103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB4082

 

Introduced 5/10/2023, by Rep. Dan Ugaste

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
820 ILCS 305/1  from Ch. 48, par. 138.1
820 ILCS 305/8  from Ch. 48, par. 138.8

    Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that an injury arises out of and in the course of employment only if the accident significantly caused or contributed to both the resulting condition and the disability. Provides that an injury does not arise out of and in the course of employment if (1) the hazard or risk was not incidental to employment and was a hazard or risk to which the general public is also exposed, (2) the injury did not occur at a time and place and under circumstances reasonably required by the employment, or (3) the disability resulted from a personal risk. Limits conditions under which repetitive or cumulative trauma is compensable. Provides that gradual deterioration or progressive degeneration of the body caused by aging is not compensable as repetitive or cumulative trauma. Makes changes to the compensation periods for accidental injuries resulting in the loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the thumb, fingers, or toes; the amputation of an arm, foot, or leg; the enucleation of an eye; and other injuries to reduce the compensation to the amounts in effect for injuries occurring before February 1, 2006. Provides that accidental injuries sustained while traveling to or from work do not arise out of and in the course of employment, except under specified circumstances. Provides that the injury may arise out of and in the course of employment if, at the time of the injury, the employee was performing acts the employer instructed the employee to perform, acts that the employee had a common law or statutory duty to perform while performing duties for his or her employer, or acts that the employee might be reasonably expected to perform incident to his or her assigned duties. Provides that, for purposes of awarding compensation for injuries, an injury to the shoulder shall be considered an injury to a part of the arm and an injury to the hip shall be considered an injury to a part of the leg. Provides that, in computing the compensation to be paid to an employee who, before the accident for which the employee claims compensation, had before that time sustained an injury resulting in a permanency award or settlement, the award or settlement shall be deducted from any award made for the subsequent injury. Effective immediately.


LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB4082LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 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 Sections 1 and 8 as follows:
 
6    (820 ILCS 305/1)  (from Ch. 48, par. 138.1)
7    Sec. 1. This Act may be cited as the Workers' Compensation
8Act.
9    (a) The term "employer" as used in this Act means:
10    1. The State and each county, city, town, township,
11incorporated village, school district, body politic, or
12municipal corporation therein.
13    2. Every person, firm, public or private corporation,
14including hospitals, public service, eleemosynary, religious
15or charitable corporations or associations who has any person
16in service or under any contract for hire, express or implied,
17oral or written, and who is engaged in any of the enterprises
18or businesses enumerated in Section 3 of this Act, or who at or
19prior to the time of the accident to the employee for which
20compensation under this Act may be claimed, has in the manner
21provided in this Act elected to become subject to the
22provisions of this Act, and who has not, prior to such
23accident, effected a withdrawal of such election in the manner

 

 

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1provided in this Act.
2    3. Any one engaging in any business or enterprise referred
3to in subsections 1 and 2 of Section 3 of this Act who
4undertakes to do any work enumerated therein, is liable to pay
5compensation to his own immediate employees in accordance with
6the provisions of this Act, and in addition thereto if he
7directly or indirectly engages any contractor whether
8principal or sub-contractor to do any such work, he is liable
9to pay compensation to the employees of any such contractor or
10sub-contractor unless such contractor or sub-contractor has
11insured, in any company or association authorized under the
12laws of this State to insure the liability to pay compensation
13under this Act, or guaranteed his liability to pay such
14compensation. With respect to any time limitation on the
15filing of claims provided by this Act, the timely filing of a
16claim against a contractor or subcontractor, as the case may
17be, shall be deemed to be a timely filing with respect to all
18persons upon whom liability is imposed by this paragraph.
19    In the event any such person pays compensation under this
20subsection he may recover the amount thereof from the
21contractor or sub-contractor, if any, and in the event the
22contractor pays compensation under this subsection he may
23recover the amount thereof from the sub-contractor, if any.
24    This subsection does not apply in any case where the
25accident occurs elsewhere than on, in or about the immediate
26premises on which the principal has contracted that the work

 

 

