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Innovative approach that makes sense. The best approach is to get it done faster and return the injured person to work as soon as possible.
Workers Compensation Commission
Illinois Workers’ Compensation and the Election
As a former chairman of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission used to say, “Workers’ Compensation is always a pot that is being stirred.”
What he meant is that the interest groups involved in Work Comp the insurance companies, the doctors, unions, business groups, trial lawyers were constantly fighting and coming up with ideas to change they system.
Politics is the mechanism of change and it is constantly in flux.
With the election of a Republican Governor for the first time in 12 years there are lots of questions about how the Work Comp system will change.
A Governor can propose changes but only the legislature can pass laws.
Both the Illinois House and Illinois Senate are firmly in control of Democrats.
The Republican Governor and the minority party in both chambers of the Statehouse will propose a number of bills to change the Workers’ Compensation laws, however, nothing will pass without the help of Democrats.
No one can discount that some changes may pass and be signed into law but it will take much negotiating and horse trading to pass any Workers’ Compensation bill in Illinois.
The initial major action will take place in other arenas behind closed doors. Such as who the Governor appoints and the Senate confirms as Arbitrators and Commissioners.
These key Work Comp decision makers will have the more immediate impact on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation system.
Questions about your work injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.
Your Wage Matters in Workers’ Compensation
Illinois Workers’ Compensation settlements and awards are based on your wages.
For instance a person who was injured while working a McDonald’s and earning minimum wage will receive much less than a full time union worker with the same injury.
Awards and settlements are calculated using a percentage of the injured body part.
For instance, the back has a total of 500 weeks. If you settle for 10 percent of the back you will receive 50 weeks.
50 weeks times your average weekly wage multiplied by 60 percent determines what you will receive. The 60 percent of the average weekly wage is specified in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act
An example of this is an average weekly wage of $500 times 60 percent equals $300. 50 weeks is multiplied by the $300. This equals $15,000.
Since your wage governs the size of the award or settlement, it is important to make sure that the insurance company has the correct amount when deciding your case.
Another important thing to remember is that if you have a second job and your first employer is aware of it, then it can be added to your average weekly wage. This will boost your average weekly wage.
Overtime can be added in at the regular rate if you can show overtime is mandatory and is worked on a regular basis.
Questions about your work injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.
Workers’ compensation rate reductions draw praise from all sides « Watchdog.org
Workers' compensation rate reductions draw praise from all sides « Watchdog.org.
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The good news will not stop some business groups from attempting to reduce workers’ compensation benefits drastically.
MOUNT VERNON: ‘I am not a monster’: Mitchell wants license back, says he won’t drive or live in Illinois again | Metro-east news | News Democrat
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This is the officer who also filed for Workers’ Compensation benefits related to his injuries in the crash. It lead to major scandal with the Arbitrator assigned to his case.