97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB1590

 

Introduced 2/15/2011, by Rep. Dave Winters

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
820 ILCS 305/8  from Ch. 48, par. 138.8

    Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that the maximum weekly compensation rate for temporary total incapacity for work lasting more than 3 working days may be decreased by the same percentage as the percentage decrease, in the preceding 12 month period, in the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Sets the weekly compensation rate for several specific payments at 50% of the State's weekly wage in covered industries.


LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB1590LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    AN ACT concerning employment.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Workers' Compensation Act is amended by
5changing Section 8 as follows:
 
6    (820 ILCS 305/8)  (from Ch. 48, par. 138.8)
7    Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to
8the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death
9is:
10    (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated rate,
11if applicable, or the lesser of the health care provider's
12actual charges or according to a fee schedule, subject to
13Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was rendered for
14all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical services, and
15all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services
16thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which is
17reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the
18accidental injury. If the employer does not dispute payment of
19first aid, medical, surgical, and hospital services, the
20employer shall make such payment to the provider on behalf of
21the employee. The employer shall also pay for treatment,
22instruction and training necessary for the physical, mental and
23vocational rehabilitation of the employee, including all

 

 

HB1590- 2 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1maintenance costs and expenses incidental thereto. If as a
2result of the injury the employee is unable to be
3self-sufficient the employer shall further pay for such
4maintenance or institutional care as shall be required.
5    The employee may at any time elect to secure his own
6physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's
7expense, or,
8    Upon agreement between the employer and the employees, or
9the employees' exclusive representative, and subject to the
10approval of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the
11employer shall maintain a list of physicians, to be known as a
12Panel of Physicians, who are accessible to the employees. The
13employer shall post this list in a place or places easily
14accessible to his employees. The employee shall have the right
15to make an alternative choice of physician from such Panel if
16he is not satisfied with the physician first selected. If, due
17to the nature of the injury or its occurrence away from the
18employer's place of business, the employee is unable to make a
19selection from the Panel, the selection process from the Panel
20shall not apply. The physician selected from the Panel may
21arrange for any consultation, referral or other specialized
22medical services outside the Panel at the employer's expense.
23Provided that, in the event the Commission shall find that a
24doctor selected by the employee is rendering improper or
25inadequate care, the Commission may order the employee to
26select another doctor certified or qualified in the medical

 

 

HB1590- 3 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1field for which treatment is required. If the employee refuses
2to make such change the Commission may relieve the employer of
3his obligation to pay the doctor's charges from the date of
4refusal to the date of compliance.
5    Any vocational rehabilitation counselors who provide
6service under this Act shall have appropriate certifications
7which designate the counselor as qualified to render opinions
8relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational
9rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling
10for job searches, supervising a job search program, and
11vocational retraining including education at an accredited
12learning institution. The employee or employer may petition to
13the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational
14rehabilitation and the Commission shall resolve any such
15dispute, including payment of the vocational rehabilitation
16program by the employer.
17    The maintenance benefit shall not be less than the
18temporary total disability rate determined for the employee. In
19addition, maintenance shall include costs and expenses
20incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program.
21    When the employee is working light duty on a part-time
22basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be
23earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs,
24then the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial
25disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits
26shall be equal to two-thirds of the difference between the

 

 

HB1590- 4 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the
2full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in
3which he or she was engaged at the time of accident and the net
4amount which he or she is earning in the modified job provided
5to the employee by the employer or in any other job that the
6employee is working.
7    Every hospital, physician, surgeon or other person
8rendering treatment or services in accordance with the
9provisions of this Section shall upon written request furnish
10full and complete reports thereof to, and permit their records
11to be copied by, the employer, the employee or his dependents,
12as the case may be, or any other party to any proceeding for
13compensation before the Commission, or their attorneys.
14    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the employer's liability to
15pay for such medical services selected by the employee shall be
16limited to:
17        (1) all first aid and emergency treatment; plus
18        (2) all medical, surgical and hospital services
19    provided by the physician, surgeon or hospital initially
20    chosen by the employee or by any other physician,
21    consultant, expert, institution or other provider of
22    services recommended by said initial service provider or
23    any subsequent provider of medical services in the chain of
24    referrals from said initial service provider; plus
25        (3) all medical, surgical and hospital services
26    provided by any second physician, surgeon or hospital

