Signing a severance shouldn't cause you to lose Illinois worker's compensation rights
We recently were called by someone who needed a Rockford carpal tunnel lawyer. He was concerned because he has been laid off and his employer wants him to sign a severance agreement that states he will forfeit the right to pursue Illinois workers' compensation benefits or any action at the Illinois Worker's Compensation Commission.
We told him to sign the document because according to Section 23 of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, only an approved settlement contract from an Arbitrator can cause someone to give up their work injury rights. Since this severance was not being entered into at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, we do not believe that any rights will be lost for him.
All that said, if you are offered a severance agreement and might have a work injury or any other right under Illinois or Federal law, it is extremely important that you have an attorney review that document as failure to do so could cause you to lose some rights forever.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
