Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides medical treatment and wage replacement benefits to employees injured on the job. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers may be entitled to medical care, temporary disability payments, permanent disability benefits, and settlements—without proving employer fault.

This 2025 Illinois workers’ compensation guide, written by experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys, explains who is covered, what benefits are available, how deadlines work, and how claims are handled by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC)—including what to do if benefits are delayed, denied, or disputed.

The sections below answer some of the most common questions about workers’ compensation claims in Illinois.

What Is Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

Workers’ compensation in Illinois is a no-fault insurance system that provides medical care and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their job. Injured workers generally do not have to prove fault to receive benefits, but they must follow specific reporting and filing rules under Illinois law.

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What Benefits Does Illinois Workers’ Compensation Provide?

Illinois workers’ compensation benefits may include payment of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, temporary disability benefits while you are unable to work, and permanent disability benefits if an injury results in lasting impairment. In fatal cases, death benefits may be available to surviving dependents.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois?

In most cases, an Illinois workers’ compensation claim must be filed within three years from the date of injury or two years from the date of the last workers’ compensation payment, whichever is later. Injuries must also be reported to the employer within 45 days to preserve eligibility for benefits.

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How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay in Illinois?

Temporary disability benefits in Illinois are generally paid at two-thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly wage, subject to statutory minimums and maximums. The amount and duration of benefits depend on factors such as the type of disability, medical restrictions, and whether the injury results in permanent impairment.

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Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Illinois?

Some workers’ compensation claims are resolved without legal representation, particularly when injuries are minor and benefits are paid promptly. However, disputes over medical treatment, delayed or denied benefits, permanent disability ratings, or employer retaliation often make legal guidance important to protect an injured worker’s rights before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).

On This Page

• What Is Illinois Workers’ Compensation?
• Who Is Covered?
• What to Do After a Work Injury
• Statute of Limitations
• Workers’ Comp Benefits
• How Much Workers’ Comp Pays
• Settlement Value Guide
• Insurance Company Tactics
• Illinois Workers’ Comp Process
• Illinois Workers’ Comp FAQ

The Essential Guide to Understanding Illinois Workers’ Compensation (2025)

For over 25 years, McHargue & Jones has represented injured workers across Illinois, trying hundreds of cases before the IWCC and securing exceptional results. This guide explains everything you need to know after a work injury.

1. What Is Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?

The Illinois workers’ compensation system is a no-fault insurance program that provides medical care, lost wages, permanent disability benefits, and settlements for job-related injuries.

Learn more about Illinois’ no-fault rules:

Illinois No-Fault Workers’ Compensation →

2. Who Is Covered?

• Full-time workers
• Part-time and temporary workers
• Undocumented workers
• Remote and off-site employees (in many cases)

3. What to Do After a Work Injury

• Get medical treatment immediately
• Tell your doctor the injury happened at work
• Report the injury to your employer
• Document symptoms, dates, witnesses, restrictions

If your checks are late:
Workers’ Comp Checks Late in Illinois →

More Illinois Workers’ Compensation Resources

• Illinois Workers’ Comp FAQ
• TTD, TPD & AWW Guide (2025)
• Denied Illinois Workers’ Comp Claim
• Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Value
• PTO & Vacation While on Workers’ Comp

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Statute of Limitations (2025)

Illinois law requires injured workers to meet two strict deadlines. Missing either deadline can permanently bar your claim.

1. Report Your Injury Within 45 Days

You must notify your employer of a work injury within 45 days. Late reporting is a major reason insurers deny claims.

2. File Your Claim Before the Deadline

Your Application for Adjustment of Claim must be filed within:

• 3 years from the date of injury, OR
• 2 years from the last TTD or medical payment

Whichever deadline is later applies.

If you miss this deadline, you lose all rights to benefits.

Deadlines Checklist

• ✔ Report injury within 45 days
• ✔ File claim within 3 years (or 2 years from last benefit payment)
• ✔ Save medical records and wage documentation
• ✔ Consult a lawyer before signing any settlement

4. What Benefits Are Available?

Illinois workers’ comp may provide:

• Medical treatment (100% covered)
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Death benefits

Full guide to benefits:
Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Illinois →

5. How Much Does Workers’ Comp Pay?

Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) determines your payments.

2025 calculator guide:
How Much Workers’ Comp Pays in Illinois →

6. Common Insurance Tactics That Hurt Your Case

• IME doctors minimizing your injury
• Delaying TTD checks
• Denying the injury is work-related
• Claiming a pre-existing condition
• Pushing for early settlement before you know your prognosis

7. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Injury occurs
2. Medical treatment
3. Employer notification
4. TTD begins (if taken off work)
5. Insurance investigation
6. Maximum medical improvement
7. Settlement or trial before an arbitrator

8. Local Areas We Serve

Our attorneys represent injured workers throughout Illinois, including Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area. We regularly handle workers’ compensation claims filed through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) venues serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and other nearby counties, as well as cases arising anywhere in the State of Illinois.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation FAQ

How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim in Illinois?

You have 45 days to report the injury and up to 3 years to file, or 2 years from last benefit payment.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Yes. Illinois allows freedom of medical choice.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim?

No — Illinois law prohibits retaliation.

How do I know what my claim is worth?

This depends on your AWW, injury permanency, restrictions, and future medical needs.