 

 

HB1590- 5 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    subsequently chosen by the employee or by any other
2    physician, consultant, expert, institution or other
3    provider of services recommended by said second service
4    provider or any subsequent provider of medical services in
5    the chain of referrals from said second service provider.
6    Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all
7    necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the
8    employee may not select a provider of medical services at
9    the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such
10    selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical
11    treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph
12    shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation
13    referred to above.
14    When an employer and employee so agree in writing, nothing
15in this Act prevents an employee whose injury or disability has
16been established under this Act, from relying in good faith, on
17treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone, in accordance
18with the tenets and practice of a recognized church or
19religious denomination, by a duly accredited practitioner
20thereof, and having nursing services appropriate therewith,
21without suffering loss or diminution of the compensation
22benefits under this Act. However, the employee shall submit to
23all physical examinations required by this Act. The cost of
24such treatment and nursing care shall be paid by the employee
25unless the employer agrees to make such payment.
26    Where the accidental injury results in the amputation of an

 

 

HB1590- 6 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1arm, hand, leg or foot, or the enucleation of an eye, or the
2loss of any of the natural teeth, the employer shall furnish an
3artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental
4injury arising out of and in the course of employment, and
5shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and
6necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by
7amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain
8in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during
9the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury
10accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture,
11eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental
12injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer
13shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or
14artificial member.
15    The furnishing by the employer of any such services or
16appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the
17employer to pay compensation.
18    The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the
19servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of
20compensation.
21    (b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work
22lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as
23hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of
24such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the
25total temporary incapacity lasts. In cases where the temporary
26total incapacity for work continues for a period of 14 days or

 

 

HB1590- 7 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1more from the day of the accident compensation shall commence
2on the day after the accident.
3        1. The compensation rate for temporary total
4    incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall
5    be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage
6    computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it
7    shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal
8    minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the
9    Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever
10    is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall
11    be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to
12    exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation,
13    nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
14    accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
15    less.
16        2. The compensation rate in all cases other than for
17    temporary total disability under this paragraph (b), and
18    other than for serious and permanent disfigurement under
19    paragraph (c) and other than for permanent partial
20    disability under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (d) or under
21    paragraph (e), of this Section shall be equal to 66 2/3% of
22    the employee's average weekly wage computed in accordance
23    with the provisions of Section 10, provided that it shall
24    be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal minimum
25    wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the Illinois
26    minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever is more,

 

 

HB1590- 8 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall be
2    increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to exceed
3    100% of the total minimum wage calculation,
4    nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
5    accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
6    less.
7        2.1. The compensation rate in all cases of serious and
8    permanent disfigurement under paragraph (c) and of
9    permanent partial disability under subparagraph (2) of
10    paragraph (d) or under paragraph (e) of this Section shall
11    be equal to 60% of the employee's average weekly wage
12    computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
13    provided that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum
14    of the Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards
15    Act, or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage
16    Law, whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This
17    percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse
18    and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage
19    calculation,
20    nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
21    accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
22    less.
23        3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a
24    child of the employee including any child legally adopted
25    before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the
26    employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom

 

 

HB1590- 9 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of
2    the accident was under 18 years of age and not emancipated.
3    The term "children" means the plural of "child".
4        4. All weekly compensation rates provided under
5    subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this
6    Section shall be subject to the following limitations:
7        The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1, 1975,
8    except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the
9    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
10    Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that most
11    closely approximates the State's average weekly wage.
12        The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
13    July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter
14    provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on
15    July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly
16    compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall
17    be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month
18    period there shall have been an increase or decrease in the
19    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
20    Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate
21    shall be proportionately increased or decreased by the same
22    percentage as the percentage of increase or decrease in the
23    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
24    Unemployment Insurance Act during such period.
25        The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
26    January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as

 

 

