Workers Compensation in Illinois
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Illinois mandates workers' compensation for most employers; benefits include medical care, wage loss, and permanent disability compensation.
How Illinois treats Workers Compensation
Illinois requires employers with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. Employees receive two-thirds wage replacement for temporary disability and lump-sum or ongoing payments for permanent injuries. Medical benefits in Illinois are generally unlimited in duration for work-related conditions. The state also provides vocational rehabilitation services to help injured workers return to employment.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.