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1be done.
2    4. Where an employer operating under and subject to the
3provisions of this Act loans an employee to another such
4employer and such loaned employee sustains a compensable
5accidental injury in the employment of such borrowing employer
6and where such borrowing employer does not provide or pay the
7benefits or payments due such injured employee, such loaning
8employer is liable to provide or pay all benefits or payments
9due such employee under this Act and as to such employee the
10liability of such loaning and borrowing employers is joint and
11several, provided that such loaning employer is in the absence
12of agreement to the contrary entitled to receive from such
13borrowing employer full reimbursement for all sums paid or
14incurred pursuant to this paragraph together with reasonable
15attorneys' fees and expenses in any hearings before the
16Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or in any action to
17secure such reimbursement. Where any benefit is provided or
18paid by such loaning employer the employee has the duty of
19rendering reasonable cooperation in any hearings, trials or
20proceedings in the case, including such proceedings for
21reimbursement.
22    Where an employee files an Application for Adjustment of
23Claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
24alleging that his claim is covered by the provisions of the
25preceding paragraph, and joining both the alleged loaning and
26borrowing employers, they and each of them, upon written

 

 

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1demand by the employee and within 7 days after receipt of such
2demand, shall have the duty of filing with the Illinois
3Workers' Compensation Commission a written admission or denial
4of the allegation that the claim is covered by the provisions
5of the preceding paragraph and in default of such filing or if
6any such denial be ultimately determined not to have been bona
7fide then the provisions of Paragraph K of Section 19 of this
8Act shall apply.
9    An employer whose business or enterprise or a substantial
10part thereof consists of hiring, procuring or furnishing
11employees to or for other employers operating under and
12subject to the provisions of this Act for the performance of
13the work of such other employers and who pays such employees
14their salary or wages notwithstanding that they are doing the
15work of such other employers shall be deemed a loaning
16employer within the meaning and provisions of this Section.
17    (b) The term "employee" as used in this Act means:
18    1. Every person in the service of the State, including
19members of the General Assembly, members of the Commerce
20Commission, members of the Illinois Workers' Compensation
21Commission, and all persons in the service of the University
22of Illinois, county, including deputy sheriffs and assistant
23state's attorneys, city, town, township, incorporated village
24or school district, body politic, or municipal corporation
25therein, whether by election, under appointment or contract of
26hire, express or implied, oral or written, including all

 

 

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1members of the Illinois National Guard while on active duty in
2the service of the State, and all probation personnel of the
3Juvenile Court appointed pursuant to Article VI of the
4Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and including any official of the
5State, any county, city, town, township, incorporated village,
6school district, body politic or municipal corporation therein
7except any duly appointed member of a police department in any
8city whose population exceeds 500,000 according to the last
9Federal or State census, and except any member of a fire
10insurance patrol maintained by a board of underwriters in this
11State. A duly appointed member of a fire department in any
12city, the population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the
13last federal or State census, is an employee under this Act
14only with respect to claims brought under paragraph (c) of
15Section 8.
16    One employed by a contractor who has contracted with the
17State, or a county, city, town, township, incorporated
18village, school district, body politic or municipal
19corporation therein, through its representatives, is not
20considered as an employee of the State, county, city, town,
21township, incorporated village, school district, body politic
22or municipal corporation which made the contract.
23    2. Every person in the service of another under any
24contract of hire, express or implied, oral or written,
25including persons whose employment is outside of the State of
26Illinois where the contract of hire is made within the State of

 

 

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1Illinois, persons whose employment results in fatal or
2non-fatal injuries within the State of Illinois where the
3contract of hire is made outside of the State of Illinois, and
4persons whose employment is principally localized within the
5State of Illinois, regardless of the place of the accident or
6the place where the contract of hire was made, and including
7noncitizens, and minors who, for the purpose of this Act are
8considered the same and have the same power to contract,
9receive payments and give quittances therefor, as adult
10employees.
11    3. Every sole proprietor and every partner of a business
12may elect to be covered by this Act.
13    An employee or his dependents under this Act who shall
14have a cause of action by reason of any injury, disablement or
15death arising out of and in the course of his employment may
16elect to pursue his remedy in the State where injured or
17disabled, or in the State where the contract of hire is made,
18or in the State where the employment is principally localized.
19    However, any employer may elect to provide and pay
20compensation to any employee other than those engaged in the
21usual course of the trade, business, profession or occupation
22of the employer by complying with Sections 2 and 4 of this Act.
23Employees are not included within the provisions of this Act
24when excluded by the laws of the United States relating to
25liability of employers to their employees for personal
26injuries where such laws are held to be exclusive.

