What is the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission?

Dec 13, 2017

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Residents of Illinois who are legally working in the state are entitled to receive an insurance that protects them against work-related injuries. It’s called the workers’ compensation. The Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission is responsible for resolving disputes between companies and employees regarding insurance claims to work-related injuries as well as illnesses.

How Does the Insurance Protect Employees?

According to the law, workers should be insured and this insurance is called the workers’ compensation. An employee must receive cash benefits as well as medical care, or either of the two in case they are injured or become sick as a direct result of their job-related activities.

The employer or company is responsible to pay for this insurance and must not require the employee to pay any of the cost of the compensation. They employer chooses the insurance carrier and the insurance company must pay weekly cash benefits and medical care to the employee as directed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. The commissioners process the insurance claims and decides whether or not the insurer will reimburse cash benefits or medical expenses, or both as well as the amounts payable.

What is the Process Involved in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation?

First, the case will be tried by an arbitrator. Once the arbitrator makes a decision, it may be reviewed by a panel of 3 commissioners. After that, the concerned party could appeal the case to the circuit court. Cases may also be appealed to the Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court.

The employer or the insurance carrier is required to file an accident report by filling out the form or forms available from the government website.

Most disputes regarding workers’ compensation are resolved by settlement just like majority of disputes in most court systems.

What is Workers’ Compensation Fraud?

Employees and employers alike must be aware not to abuse or deny this right by committing workers’ compensation fraud. This act is punishable by law. It is illegal for anyone including the employer, insurance company, or the medical provider to intentionally make a false claim.

Other acts that are considered as workers’ compensation fraud include making a false statement in order for an employee to receive or be denied their benefits, making a false statement in order to prevent the injured from filing a claim, or issuing a false certificate of insurance. It also includes making a false statement in order for the injured to receive less than the proper amount of benefits. Medical providers must also not present a bill for medical services that the injured did not obtain.

Ultimately, it is also illegal for anyone to help any of the parties involved to commit any of the crimes mentioned.

If you believe that a fraud has been committed with regards to your workers’ compensation insurance claim, you should contact the Springfield Office at their contact number found at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/resources/Pages/fraud.aspx.