In Illinois, if you are injured and cannot return to your old job and can no longer earn the same amount you did before you were hurt you may be eligible for a wage differential.
A wage differential is 66% of the difference between what you used to earn and what you can now earn. You must prove your injury caused your inability to perform your old job. You also must prove your new job effectively uses all your capabilities. In other words, if you return as a store greeter but could work as a school teacher the Worker’s Compensation insurance company will argue they do not have to subsidize your work choice.
Sometimes you have difficulty finding a new job. If that happens you may have to rely on a vocational expert to determine what wage you could earn, or you may have to request vocational assistance from the Worker’s Compensation insurance company.
More later about what happens if you cannot return to work at all.