This site explains Illinois workers’ compensation in plain language, with a special focus on physical therapy (PT) after a work injury. It is written for injured workers in Illinois, especially in the Chicago area, who need to understand the next step — not legal jargon.
What this site is — and is not
This site is general information only. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and not a law firm. It does not diagnose, treat, or represent anyone. For medical decisions, talk with your own doctor. For legal decisions, talk with a licensed Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer. See the full Disclaimer.
How to use this site
- Just injured? Start with What to do after a work injury and How to report to your employer in writing.
- Need treatment or physical therapy? See Illinois workers’ comp physical therapy and Choosing your own doctor and the two-doctor rule.
- Claim denied, treatment stopped, or employer problem? See Claim denied, IME and utilization review, and Fired, retaliated against, or threatened.
How the guides are written
Guides use plain language, list the questions to ask, and link to related guides and to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). They do not give settlement averages, personal benefit estimates, or outcome promises. Deadlines and rates are given only as general, most-cited figures with a warning to verify them against the current IWCC handbook and rate table — because your injury date controls which rates may apply.
Providers and lawyers listed here
Provider pages on this site are currently generic request pages. No provider names, addresses, or guarantees are published yet. A request is not a booking and does not guarantee care, authorization, or availability — the provider will discuss those things directly with you. Use Connect with a provider to send a request, and Connect with a lawyer if you need a lawyer to discuss your situation. The lawyer page does not state a fee percentage; any lawyer you contact will discuss any fee directly with you.
Questions? Start at the homepage or the FAQ hub. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.