Short answers to the questions visitors ask most, with links to the full question pages and to the broader guides. This page is general information only, not medical advice, not legal advice, and this site is not a law firm. See the Disclaimer. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.
En español: Preguntas frecuentes sobre la compensación laboral de Illinois
Just injured
How many days do I have to report a work injury in Illinois? Report to your employer within 45 days. Full answer: How many days to report a work injury in Illinois? Guide: How to Report a Work Injury in Illinois
Can workers’ compensation be denied for late report? Yes — a claim can be denied if notice is late, although a late report does not automatically end every claim. Full answer: Can workers’ compensation be denied for late report?
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois? Generally within 3 years of the injury, or within 2 years of the last payment, whichever is later. Verify against the IWCC. Full answer: How long to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
Does workers’ compensation cover back injuries? Yes — back injuries are among the most common claims. Full answer: Does workers’ compensation cover back injuries?
Can I get workers’ compensation if I am partially at fault? Yes — Illinois workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system. Full answer: Can I get workers’ compensation if partially at fault?
How do I file a claim with the IWCC, step by step (CompFile)? Filing is done online through CompFile, by filing an Application for Adjustment of Claim, with no filing fee. Full answer: How do I file a claim with the IWCC, step by step (CompFile)?
Am I covered if I was hurt on my first day — or work part-time, seasonally, or through a staffing agency? Coverage can start on your first day, and part-time, seasonal, and staffing-agency workers can also be covered. Full answer: Am I covered if I was hurt on my first day — or work part-time, seasonally, or through a staffing agency?
Can undocumented workers get Illinois workers’ compensation? The Act’s definition of employee expressly includes noncitizens, so status alone does not remove coverage. Full answer: Can undocumented workers get Illinois workers’ compensation?
I am called an independent contractor (1099) — can I still have a claim? A contract label or a 1099 form does not by itself decide status; how the work was actually done matters. Full answer: I am called an independent contractor (1099) — can I still have a claim?
I was hurt traveling for work, driving, or running a work errand — covered? A trip made for work is usually covered; an ordinary commute usually is not. Full answer: I was hurt traveling for work, driving, or running a work errand — covered?
As an employee, how do I find the insurance that my employer is using for workers’ comp? Check the posted notice at every work site, ask your employer, HR or risk manager in writing, then use the notice to contact the carrier or the TPA named on it. Use the IWCC Employer Insurance Coverage Search. If the notice is missing or your employer will not tell you, contact the IWCC Insurance Compliance Division, which will try to identify the carrier. Full answer: As an employee, how do I find the insurance that my employer is using for workers’ comp? Also asked as: How do I find out who my employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company is? What if my employer won’t tell me who their workers’ comp carrier is?
Treatment / physical therapy
Can I choose my own doctor in Illinois? Yes, subject to the two-doctor rule, with referrals not counting as a new choice. Full answer: Can I choose my own doctor in Illinois? Guide: Choosing a Doctor for Your Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claim
Can I change doctors in Illinois? Yes, but a change may count as your second doctor choice. Full answer: Can I change doctors under Illinois workers’ compensation?
Can I get physical therapy for a work injury in Illinois? Yes, when it is related to the work injury and authorized through the claim. Full answer: Can I get physical therapy for a work injury in Illinois?
Is physical therapy covered under Illinois workers’ compensation? Yes, in many claims, when it is related, recommended and authorized. Full answer: Is physical therapy covered under Illinois workers’ compensation?
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Illinois? In most claims, therapy starts with a referral from a treating doctor. Full answer: Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Illinois?
Can I see any physical therapist in Illinois? Usually through the referral and authorization process for your claim. Full answer: Can I see any physical therapist in Illinois?
What if my physical therapy is stopped? Find out why in writing, and ask your doctor about a new referral or updated plan. Full answer: What happens if my physical therapy is stopped? Guide: Physical Therapy and Workers’ Compensation Claims in Illinois
Does workers’ comp pay my mileage and travel costs to treatment? Travel to authorized care may be covered — keep records of miles, tolls, and parking. Full answer: Does workers’ comp pay my mileage and travel costs to treatment?
My work-injury medical bills went to collections — do I have to pay them? Tell the provider the claim is filed, keep the bills, and dispute them in writing. Full answer: My work-injury medical bills went to collections — do I have to pay them?