 

 

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1    The term "employee" does not include persons performing
2services as real estate broker, broker-salesman, or salesman
3when such persons are paid by commission only.
4    (c) "Commission" means the Industrial Commission created
5by Section 5 of "The Civil Administrative Code of Illinois",
6approved March 7, 1917, as amended, or the Illinois Workers'
7Compensation Commission created by Section 13 of this Act.
8    (d) 1. To obtain compensation under this Act, an employee
9bears the burden of showing, by a preponderance of credible
10the evidence, that he or she has sustained accidental injuries
11arising out of and in the course of the employment.
12    Accidental injuries shall be considered to be arising out
13of and in the course of employment only if the accident
14significantly caused or contributed to both the resulting
15condition and disability.
16    Accidental injuries shall not be considered to be arising
17out of and in the course of employment if: (i) the accident
18resulted from a hazard or risk that was not incidental to the
19employment or the accident resulted from a hazard or risk to
20which the general public is also exposed; (ii) the accident
21did not occur at a time and place and under circumstances
22reasonably required by the employment; or (iii) the medical
23condition or disability for which compensation is being sought
24resulted from a personal risk.
25    2. An injury due to repetitive or cumulative trauma is
26compensable only if the repetitive or cumulative trauma

 

 

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1significantly caused or contributed to both the resulting
2medical condition and disability. Ordinary, gradual
3deterioration or progressive degeneration of the body caused
4by aging or by the normal activities of day-to-day living
5shall not be compensable.
6    If the duration of the repetitive or cumulative trauma
7which is found to be the cause of the injury is for a period of
8fewer than 3 months and the evidence demonstrates that the
9exposure to the repetitive or cumulative trauma with the
10immediate prior employer significantly caused or contributed
11to both the resulting medical condition and the disability,
12the prior employer shall be liable for the injury.
13    3. An injury, its occupational cause, and any resulting
14manifestations of disability must be established to a
15reasonable degree of medical certainty, based on objective
16relevant medical evidence.
17    4. Except as provided in subsection (e), accidental
18injuries sustained while traveling to or from work do not
19arise out of and in the course of employment.
20    (e) An accidental injury arises out of and in the course of
21employment if it is sustained by an employee who is required by
22the employer to travel away from the employer's premises in
23order to perform his or her job and the conduct in which the
24employee was engaged at the time of the accidental injury was:
25(1) acts the employer instructed the employee to perform; (2)
26acts that the employee had a common law or statutory duty to

 

 

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1perform while performing duties for his or her employer; or
2(3) acts that the employee might be reasonably expected to
3perform incident to his or her assigned duties.
4    Notwithstanding the foregoing, an accidental injury
5sustained by an employee while traveling away from the
6employer's premises does not arise out of and in the course of
7employment if: (1) the accidental injury is sustained during
8the employee's commute to and from his or her domicile,
9residence, or place where the employee currently lives and his
10or her primary or current place of employment; (2) the
11accidental injury is sustained during a personal deviation or
12personal errand; or (3) the accidental injury, or the medical
13condition or impairment for which compensation is sought,
14resulted from a personal risk.
15    In determining whether an employee is required to travel
16away from the employer's premises in order to perform his or
17her job, the following factors shall be considered:
18        (1) whether the employee's course or method of travel
19    was determined by the demands and exigencies of the job;
20        (2) whether the employer reimbursed the employee for
21    travel expenses or time spent traveling; and
22        (3) whether the employer directed the employee's
23    travel or required the employee to take a certain route to
24    perform his or her duties.
25(Source: P.A. 102-1030, eff. 5-27-22.)
 

 

 

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1    (820 ILCS 305/8)  (from Ch. 48, par. 138.8)
2    Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to
3the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death
4is:
5    (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated
6rate, if applicable, or the lesser of the health care
7provider's actual charges or according to a fee schedule,
8subject to Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was
9rendered for all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical
10services, and all necessary medical, surgical and hospital
11services thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which
12is reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of
13the accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells,
14transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for
15procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If
16the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical,
17surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such
18payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The
19employer shall also pay for treatment, instruction and
20training necessary for the physical, mental and vocational
21rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance
22costs and expenses incidental thereto. If as a result of the
23injury the employee is unable to be self-sufficient the
24employer shall further pay for such maintenance or
25institutional care as shall be required.
26    The employee may at any time elect to secure his own

 

 

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

 

 

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1service under this Act shall have appropriate certifications
2which designate the counselor as qualified to render opinions
3relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational
4rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling
5for job searches, supervising a job search program, and
6vocational retraining including education at an accredited
7learning institution. The employee or employer may petition to
8the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational
9rehabilitation and the Commission shall resolve any such
10dispute, including payment of the vocational rehabilitation
11program by the employer.
12    The maintenance benefit shall not be less than the
13temporary total disability rate determined for the employee.
14In addition, maintenance shall include costs and expenses
15incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program.
16    When the employee is working light duty on a part-time
17basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be
18earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs,
19then the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial
20disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits
21shall be equal to two-thirds of the difference between the
22average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the
23full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in
24which he or she was engaged at the time of accident and the
25gross amount which he or she is earning in the modified job
26provided to the employee by the employer or in any other job

