Sometimes bad Illinois employers get punished
It is a felony to not carry workers' compensation insurance. That said, a restaurant in the same building as the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission headquarters did just that. In the end, it cost them their business. The following is a press release from the Chairman of the Commission:
On January 4, 2011, the IWCC shut down Steak and Fries, located right in the same building as IWCC offices: 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago
The IWCC gave the employer every opportunity to comply with the law before shutting the restaurant down. The IWCC first brought an enforcement action in March 2009. The owner secured insurance in April and agreed to pay a fine of $15,000. He failed to pay all of the fine, however, and the next April, he failed to pay the insurance premium.
Uninsured employers are deemed a serious threat to public safety and welfare, and the law authorizes the Commission to shut such employers down.
Thanks to Insurance Compliance Division staff for their efforts to make work more safe for workers and the business environment more fair for employers.
So while some bad employers will continue to break the law, it's good to know that when they are caught, there is someone to stand up to them. Usually it just takes a courageous employee to get things started.
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.