HB1590- 10 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the State's average
2    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
3    Insurance Act in effect on January 1, 1981. Effective
4    January 1, 1984 and on January 1, of each year thereafter
5    the maximum weekly compensation rate, except as
6    hereinafter provided, shall be determined as follows: if
7    during the preceding 12 month period there shall have been
8    an increase or decrease in the State's average weekly wage
9    in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance
10    Act, the weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately
11    increased or decreased by the same percentage as the
12    percentage of increase or decrease in the State's average
13    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
14    Insurance Act during such period.
15        From July 1, 1977 and thereafter such maximum weekly
16    compensation rate in death cases under Section 7, and
17    permanent total disability cases under paragraph (f) or
18    subparagraph 18 of paragraph (3) of this Section and for
19    temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this
20    Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of an
21    eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be increased
22    to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage in covered
23    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
24        For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006,
25    the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this
26    Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage in

 

 

HB1590- 11 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
2        4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary
3    notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for
4    compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph
5    (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this Section
6    and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for amputation of
7    a member or enucleation of an eye under paragraph (e) of
8    this Section, shall in no event be less than 50% of the
9    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
10    Unemployment Insurance Act.
11        4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding,
12    the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not
13    exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years.
14        5. For the purpose of this Section this State's average
15    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
16    Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed at $228.16
17    per week and the computation of compensation rates shall be
18    based on the aforesaid average weekly wage until modified
19    as hereinafter provided.
20        6. The Department of Employment Security of the State
21    shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on
22    or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day
23    of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish
24    the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
25    the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois Workers'
26    Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of January,

 

 

HB1590- 12 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the 15th day
2    of each January and July of each year thereafter, post and
3    publish the State's average weekly wage in covered
4    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as last
5    determined and published by the Department of Employment
6    Security. The amount when so posted and published shall be
7    conclusive and shall be applicable as the basis of
8    computation of compensation rates until the next posting
9    and publication as aforesaid.
10        7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his
11    insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not
12    constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay
13    compensation.
14    (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the
15hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest
16above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to
17compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by
18agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a
19hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental
20injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the
21accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of this
22amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before February
231, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
24after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate provided in
25subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section.
26    No compensation is payable under this paragraph where

 

 

HB1590- 13 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of
2this Section.
3    A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the
4population of which exceeds 200,000 according to the last
5federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under
6this paragraph only where such serious and permanent
7disfigurement results from burns.
8    (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained,
9the employee as a result thereof becomes partially
10incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of
11employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the
12specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section,
13receive compensation for the duration of his disability,
14subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in
15paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the
16difference between the average amount which he would be able to
17earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation in
18which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the
19average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some
20suitable employment or business after the accident.
21    2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains
22serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c)
23and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered by
24the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have sustained
25in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do not
26incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his employment but

 

 

HB1590- 14 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1which would disable him from pursuing other suitable
2occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in physical
3impairment; or if such injuries partially incapacitate him from
4pursuing the duties of his usual and customary line of
5employment but do not result in an impairment of earning
6capacity, or having resulted in an impairment of earning
7capacity, the employee elects to waive his right to recover
8under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of paragraph (d) of this
9Section then in any of the foregoing events, he shall receive
10in addition to compensation for temporary total disability
11under paragraph (b) of this Section, compensation at the rate
12provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section
13for that percentage of 500 weeks that the partial disability
14resulting from the injuries covered by this paragraph bears to
15total disability. If the employee shall have sustained a
16fracture of one or more vertebra or fracture of the skull, the
17amount of compensation allowed under this Section shall be not
18less than 6 weeks for a fractured skull and 6 weeks for each
19fractured vertebra, and in the event the employee shall have
20sustained a fracture of any of the following facial bones:
21nasal, lachrymal, vomer, zygoma, maxilla, palatine or
22mandible, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section
23shall be not less than 2 weeks for each such fractured bone,
24and for a fracture of each transverse process not less than 3
25weeks. In the event such injuries shall result in the loss of a
26kidney, spleen or lung, the amount of compensation allowed

 

 

HB1590- 15 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1under this Section shall be not less than 10 weeks for each
2such organ. Compensation awarded under this subparagraph 2
3shall not take into consideration injuries covered under
4paragraphs (c) and (e) of this Section and the compensation
5provided in this paragraph shall not affect the employee's
6right to compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (e)
7of this Section for the disabilities therein covered.
8    (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the
9employee shall receive compensation for the period of temporary
10total incapacity for work resulting from such accidental
11injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of this Section,
12and shall receive in addition thereto compensation for a
13further period for the specific loss herein mentioned, but
14shall not receive any compensation under any other provisions
15of this Act. The following listed amounts apply to either the
16loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the member
17specified, such compensation for the length of time as follows:
18        1. Thumb-
19            70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
20        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
21        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
22            76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23        after February 1, 2006.
24        2. First, or index finger-
25            40 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