 

 

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

 

 

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1    Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all
2    necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the
3    employee may not select a provider of medical services at
4    the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such
5    selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical
6    treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph
7    shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation
8    referred to above.
9        (4) The following shall apply for injuries occurring
10    on or after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
11    97-18) and only when an employer has an approved preferred
12    provider program pursuant to Section 8.1a on the date the
13    employee sustained his or her accidental injuries:
14            (A) The employer shall, in writing, on a form
15        promulgated by the Commission, inform the employee of
16        the preferred provider program;
17            (B) Subsequent to the report of an injury by an
18        employee, the employee may choose in writing at any
19        time to decline the preferred provider program, in
20        which case that would constitute one of the two
21        choices of medical providers to which the employee is
22        entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3); and
23            (C) Prior to the report of an injury by an
24        employee, when an employee chooses non-emergency
25        treatment from a provider not within the preferred
26        provider program, that would constitute the employee's

 

 

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1        one choice of medical providers to which the employee
2        is entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3).
3    When an employer and employee so agree in writing, nothing
4in this Act prevents an employee whose injury or disability
5has been established under this Act, from relying in good
6faith, on treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone, in
7accordance with the tenets and practice of a recognized church
8or religious denomination, by a duly accredited practitioner
9thereof, and having nursing services appropriate therewith,
10without suffering loss or diminution of the compensation
11benefits under this Act. However, the employee shall submit to
12all physical examinations required by this Act. The cost of
13such treatment and nursing care shall be paid by the employee
14unless the employer agrees to make such payment.
15    Where the accidental injury results in the amputation of
16an arm, hand, leg or foot, or the enucleation of an eye, or the
17loss of any of the natural teeth, the employer shall furnish an
18artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental
19injury arising out of and in the course of employment, and
20shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and
21necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by
22amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain
23in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during
24the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury
25accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture,
26eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental

 

 

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1injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer
2shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or
3artificial member.
4    The furnishing by the employer of any such services or
5appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the
6employer to pay compensation.
7    The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the
8servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of
9compensation.
10    (b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work
11lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as
12hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of
13such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the
14total temporary incapacity lasts. In cases where the temporary
15total incapacity for work continues for a period of 14 days or
16more from the day of the accident compensation shall commence
17on the day after the accident.
18        1. The compensation rate for temporary total
19    incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall
20    be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage
21    computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it
22    shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal
23    minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the
24    Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law,
25    whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage
26    rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child,

 

 

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

 

 

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1    computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
2    provided that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum
3    of the Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards
4    Act, or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage
5    Law, whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This
6    percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse
7    and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage
8    calculation, nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage
9    computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
10    whichever is less.
11        3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a
12    child of the employee including any child legally adopted
13    before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the
14    employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom
15    the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of
16    the accident was under 18 years of age and not
17    emancipated. The term "children" means the plural of
18    "child".
19        4. All weekly compensation rates provided under
20    subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this
21    Section shall be subject to the following limitations:
22        The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1,
23    1975, except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the
24    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
25    the Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that
26    most closely approximates the State's average weekly wage.

 

 

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1        The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
2    July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter
3    provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on
4    July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly
5    compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall
6    be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month
7    period there shall have been an increase in the State's
8    average weekly wage in covered industries under the
9    Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate
10    shall be proportionately increased by the same percentage
11    as the percentage of increase in the State's average
12    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
13    Insurance Act during such period.
14        The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
15    January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as
16    hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the State's average
17    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
18    Insurance Act in effect on January 1, 1981. Effective
19    January 1, 1984 and on January 1, of each year thereafter
20    the maximum weekly compensation rate, except as
21    hereinafter provided, shall be determined as follows: if
22    during the preceding 12 month period there shall have been
23    an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
24    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the
25    weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately
26    increased by the same percentage as the percentage of

 

 

HB4082- 20 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
2    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act during
3    such period.
4        From July 1, 1977 and thereafter such maximum weekly
5    compensation rate in death cases under Section 7, and
6    permanent total disability cases under paragraph (f) or
7    subparagraph 18 of paragraph (3) of this Section and for
8    temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this
9    Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of
10    an eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be
11    increased to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage
12    in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance
13    Act.
14        For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006,
15    the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this
16    Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage
17    in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance
18    Act.
19        4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary
20    notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for
21    compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph
22    (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this
23    Section and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for
24    amputation of a member or enucleation of an eye under
25    paragraph (e) of this Section, shall in no event be less
26    than 50% of the State's average weekly wage in covered

