Changes in the Workers Compensation Law

Changes in Illinois Workers' Compensation Laws
Chicago Workers' Comp Lawyer

In May, 2005, the state legislature passed the most sweeping changes to Illinois workers' compensation laws in 30 years. Representatives of employers, unions, legislative leaders, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) and the Governor's office all participated in crafting the legislation. The law includes provisions that will reduce costs for employers, adjust benefits for workers, and combat fraud. Changes to the workers' compensation law became effective on February 1, 2006.

If you have suffered an injury at work and want information on how the Illinois workers' comp reforms affect you, please contact a workers' compensation attorney at Woodruff & Johnson for a free consultation.

A few of the many changes to the workers' compensation laws include:

Utilization Review

An employer can use the utilization review system to question the quality and necessity of health care services and potentially end disability benefits.

Balance Billing

Medical providers may no longer bill employees for the balance of charges not paid by the insurance company for workers' compensation benefits that are not disputed. Employees are only liable for insurance co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles.

Benefits Increase

The act increases death benefits, burial benefits, and permanent partial disability benefits but does not increase benefits across-the-board.

For a detailed discussion of the changes to Illinois workers' compensation law, please review an article co-authored by attorney Casey Woodruff.