Workers' Compensation
Overview
Workers’ Compensation during COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission issued an emergency order on April 13, 2020, with new rules that eased the burden for COVID-19 first responders and front-line workers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 related to their employment.
Ten days later, on April 23, 2020, Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge John M. Madonia issued a temporary restraining order Thursday blocking the emergency rule after a lawsuit was filed by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association against emergency amendments adopted by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. More than two dozen business groups supported the lawsuit.
The new emergency rule was repealed by the Commission by a 10-0 vote on April 27, 2020.
The Commission’s Chairman indicated that the granting of the restraining order would cause significant delay and create uncertainty for the rule.
But the battle is not over, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission is creating a task force to review other avenues to address the issue of helping our state’s essential workers who risked their lives and contracted COVID-19 as a result.
Free Consultations
Corboy & Demetrio offers free consultations for employees who believe they contracted COVID-19 as a result of their employment.
To contact Partner Michelle M. Kohut or another Chicago personal injury lawyer at the firm, call 312-346-3191 or toll free at 800-356-3191. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Workers’ Compensation in General
Workers' Compensation is a system of benefits paid by employers to workers who experience work-related injuries or diseases, regardless of fault.
We represent employees who are injured while performing work, including employees who believe they contracted COVID-19 as a result of their employment.
Disputes between an employee and employer regarding work-related injuries and illness are heard by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. A case is first tried by an arbitrator, whose decision may be reviewed by a panel of three commissioners.
Cases may then be appealed to the circuit court, Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court. The vast majority of disputes are resolved by settlement.
Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation's premier law firms. The personal injury law firm represents individuals and their families in workers' compensation, serious personal injury and wrongful death cases and is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community. The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio's practice. That commitment, dedication, compassion and relentless drive have resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients.
The Chicago law firm has acquired more than $4 billion in settlements and verdicts and has attained more than 600 settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million. To contact Partner Michelle M. Kohut or another Chicago personal injury lawyer at the firm, call 312-346-3191 or toll free at 800-356-3191. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic.