex and it is advisable to see an attorney to help you navigate the complexities of these types of cases.

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39. What Are Death Benefits?


In the event an employee dies due to an accident or workplace injury the surviving spouse, or minor child is entitled to death benefits at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage. The death benefit to the surviving spouse or minor child is payable for 25 years or $250,000.00, whichever is greater. Burial expenses are also covered at a current benefit of $8,000.00 to the surviving spouse, dependent, or to the actual person incurring the expense.

If the surviving spouse remarries and there are not any surviving minor children at the time of the remarriage who were entitled to compensation benefits under the Act, the surviving spouse shall be paid a lump sum equal to two years compensation benefits and all further rights of the spouse shall terminate and no further benefits may be collected.

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40. What are the Effects of the Healthcare Reform Act on My Claim?


Lawyers, and the workers’ compensation (WC) system at large, are asking the question “how is the Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as Obamacare, going to impact current and future Illinois WC claims?” Unfortunately, there has been no consensus on the magnitude or even the direction of the likely impacts of this law. Moreover, the limited research that does exist on this topic only raises more questions and uncertainty than provides answers.

A recent study, performed by Paul Heaton for the RAND Institute for Civil Justice, based on the Massachusetts model which implemented similar healthcare provisions in 2006 to those of PPACA’s, found that there is some short-term evidence that suggests that the PPACA may reduce the billing volume and cost of hospital care for WC. However, the study cannot conclude if savings will translate to outpatient visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, or other types of care. Secondly, it is unclear how these results will translate to other states with varied industries and overall worker’s health. Third, the quality and appropriateness of treatment were not a consideration for the purposes of this study.

The conclusion that PPACA may reduce billing volume and costs of hospital care for worker’s compensation was determined based on data drawn from 9.5 million ER visits from the State Emergency Department Data (SEDD) and 3 million inpatient records from State Inpatient Data (SID). Data included diagnoses, medical procedures, patient demographics, billed charges, and payment sources. The data compared the billing and costs from 2005 to those in 2008, after the new healthcare plan was implemented. The data indicated that WC ER bill volume fell by 7% amongst the lower cost and higher cost WC patients and the total evidence suggests that the reform can account for roughly 5-10% decline going forward.

While this study is relatively small in scope, the results do provide important evidence that healthcare reform will reduce at least some costs associated with worker’s compensation. It is the hope that despite the study’s limitations, that healthcare reform may generate spillover effects on other areas costs associated with WC.

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41. What is a Job Safety Analysis?


Some jobs in various industries are inherently more dangerous than others. In particular, construction sites, heavy machine operation, meatpacking plants, etc. To help identify the risks specific to each job, a job safety analysis (JSA), also known as job hazard analysis (JHA) is performed to identify and determine the best way to eradicate the potential dangers. More precisely it is a safety management tool of systematically evaluating certain jobs, tasks, processes or procedures and eliminating or reducing the risks or hazards to as low as reasonably practical (ALARP) in order to protect workers from injury or illness. The document produced from the JSA is kept at the workplace as a manual, or at the job site, to help the employees follow best practices for keeping everyone safe. The JSA document is adjusted as conditions warrant.

The JSA process begins with risk analysis identifying the potential hazards associated with a particular task or job. Once the hazards are understood and documented, the consequences of those hazards are then identified, followed by implementing control measures to eliminate or minimize the hazards. For jobs with a lot of moving parts throughout the process, a step-by-step detailed JSA should be performed. Breaking down each step and identifying specific hazards and control measures for each job step can provide the worker with a documented set of safe job procedures or checklists. The JSA can be taken two steps further by listing the probability of each hazard occurring, along with the consequences and effectiveness of the control measures that have been put in place.

The JSA is only as good as the person or people utilizing it. It does no good to be put on the shelf and only reviewed after an accident has occurred. The end result of a JSA shared with workers as part of pre-job and safety meetings, and/or included as part of worker job descriptions. The JSA process should be reviewed and refined regularly and then it can serve as a useful tool in training new employees and giving existing employees a refresher.

The most important thing is that workers and management alike need to understand is that documentation alone will not make the job safe. Rather, workers and management must understand the risks and hazards associated with the job and know how to use the chosen controls in such a way as to eliminate or mitigate those risks.

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Do You Need An Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens has been fighting for the rights of injured workers for over 20 years. If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, take the time to look over this website and see for yourself why our law firm is the right firm to handle your workers’ compensation claim. We have video testimonials from numerous satisfied clients that claim we are the best. We have searchable verdicts and settlements that demonstrate the MILLIONS OF DOLLARS that our law firm has gotten for our clients.


f you or someone you love has been injured on the job call Bob and put his 20+year of experience to work explaining the law and letting you know your options. During the initial evaluation, Bob will take a detailed look at your case and let you know whether you need an attorney and exactly what he can do for you. The evaluation is FREE. You will not be pressured in any way to sign a contract. After hearing the details of your case, Bob and you can decide if you need an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney, and if so, whether his law firm is right for you. THE CALL IS FREE, THE ADVICE CAN BE PRICELESS! Call 847-395-2200

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