HB1590- 16 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2            43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3        after February 1, 2006.
4        3. Second, or middle finger-
5            35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
6        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
7        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
8            38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
9        after February 1, 2006.
10        4. Third, or ring finger-
11            25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
12        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
13        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
14            27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
15        after February 1, 2006.
16        5. Fourth, or little finger-
17            20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
18        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
19        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
20            22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
21        after February 1, 2006.
22        6. Great toe-
23            35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
24        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
25        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
26            38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

HB1590- 17 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1        after February 1, 2006.
2        7. Each toe other than great toe-
3            12 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
5        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
6            13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7        after February 1, 2006.
8        8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb
9    or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to
10    the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the
11    compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above
12    specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be
13    considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe.
14    In no case shall the amount received for more than one
15    finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the
16    loss of a hand.
17        9. Hand-
18            190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
19        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
20        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
21            205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
22        after February 1, 2006.
23        The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges
24    of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the
25    basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further,
26    that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits,

 

 

HB1590- 18 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a
2    hand.
3        10. Arm-
4            235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
5        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
6        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
7            253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
8        after February 1, 2006.
9        Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
10    an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be compensated as
11    a loss of an arm. Where an accidental injury results in the
12    amputation of an arm above the elbow, compensation for an
13    additional 15 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
14    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
15    General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
16    additional 17 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
17    after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
18    accidental injury results in the amputation of an arm at
19    the shoulder joint, or so close to shoulder joint that an
20    artificial arm cannot be used, or results in the
21    disarticulation of an arm at the shoulder joint, in which
22    case compensation for an additional 65 weeks (if the
23    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
24    this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
25    February 1, 2006) or an additional 70 weeks (if the
26    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)

 

 

HB1590- 19 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    shall be paid.
2        11. Foot-
3            155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
5        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
6            167 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7        after February 1, 2006.
8        12. Leg-
9            200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
10        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
11        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
12            215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
13        after February 1, 2006.
14        Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
15    a leg below the knee, such injury shall be compensated as
16    loss of a leg. Where an accidental injury results in the
17    amputation of a leg above the knee, compensation for an
18    additional 25 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
19    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
20    General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
21    additional 27 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
22    after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
23    accidental injury results in the amputation of a leg at the
24    hip joint, or so close to the hip joint that an artificial
25    leg cannot be used, or results in the disarticulation of a
26    leg at the hip joint, in which case compensation for an

 

 

HB1590- 20 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    additional 75 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
2    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
3    General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
4    additional 81 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
5    after February 1, 2006) shall be paid.
6        13. Eye-
7            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
8        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
9        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
10            162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
11        after February 1, 2006.
12        Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation
13    of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the
14    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
15    this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
16    February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the
17    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
18    shall be paid.
19        14. Loss of hearing of one ear-
20            50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
21        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
22        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
23            54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
24        after February 1, 2006.
25        Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears-
26            200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

HB1590- 21 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
2        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
3            215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4        after February 1, 2006.
5        15. Testicle-
6            50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
8        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
9            54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
10        after February 1, 2006.
11        Both testicles-
12            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
13        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
14        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
15            162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
16        after February 1, 2006.
17        16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member
18    or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation
19    during that proportion of the number of weeks in the
20    foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or
21    sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial
22    loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such
23    member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear.
24            (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes
25        shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000
26        and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability

 

 

HB1590- 22 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1        for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are
2        not to be considered as constituting disability for
3        hearing.
4            (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of
5        the determination of compensation claims for
6        occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the
7        average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for
8        the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per
9        second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric
10        instruments, approved by nationally recognized
11        authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring
12        hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30
13        decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of
14        hearing shall not then constitute any compensable
15        hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average 85
16        decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same
17        shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable
18        hearing loss.
19            (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest
20        measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be
21        added together and divided by 3 to determine the
22        average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss
23        exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be
24        made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85
25        decibels.
26            (d) If a hearing loss is established to have