Shoulder injuries at work: treatment, surgery questions, and therapy A shoulder injury often needs imaging, and sometimes surgery, followed by a long course of therapy. Full answer: Shoulder injuries at work: treatment, surgery questions, and therapy
Knee injuries at work: treatment, therapy, and time off A knee injury often needs imaging and therapy, and sometimes surgery, with time off while it heals. Full answer: Knee injuries at work: treatment, therapy, and time off
A nurse case manager wants to come to my doctor appointments — what are my choices? The nurse is not your doctor, and you can ask the nurse to wait outside or to speak with you only outside the exam room. Full answer: A nurse case manager wants to come to my doctor appointments — what are my choices?
Hearing loss from a noisy workplace Hearing loss that builds up from workplace noise can be an occupational-disease claim, with different filing rules from an accident claim. Full answer: Hearing loss from a noisy workplace
Amputation and loss of use: how specific-loss claims work Losing a body part, or losing the use of one, is paid under the Act’s specific-loss schedule, not as ordinary PPD. Full answer: Amputation and loss of use: how specific-loss claims work
Burns at work Burns from kitchens, manufacturing, chemicals, or electricity often need specialist care and a long recovery. Full answer: Burns at work
Concussion and head injury at work A concussion is often minimized at first, so report it in writing and keep a daily symptom record. Full answer: Concussion and head injury at work
Money and benefits
What does Illinois workers’ compensation pay for? Medical care, wage replacement while you cannot work, and other injury-related support, depending on the case. Full answer: What does Illinois workers’ compensation pay for? Guide: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits Overview
Does workers’ compensation pay for missed work? Wage benefits can apply when a doctor says you cannot work, or can only do limited work. Full answer: Does workers’ compensation pay for missed work?
Can I get benefits for a pre-existing condition? A pre-existing condition does not automatically prevent benefits if work aggravated it. Full answer: Can I get benefits for a pre-existing condition?
Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive strain injuries? Yes, when they arise from repeated work activities. Full answer: Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive strain injuries?
My workers’ comp checks stopped, or are late — what can I do? Ask for the reason in writing, make a written demand, and consider an expedited 19(b) hearing if benefits stay stopped. Full answer: My workers’ comp checks stopped, or are late — what can I do?
Death benefits: what Illinois pays a worker’s family Death benefits may be paid to dependents, most commonly a spouse and dependent children, and a burial benefit exists. Full answer: Death benefits: what Illinois pays a worker’s family
How is my average weekly wage (AWW) calculated? The general method looks back over the 52 weeks before the injury, including overtime and bonuses in some cases. Full answer: How is my average weekly wage (AWW) calculated?
TTD, TPD, PPD, PTD: what is the difference? TTD and TPD are temporary benefits while you recover; PPD and PTD are permanent, and each applies at a different point in a claim. Full answer: TTD, TPD, PPD, PTD: what is the difference?
Can I get workers’ comp and Social Security at the same time? Yes, both can be received, but an offset formula may reduce the Social Security side — get advice about your own numbers. Full answer: Can I get workers’ comp and Social Security at the same time?
Are workers’ comp benefits taxable? No — workers’ compensation benefits are generally not taxable at the state or federal level. Full answer: Are workers’ comp benefits taxable?
Disfigurement and scarring benefits Illinois has a separate benefit for serious, permanent disfigurement of a visible area, such as the face, head, neck, or hands. Full answer: Disfigurement and scarring benefits
Claim denied
What if my claim is denied? Find out the exact reason in writing, gather records that answer it, and check deadlines. Full answer: What if my claim is denied? Guide: Workers’ Compensation Claim Denied
What is a workers’ compensation IME? An Independent Medical Examination by a doctor who is not your treating doctor, usually arranged by the employer or insurer. Full answer: What is a workers’ compensation IME? Guide: What Is an IME?
Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois? You are not required to have one, but workers often consider advice when a claim is denied or disputed, or a settlement is offered. Full answer: Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company? You do not have to agree on the spot; you can ask for time and for the request in writing. Full answer: Do I have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
Can my employer drug-test me after an injury — and what if I test positive? An employer may test after an injury, and a positive result does not automatically end a claim. Full answer: Can my employer drug-test me after an injury — and what if I test positive?