 

 

HB4082- 21 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
2        4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding,
3    the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not
4    exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years.
5        5. For the purpose of this Section this State's
6    average weekly wage in covered industries under the
7    Unemployment Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed
8    at $228.16 per week and the computation of compensation
9    rates shall be based on the aforesaid average weekly wage
10    until modified as hereinafter provided.
11        6. The Department of Employment Security of the State
12    shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on
13    or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day
14    of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish
15    the State's average weekly wage in covered industries
16    under the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois
17    Workers' Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of
18    January, 1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the
19    15th day of each January and July of each year thereafter,
20    post and publish the State's average weekly wage in
21    covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as
22    last determined and published by the Department of
23    Employment Security. The amount when so posted and
24    published shall be conclusive and shall be applicable as
25    the basis of computation of compensation rates until the
26    next posting and publication as aforesaid.

 

 

HB4082- 22 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his
2    insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not
3    constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay
4    compensation.
5    (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the
6hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest
7above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to
8compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by
9agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a
10hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental
11injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the
12accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
13this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
14February 1, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury
15occurs on or after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate
16provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section.
17    No compensation is payable under this paragraph where
18compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of
19this Section.
20    A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the
21population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last
22federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under
23this paragraph only where such serious and permanent
24disfigurement results from burns.
25    (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained,
26the employee as a result thereof becomes partially

 

 

HB4082- 23 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of
2employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the
3specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section,
4receive compensation for the duration of his disability,
5subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in
6paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the
7difference between the average amount which he would be able
8to earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation
9in which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the
10average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some
11suitable employment or business after the accident. For
12accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011,
13an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be
14effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5
15years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is
16later.
17    2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains
18serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c)
19and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered
20by the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have
21sustained in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do
22not incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his
23employment but which would disable him from pursuing other
24suitable occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in
25physical impairment; or if such injuries partially
26incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his usual and

 

 

HB4082- 24 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

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

 

 

HB4082- 25 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1(e) of this Section and the compensation provided in this
2paragraph shall not affect the employee's right to
3compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (e) of this
4Section for the disabilities therein covered.
5    In computing the compensation to be paid to any employee
6who, before the accident for which the employee claims
7compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
8resulting in an award or settlement for permanency given under
9subparagraph 2 of this paragraph, such award shall be deducted
10from any award made for the subsequent injury resulting in an
11award or settlement for permanency given under this
12subparagraph 2 of this paragraph.
13    (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the
14employee shall receive compensation for the period of
15temporary total incapacity for work resulting from such
16accidental injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of
17this Section, and shall receive in addition thereto
18compensation for a further period for the specific loss herein
19mentioned, but shall not receive any compensation under any
20other provisions of this Act. The following listed amounts
21apply to either the loss of or the permanent and complete loss
22of use of the member specified, such compensation for the
23length of time as follows:
24        1. Thumb-
25            70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

HB4082- 26 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2            76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
4        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
5            70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
6        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
7        103rd General Assembly.
8        2. First, or index finger-
9            40 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            43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
13        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
14        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
15            40 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
16        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
17        103rd General Assembly.
18        3. Second, or middle finger-
19            35 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            38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
24        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
25            35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

HB4082- 27 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        103rd General Assembly.
2        4. Third, or ring finger-
3            25 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            27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
8        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
9            25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
10        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
11        103rd General Assembly.
12        5. Fourth, or little finger-
13            20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
14        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
15        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
16            22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
17        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
18        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
19            20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
20        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
21        103rd General Assembly.
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

 

 

HB4082- 28 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
2        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
3            35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
5        103rd General Assembly.
6        7. Each toe other than great toe-
7            12 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            13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
11        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
12        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
13            12 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
14        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
15        103rd General Assembly.
16        8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb
17    or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to
18    the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the
19    compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above
20    specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be
21    considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe.
22    In no case shall the amount received for more than one
23    finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the
24    loss of a hand.
25        9. Hand-
26            190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

HB4082- 29 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
2        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
3            205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
5        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
6            190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
8        103rd General Assembly.
9            190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
10        after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
11        97-18) and if the accidental injury involves carpal
12        tunnel syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative
13        trauma, in which case the permanent partial disability
14        shall not exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except
15        for cause shown by clear and convincing evidence and
16        in which case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of
17        use of the hand.
18        The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges
19    of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the
20    basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further,
21    that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits,
22    in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a
23    hand.
24        10. Arm-
25            235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