 

 

HB1590- 23 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1        existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the
2        employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so
3        established nor shall he be liable for any loss for
4        which compensation has been paid or awarded.
5            (e) No consideration shall be given to the question
6        of whether or not the ability of an employee to
7        understand speech is improved by the use of a hearing
8        aid.
9            (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial
10        noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed
11        unless the employee has been exposed for a period of
12        time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise
13        levels in excess of the following:
14Sound Level DBA
15Slow ResponseHours Per Day
16908
17926
18954
19973
201002
211021-1/2
221051
231101/2
241151/4
25        This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of
26    hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion.

 

 

HB1590- 24 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1        17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any
2    employee who, before the accident for which he claims
3    compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
4    resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by
5    amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or
6    fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss
7    of any such member shall be deducted from any award made
8    for the subsequent injury. For the permanent loss of use or
9    the permanent partial loss of use of any such member or the
10    partial loss of sight of an eye, for which compensation has
11    been paid, then such loss shall be taken into consideration
12    and deducted from any award for the subsequent injury.
13        18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both arms,
14    or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any two
15    thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use
16    thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be
17    compensated according to the compensation fixed by
18    paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of
19    total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases.
20        Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or
21    permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such
22    members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses
23    another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the
24    use of any one of such members the employer for whom the
25    injured employee is working at the time of the last
26    independent accident is liable to pay compensation only for

 

 

HB1590- 25 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1    the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of the
2    member occasioned by the last independent accident.
3        19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent death
4    of such injured employee from other causes than such injury
5    leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving before
6    payment or payment in full for such injury, then the amount
7    due for such injury is payable to the widow or widower and,
8    if there be no widow or widower, then to such dependents,
9    in the proportion which such dependency bears to total
10    dependency.
11    Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the
12Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when, after
13deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the amount
14therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid by
15employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
16reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the
17sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely.
18However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to
19$400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by
20paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
21herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been
22reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by
23paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
24herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in
25payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment
26become immediately effective for all cases coming before the

 

 

HB1590- 26 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final
2order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury.
3    On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each
4subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund
5designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after
6deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount
7therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by
8employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
9reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the
10sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely.
11However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to
12$3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7
13shall be resumed in the manner herein provided.
14    (f) In case of complete disability, which renders the
15employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the
16specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in
17subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation
18shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of
19paragraph (b) of this Section for life.
20    An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of
21this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate
22Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the
23supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this
24Section 8.
25    If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph
26afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is

 

 

HB1590- 27 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under
2such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is
3able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as much
4as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as to
5conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If
6such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of
7this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time
8within 30 months after the date of such termination or
9reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose
10of determining whether any disability exists as a result of the
11original accidental injury and the extent thereof.
12    Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e)
13of this Section is considered complete disability.
14    If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the
15permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the
16loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand,
17one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and
18complete disability through the loss or the permanent and
19complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive,
20in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and
21after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second
22Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which,
23together with the compensation payable from the employer in
24whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was
25incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and
26complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this

 

 

HB1590- 28 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1Section.
2    The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in
3paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as
4a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim.
5The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly and
6in general terms the approximate time and place and manner of
7the loss of the first member.
8    In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall
9specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be
10weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be
11paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of
12the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section
137 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments continue,
14the date upon which the pension payments commence and the
15monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall 30 days
16after the date upon which payments out of the Second Injury
17Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every month
18thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller a
19voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that date
20at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State Comptroller
21shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along with a
22receipt to be executed by the injured employee and returned to
23the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt is a full and
24complete acquittance to the Commission for the payment out of
25the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation or warrant is
26necessary for payment out of the Second Injury Fund. The Second

 

 

HB1590- 29 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose of making payments
2according to the terms of the awards.
3    As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and
4obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims
5against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the
6extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund to
7pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all references
8to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also include the
9Rate Adjustment Fund.
10    (g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by
11the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which
12compensation payments shall become due and payable after the
13effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for
14death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the
15Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory
16Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of
17the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall
18first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered
19prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter.
20In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of
21the second year next following the date of the entry of the
22award and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter.
23If during the intervening period from the date of the entry of
24the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have
25been an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
26industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly

