In Illinois, all Workers’ Compensation settlements must be in writing and approved through an Arbitrator.
The settlement contract contains all the terms of the agreement.
This includes payment of medical bills, payment of time off work pay, and permanent partial disability (also known as the lump sum payment).
Once you settle your case all medical treatment ends. Unless there is specific language to indicate it continues. This is very rare since the Insurance Company wants to cut their losses.
Most payments are lump sum or one time payments made within 4 to 6 weeks after the settlement.
You must be very careful that the contract contains language to cover all medical bills related to your work injury, or you will be stuck paying the bills.
If you have any question about whether you will need future medical treatment, DO NOT settle your case. Better to take more time and cover potential future medical then to be on your own down the road.
Questions about your settlement or your Work Comp case? Feel free to call Illinois Workman’s Compensation Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.