HB4082- 30 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2            253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
4        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
5            235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
6        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
7        103rd General Assembly.
8        Where an accidental injury results in the amputation
9    of an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be
10    compensated as a loss of an arm. Where an accidental
11    injury results in the amputation of an arm above the
12    elbow, compensation for an additional 15 weeks (if the
13    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
14    this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but
15    before February 1, 2006) or an additional 17 weeks (if the
16    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006 but
17    before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
18    103rd General Assembly) or an additional 15 weeks (if the
19    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
20    this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly) shall
21    be paid, except where the accidental injury results in the
22    amputation of an arm at the shoulder joint, or so close to
23    shoulder joint that an artificial arm cannot be used, or
24    results in the disarticulation of an arm at the shoulder
25    joint, in which case compensation for an additional 65
26    weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or after the

 

 

HB4082- 31 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
2    Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an additional 70
3    weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or after
4    February 1, 2006 but before the effective date of this
5    amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly) or an
6    additional 65 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
7    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
8    103rd General Assembly) shall be paid.
9        For purposes of awards under this subparagraph 10,
10    injuries to the shoulder shall be considered injuries to
11    part of the arm. The change made by this amendatory Act of
12    the 103rd General Assembly to this subparagraph 10 is
13    declarative of existing law and is not a new enactment.
14        11. Foot-
15            155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
16        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
17        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
18            167 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
19        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
20        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
21            155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
22        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
23        103rd General Assembly.
24        12. Leg-
25            200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

HB4082- 32 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2            215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
4        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
5            200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
6        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
7        103rd General Assembly.
8        Where an accidental injury results in the amputation
9    of a leg below the knee, such injury shall be compensated
10    as loss of a leg. Where an accidental injury results in the
11    amputation of a leg above the knee, compensation for an
12    additional 25 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) or an
15    additional 27 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
16    after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date of
17    this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly) or an
18    additional 25 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
19    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
20    103rd General Assembly) shall be paid, except where the
21    accidental injury results in the amputation of a leg at
22    the hip joint, or so close to the hip joint that an
23    artificial leg cannot be used, or results in the
24    disarticulation of a leg at the hip joint, in which case
25    compensation for an additional 75 weeks (if the accidental
26    injury occurs on or after the effective date of this

 

 

HB4082- 33 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
2    February 1, 2006) or an additional 81 weeks (if the
3    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006 but
4    before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
5    103rd General Assembly) or an additional 75 weeks (if the
6    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
7    this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly) shall
8    be paid.
9        For purposes of awards under this subparagraph 12,
10    injuries to the hip shall be considered injuries to part
11    of the leg. The change made by this amendatory Act of the
12    103rd General Assembly to this subparagraph 12 is
13    declarative of existing law and it not a new enactment.
14        13. Eye-
15            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
16        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
17        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
18            162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
19        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
20        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
21            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
22        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
23        103rd General Assembly.
24        Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation
25    of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the
26    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of

 

 

HB4082- 34 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but
2    before February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the
3    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006 but
4    before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
5    103rd General Assembly) or an additional 10 weeks (if the
6    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
7    this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly) shall
8    be paid.
9        14. Loss of hearing of one ear-
10            50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
11        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
12        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
13            54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
14        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
15        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
16            50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
17        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
18        103rd General Assembly.
19        Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears-
20            200 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            215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
24        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
25        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
26            200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

HB4082- 35 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
2        103rd General Assembly.
3        15. Testicle-
4            50 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            54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
8        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
9        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
10            50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
11        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
12        103rd General Assembly.
13        Both testicles-
14            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
15        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
16        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
17            162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
18        after February 1, 2006 but before the effective date
19        of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.
20            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
21        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
22        103rd General Assembly.
23        16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member
24    or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation
25    during that proportion of the number of weeks in the
26    foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or

 

 

HB4082- 36 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial
2    loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such
3    member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear.
4            (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes
5        shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000
6        and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability
7        for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are
8        not to be considered as constituting disability for
9        hearing.
10            (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of
11        the determination of compensation claims for
12        occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the
13        average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for
14        the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per
15        second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric
16        instruments, approved by nationally recognized
17        authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring
18        hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30
19        decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of
20        hearing shall not then constitute any compensable
21        hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average
22        85 decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same
23        shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable
24        hearing loss.
25            (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest
26        measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be

 

 

