If you are an employer and don't have workers' compensation coverage it is a felony
If you are an Illinois employer or doing business in Illinois and you don't have workers' compensation coverage, it's a felony. This assumes that you have employees. In other words, if you are the only employee you don't have to coverage, but if anyone works for you, you do.
In addition, you can't have an employee sign away their rights to workers' compensation coverage. Even if they signed that type of document, it would not be enforceable.
Also, some employers try to get around this law by calling their employees independent contractors. If they truly are employees - meaning that you have a right of control over them - then they would still be covered under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.
From the worker's standpoint, rest assured that your employer doesn't set the rules, the state of Illinois does. No matter what your boss says, you are covered if hurt on the job.
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.
