A Workers’ Compensation claim is considered settled only after “Lump Sum” settlement contracts are prepared and signed by the appropriate parties and approved by the Illinois Industrial Commission. After the above process is concluded, the worker’s claim is closed and they are no longer entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits for their injuries. In the event of a subsequent accident, the worker would need to file a new claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
NOTE: If an injured worker has received various Workers’ Compensation benefits from his employer butnever signed Lump Sum Settlement contracts, he may still have a viable Workers’ Compensation claim if the Statute of Limitations has not expired.