 

 

HB1590- 30 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1compensation rate shall be proportionately increased by the
2same percentage as the percentage of increase in the State's
3average weekly wage in covered industries under the
4Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
5rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
6compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
7maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made.
8Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as herein
9provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to the
10injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, out of
11the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7
12of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same intervals as
13provided in the award or, at the option of the Commission, may
14be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of January, April,
15July and October of each year. In the event of a decrease in
16such average weekly wage there shall be no change in the then
17existing compensation rate. The within paragraph shall not
18apply to cases where there is disputed liability and in which a
19compromise lump sum settlement between the employer and the
20injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, has
21been duly approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation
22Commission.
23    Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the Commission
24for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the increases in
25the compensation rate adjusted under the foregoing provision of
26this paragraph (g) shall be limited to increases in the State's

 

 

HB1590- 31 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1average weekly wage in covered industries under the
2Unemployment Insurance Act occurring after July 1, 1975.
3    For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but
4before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
5General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General
6Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in
7awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as
8provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The
9adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the
10second year next following the date of the entry of the award
11and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If
12during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the
13award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been
14an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
15industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer
16shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by
17the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the
18State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
19Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
20rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
21compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
22maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In
23the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall
24be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such
25increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and
26at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the

 

 

HB1590- 32 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is
2disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum
3settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or
4his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly
5approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
6    The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits or
7permanent total disability involving accidents occurring
8before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the
9effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
10Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall
11continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to
12this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act.
13    (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total
14compensation to which the employee would have been entitled has
15been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow, widower,
16child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or other lineal
17heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time of the
18accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent of 50%
19or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be paid to
20the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and distributed as
21provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7.
22    (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal disability
23at the time when any right or privilege accrues to him or her
24under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant to law,
25and may, on behalf of such person under legal disability, claim
26and exercise any such right or privilege with the same effect

 

 

HB1590- 33 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1as if the employee himself or herself had claimed or exercised
2the right or privilege. No limitations of time provided by this
3Act run so long as the employee who is under legal disability
4is without a conservator or guardian.
5    (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age
6at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the
7amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d),
8(e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%.
9    However, where an employer has on file an employment
10certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work
11permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act,
12as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly issued,
13such certificate, permit or birth certificate is conclusive
14evidence as to the age of the injured minor employee for the
15purposes of this Section.
16    Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions
17of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors
18under the age of 16 years.
19    (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives benefits,
20including medical, surgical or hospital benefits under any
21group plan covering non-occupational disabilities contributed
22to wholly or partially by the employer, which benefits should
23not have been payable if any rights of recovery existed under
24this Act, then such amounts so paid to the employee from any
25such group plan as shall be consistent with, and limited to,
26the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, shall be credited to or

 

 

HB1590- 34 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1against any compensation payment for temporary total
2incapacity for work or any medical, surgical or hospital
3benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such event, the
4period of time for giving notice of accidental injury and
5filing application for adjustment of claim does not commence to
6run until the termination of such payments. This paragraph does
7not apply to payments made under any group plan which would
8have been payable irrespective of an accidental injury under
9this Act. Any employer receiving such credit shall keep such
10employee safe and harmless from any and all claims or
11liabilities that may be made against him by reason of having
12received such payments only to the extent of such credit.
13    Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State
14employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under
15Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or
16disputed disability claim shall be credited against any
17payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on
18behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments for
19medical expenses which have already been incurred at the time
20of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly reimburse
21the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent of such
22credit.
23    2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to give
24the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit for
25any benefits or payments received by the employee other than
26compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the

 

 

HB1590- 35 -LRB097 06512 AEK 46596 b

1employee receives payments other than compensation payments,
2whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits,
3bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or
4insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment
5only to the extent of the compensation that would have been
6payable during the period covered by such payment.
7    3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application
8for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall
9not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had
10expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits
11enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided
12however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases wherein
13the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall be
14received after July 1, 1969.
15(Source: P.A. 93-721, eff. 1-1-05; 94-277, eff. 7-20-05;
1694-695, eff. 11-16-05.)