HB4082- 37 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1        added together and divided by 3 to determine the
2        average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss
3        exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be
4        made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85
5        decibels.
6            (d) If a hearing loss is established to have
7        existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the
8        employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so
9        established nor shall he be liable for any loss for
10        which compensation has been paid or awarded.
11            (e) No consideration shall be given to the
12        question of whether or not the ability of an employee
13        to understand speech is improved by the use of a
14        hearing aid.
15            (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial
16        noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed
17        unless the employee has been exposed for a period of
18        time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise
19        levels in excess of the following:
20Sound Level DBA
21Slow ResponseHours Per Day
22908
23926
24954
25973
261002

 

 

HB4082- 38 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

11021-1/2
21051
31101/2
41151/4
5        This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of
6    hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion.
7        17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any
8    employee who, before the accident for which he claims
9    compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
10    resulting in any permanency award or settlement,
11    including, without limitation, the loss by amputation or
12    partial loss by amputation of any member, including hand,
13    arm, thumb or fingers, leg, foot or any toes, the partial
14    loss of sight of an eye, or a permanency award or
15    settlement given under subparagraph 2 of paragraph (d),
16    such award or settlement loss or partial loss of any such
17    member shall be deducted from any award made for the
18    subsequent injury. If an employee received an award or
19    settlement under subparagraph 2 of paragraph (d) for a
20    shoulder injury between 2012 and the effective date of
21    this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly, then
22    the award or settlement shall be converted to the
23    appropriate number of weeks for an arm and the credit
24    taken against any award or settlement shall be taken on
25    the arm. For the permanent loss of use or the permanent
26    partial loss of use of any such member or the partial loss

 

 

HB4082- 39 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    of sight of an eye, for which compensation has been paid,
2    then such loss shall be taken into consideration and
3    deducted from any award for the subsequent injury.
4        18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both
5    arms, or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any
6    two thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use
7    thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be
8    compensated according to the compensation fixed by
9    paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of
10    total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases.
11        Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or
12    permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such
13    members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses
14    another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the
15    use of any one of such members the employer for whom the
16    injured employee is working at the time of the last
17    independent accident is liable to pay compensation only
18    for the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of
19    the member occasioned by the last independent accident.
20        19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent
21    death of such injured employee from other causes than such
22    injury leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving
23    before payment or payment in full for such injury, then
24    the amount due for such injury is payable to the widow or
25    widower and, if there be no widow or widower, then to such
26    dependents, in the proportion which such dependency bears

 

 

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1    to total dependency.
2    Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the
3Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when,
4after deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the
5amount therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid
6by employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
7reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the
8sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely.
9However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to
10$400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by
11paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
12herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been
13reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by
14paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
15herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in
16payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment
17become immediately effective for all cases coming before the
18Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final
19order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury.
20    On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each
21subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund
22designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after
23deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount
24therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by
25employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
26reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the

 

 

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1sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely.
2However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to
3$3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7
4shall be resumed in the manner herein provided.
5    (f) In case of complete disability, which renders the
6employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the
7specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in
8subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation
9shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of
10paragraph (b) of this Section for life.
11    An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of
12this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate
13Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the
14supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this
15Section 8.
16    If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph
17afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is
18able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under
19such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is
20able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as
21much as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as
22to conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If
23such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of
24this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time
25within 30 months after the date of such termination or
26reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose

 

 

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1of determining whether any disability exists as a result of
2the original accidental injury and the extent thereof.
3    Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e)
4of this Section is considered complete disability.
5    If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the
6permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the
7loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand,
8one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and
9complete disability through the loss or the permanent and
10complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive,
11in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and
12after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second
13Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which,
14together with the compensation payable from the employer in
15whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was
16incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and
17complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this
18Section.
19    The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in
20paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as
21a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim.
22The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly
23and in general terms the approximate time and place and manner
24of the loss of the first member.
25    In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall
26specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be

 

 

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1weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be
2paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of
3the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of
4Section 7 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments
5continue, the date upon which the pension payments commence
6and the monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall
730 days after the date upon which payments out of the Second
8Injury Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every
9month thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller
10a voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that
11date at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State
12Comptroller shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along
13with a receipt to be executed by the injured employee and
14returned to the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt
15is a full and complete acquittance to the Commission for the
16payment out of the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation
17or warrant is necessary for payment out of the Second Injury
18Fund. The Second Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose
19of making payments according to the terms of the awards.
20    As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and
21obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims
22against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the
23extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund
24to pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all
25references to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also
26include the Rate Adjustment Fund.

