Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and COVID-19 Crisis 

Check out these articles to see what the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission has enacted due to the COVID-19 Crisis

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has reached the United States, over 9,000 health care workers have been infected and 27 have died.  Police officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs and nursing home workers are also exposed to a high risk of exposure and have paid a tremendous price for their dedication to their professions.  Other essential workers now face similar risks to their health.

            On April 13, 2020, the Workers' Compensation Commission enacted an emergency rule (IWCC Rule 930.70) to ease the award of benefits under the Workers' Compensation or Occupational Diseases Act to such employees.

            The Rule provides that injury or incapacity by exposure to the COVID-19 virus of a first responder or front-line worker, during the current COVID-19 State of Emergency will be rebuttably presumed to be compensable.

            First responders include health care workers, law enforcement and fire department personnel.

            Front line workers include employees working:  In grocery stores; gas stations; transportation; financial institutions; restaurants operating off premises; hardware and supply stores; residential facilities and shelters; supply chain essential products and industries, hotels and motels; funeral homes and essential professional services.

            The Workers' Compensation and Occupational Disease Act provide benefits including payment of work-related medical bills, temporary total disability payments consisting of two-thirds of the average weekly wage for the duration of the temporary inability to work and compensation for permanent disability or death.  Permanent disability benefits can include payments based upon a percent for partial loss of use of the body.  Permanent total disability benefits are lifetime weekly benefits for the permanent inability to work.

            In the event of a work-related death from disease or an accident, the survivors are entitled to two-thirds of the deceased employee’s average weekly wage for 25 years or until the amount reaches $500,000.00, whichever is greater.  The Act also provides $8,000.00 for funeral expenses.