Can I sue someone besides my employer? Third-party claims explained Generally you cannot sue your employer, but you may have a separate claim against a driver, a machine maker, or a property owner. Full answer: Can I sue someone besides my employer? Third-party claims explained
What is a 19(b) hearing, and when does a stalled claim need one? A 19(b) hearing is an expedited hearing for a stalled claim — for example, when checks have stopped or care has been denied. Full answer: What is a 19(b) hearing, and when does a stalled claim need one?
Can the insurance company put me under surveillance? Yes — an investigator may take photos or video in public, and check public social media, to test whether your restrictions and behavior match. Full answer: Can the insurance company put me under surveillance?
Can I get an interpreter at my IWCC hearing, or help in Spanish? Yes — interpreters are provided at IWCC hearings. Ask the Commission about an interpreter, or about help in Spanish, when your hearing is scheduled.
Returning to work
Can I return to work with restrictions? Yes, often as light duty, with restrictions from your doctor. Full answer: Can I return to work with restrictions? Guide: Returning to Work After a Work Injury
Can I lose my job for filing a claim? Filing a claim should not, by itself, be a reason to lose your job, but timing and reason matter. Full answer: Can I lose my job for filing a claim?
What happens if I am fired after a work injury? Keep employment and claim issues separate, and keep all records. Full answer: What happens if I am fired after a work injury? Guide: Fired After a Work Injury
What is vocational rehabilitation, and can I ask for it? Vocational rehabilitation can help with job search, retraining, and support while you look for work you can do. Full answer: What is vocational rehabilitation, and can I ask for it?
Can I work a second job while I am on workers’ comp? A second job can affect TTD and how your claim is seen, so check your restrictions and get advice first. Full answer: Can I work a second job while I am on workers’ comp?
Can I quit my job while I am on workers’ comp? Quitting does not end a claim already filed, but it can affect TTD, light duty, and settlement — get advice before you resign. Full answer: Can I quit my job while I am on workers’ comp?
Settlement
Do I have to accept a settlement? No — a settlement is voluntary, and you should understand what it ends before signing. Full answer: Do I have to accept a settlement?
What is the difference between a settlement and an award? A settlement is an agreement; an award is a decision after a hearing. Full answer: What is the difference between a settlement and an award?
How long does a workers’ compensation claim take? There is no single timeline; it depends on recovery, disputes and whether settlement or a hearing is involved. Full answer: How long does a workers’ compensation claim take? Guide: MMI and Settlement
Does workers’ comp pay for pain and suffering? No — workers’ comp pays medical care and wage and permanency benefits, not pain-and-suffering damages. Full answer: Does workers’ comp pay for pain and suffering?
More questions people ask
- How do I report a work injury in Illinois? — answered on the reporting-deadline page.
- What is the deadline to file a claim in Illinois? — answered on the filing-deadline page.
- How much does workers’ compensation pay in Illinois? — answered on the benefits page.
- What benefits am I entitled to after a work injury in Illinois? — answered on the benefits page.
- Is workers’ compensation supposed to pay my medical bills? — answered on the benefits page.
- Can I choose my own physical therapist? — answered on the any-therapist page.
- Can I switch physical therapists? — answered on the any-therapist page.
- How long does physical therapy last for a work injury? — answered on the therapy-stopped page.
- What if workers’ compensation stops paying for treatment? — answered on the therapy-stopped page.
- What if my employer denies my injury happened at work? — answered on the claim-denied page.
- What happens at an IME appointment? — answered on the IME page.
- Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim? — answered on the lawyer page.
- Can I get a second opinion? — answered on the doctor-choice page.
- Can I get workers’ compensation for a repetitive stress injury? — answered on the repetitive-strain page.
- When can I settle my workers’ compensation case? — answered on the settlement page.
- What is a lump sum settlement? — answered on the settlement-versus-award page.
- Do I have to go back to work before I am healed? — answered on the return-with-restrictions page.
- Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim? — answered on the lose-job page.
- How do I appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim in Illinois? — answered on the claim-denied page.
- What if my employer has no workers’ compensation insurance? — answered on the claim-denied page.
Extra question pages
- How is a workers’ compensation settlement calculated in Illinois?
- How long can I receive workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois?
- What is MMI in Illinois workers’ compensation?
- What if I cannot return to work after an injury?
- Can I reopen a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
All questions are also listed on the homepage.
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