 

 

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1    (g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by
2the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which
3compensation payments shall become due and payable after the
4effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for
5death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the
6Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory
7Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of
8the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall
9first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered
10prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter.
11In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of
12the second year next following the date of the entry of the
13award and shall further be made on July 15 annually
14thereafter. If during the intervening period from the date of
15the entry of the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there
16shall have been an increase in the State's average weekly wage
17in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act,
18the weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately
19increased by the same percentage as the percentage of increase
20in the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
21the Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the
22compensation rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring
23the total compensation rate to an amount greater than the
24prevailing maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment
25is made. Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as
26herein provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to

 

 

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1the injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be,
2out of the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of
3Section 7 of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same
4intervals as provided in the award or, at the option of the
5Commission, may be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of
6January, April, July and October of each year. In the event of
7a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall be no change
8in the then existing compensation rate. The within paragraph
9shall not apply to cases where there is disputed liability and
10in which a compromise lump sum settlement between the employer
11and the injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may
12be, has been duly approved by the Illinois Workers'
13Compensation Commission.
14    Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the
15Commission for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the
16increases in the compensation rate adjusted under the
17foregoing provision of this paragraph (g) shall be limited to
18increases in the State's average weekly wage in covered
19industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act occurring
20after July 1, 1975.
21    For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but
22before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
23General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General
24Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in
25awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as
26provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The

 

 

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1adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the
2second year next following the date of the entry of the award
3and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If
4during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the
5award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been
6an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
7industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer
8shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by
9the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the
10State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
11Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
12rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
13compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
14maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In
15the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall
16be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such
17increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and
18at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the
19award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is
20disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum
21settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or
22his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly
23approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
24    The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits
25or permanent total disability involving accidents occurring
26before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the

 

 

HB4082- 47 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
2Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall
3continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to
4this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act.
5    (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total
6compensation to which the employee would have been entitled
7has been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow,
8widower, child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or
9other lineal heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time
10of the accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent
11of 50% or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be
12paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and
13distributed as provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7.
14    (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal
15disability at the time when any right or privilege accrues to
16him or her under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant
17to law, and may, on behalf of such person under legal
18disability, claim and exercise any such right or privilege
19with the same effect as if the employee himself or herself had
20claimed or exercised the right or privilege. No limitations of
21time provided by this Act run so long as the employee who is
22under legal disability is without a conservator or guardian.
23    (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age
24at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the
25amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d),
26(e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%.

 

 

HB4082- 48 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1    However, where an employer has on file an employment
2certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work
3permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards
4Act, as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly
5issued, such certificate, permit or birth certificate is
6conclusive evidence as to the age of the injured minor
7employee for the purposes of this Section.
8    Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions
9of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors
10under the age of 16 years.
11    (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives
12benefits, including medical, surgical or hospital benefits
13under any group plan covering non-occupational disabilities
14contributed to wholly or partially by the employer, which
15benefits should not have been payable if any rights of
16recovery existed under this Act, then such amounts so paid to
17the employee from any such group plan as shall be consistent
18with, and limited to, the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof,
19shall be credited to or against any compensation payment for
20temporary total incapacity for work or any medical, surgical
21or hospital benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such
22event, the period of time for giving notice of accidental
23injury and filing application for adjustment of claim does not
24commence to run until the termination of such payments. This
25paragraph does not apply to payments made under any group plan
26which would have been payable irrespective of an accidental

 

 

HB4082- 49 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1injury under this Act. Any employer receiving such credit
2shall keep such employee safe and harmless from any and all
3claims or liabilities that may be made against him by reason of
4having received such payments only to the extent of such
5credit.
6    Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State
7employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under
8Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or
9disputed disability claim shall be credited against any
10payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on
11behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments
12for medical expenses which have already been incurred at the
13time of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly
14reimburse the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent
15of such credit.
16    2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to
17give the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit
18for any benefits or payments received by the employee other
19than compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the
20employee receives payments other than compensation payments,
21whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits,
22bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or
23insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment
24only to the extent of the compensation that would have been
25payable during the period covered by such payment.
26    3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application

 

 

HB4082- 50 -LRB103 32158 SPS 61247 b

1for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall
2not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had
3expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits
4enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided
5however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases
6wherein the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall
7be received after July 1, 1969.
8(Source: P.A. 97-18, eff. 6-28-11; 97-268, eff. 8-8-11;
997-813, eff. 7-13-12.)
 
10    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
11becoming law.