Workers' compensation costs in Illinois do not prohibit job growth or make the state less competitive, but they are enough to make employers more safety conscious. B This is currently in rule, but is not enforced. The law currently requires emergency hearings, which are sought when benefits are terminated, to be conducted within 180 days of filing. Six months is far too long for an injured worker to go without benefits. B Illinois is the only state that allows medical providers to bill an injured worker when the insurer or employer does not fully reimburse the provider.
Employers are responsible to pay for all necessary treatment of work-related injuries.
Workers should not pay for any part of treatment. Industrial Commission arbitrators B Although the Industrial Commission has done a commendable job in reducing the backlog of disputed claims, that backlog is still too large. It could be reduced further and faster by adding more arbitrators. They should be provided with a support staff. Provide pre-judgement interest from time benefit payment was due B Interest payments, like other penalties, provide a financial incentive to comply with the law.