The new Illinois workers' compensation laws start today
Earlier this year, the Illinois government decided to change the workers' compensation system. It affects injuries that occur as of today or later. So if you are reading this post and got hurt before September 1, 2011, you are playing by the old rules.
For cases from injuries that happened today or later, the honest answer is that no one knows exactly what is going to happen. I personally don't think the values of cases should change other than carpal tunnel which was specifically targeted by legislators. If you are undergoing a wage loss from a job change, the value of your case will definitely drop as you are only eligible for benefits up to age 67 or for five years, whichever is longer.
Doctors will certainly get less, but they have been making out like bandits for years under this system so we don't feel too sorry for them.
For you as a worker that gets injured, nothing important has changed as far as how you should act. If you get hurt, you should report it to your employer. If you go to the doctor, you need to tell them how the injury happened. And during the claim, if you are honest things should work out fine.
Whatever you do, don't let an insurance company adjuster tell you that the system has changed to the point that you have lost rights. You haven't and just as before, good lawyers will protect their clients as the Illinois workers' compensation laws are designed to protect workers.
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.
