WHAT IS THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT?

In 1911, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act was enacted by the Illinois legislature to provide financial protection through the payment of specified benefits, to any worker who sustains an on-the-job injury.

Every employer is responsible for providing Workers' Compensation benefits to injured workers directly (self-insured) or through the purchase of a Workers' Compensation insurance policy. These benefits are provided at no cost to employees.

Every worker injured in Illinois, hired in Illinois but injured while working in another state or injured while working in another state for employer whose principal place of business is in Illinois, is covered by the Act.

On-the-job injuries covered by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act include any injury arising out of or in the course of employment, in addition to any injury resulting from repetitive trauma such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Also, accidents resulting from re-injury or aggravation of a pre-existing condition are compensable under the Act.

In exchange for receiving Workers' Compensation benefits in a timely manner and regardless of fault, employees gave up the right to ever sue their employers for a work-related injury.

Your Rights Under Worker's Compensation