With economic uncertainty and political uncertainty in Illinois, it is probably safe to project the following for 2009:
- Workers Comp insurance companies will be even more stingy with settlement offers. They want to keep as much money for themselves as possible.
- Workers Comp insurance companies will tell their lawyers to appeal more cases. You may win your trial but when the insurance company appeals it will take another 1 to 1.5 years for the case to be decided. The insurance company will get to keep your money while the case is on appeal.
- Jobs will continue to disappear and be scarce. Some companies will try to intimidate injured workers so that they will not file for Workers Compensation benefits.
- Politics will have some impact on the Illinois Workers Comp law and the interpretation of the law. The Governor may soon be impeached. This will possibly open the door to a new Chairman, new Commissioners and may trickle down to new policies governing Arbitrators.
Questions about future developments, or what goes on in Illinois Workers Compensation cases? Call me, Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.