Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

Illinois Senate Bill SB0154 Latest Draft

Bill / Introduced Version Filed 01/25/2023

                            103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB0154 Introduced 1/25/2023, by Sen. Neil Anderson SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:   820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8   Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that in the case of an employee who is a volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic, compensation for temporary total incapacity shall commence on the day after the accident. Effective immediately.  LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b   A BILL FOR 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB0154 Introduced 1/25/2023, by Sen. Neil Anderson SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:  820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8 820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8 Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that in the case of an employee who is a volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic, compensation for temporary total incapacity shall commence on the day after the accident. Effective immediately.  LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b     LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b   A BILL FOR
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB0154 Introduced 1/25/2023, by Sen. Neil Anderson SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8 820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8
820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that in the case of an employee who is a volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic, compensation for temporary total incapacity shall commence on the day after the accident. Effective immediately.
LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b     LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b
    LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b
A BILL FOR
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  SB0154  LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b
1  AN ACT concerning employment.
2  Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3  represented in the General Assembly:
4  Section 5. The Workers' Compensation Act is amended by
5  changing 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
8  the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death
9  is:
10  (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated
11  rate, if applicable, or the lesser of the health care
12  provider's actual charges or according to a fee schedule,
13  subject to Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was
14  rendered for all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical
15  services, and all necessary medical, surgical and hospital
16  services thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which
17  is reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of
18  the accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells,
19  transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for
20  procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If
21  the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical,
22  surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such
23  payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The

 

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB0154 Introduced 1/25/2023, by Sen. Neil Anderson SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8 820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8
820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8
Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that in the case of an employee who is a volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic, compensation for temporary total incapacity shall commence on the day after the accident. Effective immediately.
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    LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b
A BILL FOR

 

 

820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8



    LRB103 24919 SPS 51253 b

 

 



 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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1  of referrals from said initial service provider; plus
2  (3) all medical, surgical and hospital services
3  provided by any second physician, surgeon or hospital
4  subsequently chosen by the employee or by any other
5  physician, consultant, expert, institution or other
6  provider of services recommended by said second service
7  provider or any subsequent provider of medical services in
8  the chain of referrals from said second service provider.
9  Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all
10  necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the
11  employee may not select a provider of medical services at
12  the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such
13  selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical
14  treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph
15  shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation
16  referred to above.
17  (4) The following shall apply for injuries occurring
18  on or after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
19  97-18) and only when an employer has an approved preferred
20  provider program pursuant to Section 8.1a on the date the
21  employee sustained his or her accidental injuries:
22  (A) The employer shall, in writing, on a form
23  promulgated by the Commission, inform the employee of
24  the preferred provider program;
25  (B) Subsequent to the report of an injury by an
26  employee, the employee may choose in writing at any

 

 

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1  time to decline the preferred provider program, in
2  which case that would constitute one of the two
3  choices of medical providers to which the employee is
4  entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3); and
5  (C) Prior to the report of an injury by an
6  employee, when an employee chooses non-emergency
7  treatment from a provider not within the preferred
8  provider program, that would constitute the employee's
9  one choice of medical providers to which the employee
10  is entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3).
11  When an employer and employee so agree in writing, nothing
12  in this Act prevents an employee whose injury or disability
13  has been established under this Act, from relying in good
14  faith, on treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone, in
15  accordance with the tenets and practice of a recognized church
16  or religious denomination, by a duly accredited practitioner
17  thereof, and having nursing services appropriate therewith,
18  without suffering loss or diminution of the compensation
19  benefits under this Act. However, the employee shall submit to
20  all physical examinations required by this Act. The cost of
21  such treatment and nursing care shall be paid by the employee
22  unless the employer agrees to make such payment.
23  Where the accidental injury results in the amputation of
24  an arm, hand, leg or foot, or the enucleation of an eye, or the
25  loss of any of the natural teeth, the employer shall furnish an
26  artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental

 

 

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

 

 

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1  period of 14 days or more from the day of the accident,
2  compensation shall commence on 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,
10  whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage
11  rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child,
12  not to 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
21  under paragraph (e), of this Section shall be equal to 66
22  2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage computed in
23  accordance with the provisions of Section 10, provided
24  that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the
25  Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act,
26  or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law,

 

 

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1  whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage
2  rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child,
3  not to exceed 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, nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage
20  computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
21  whichever is less.
22  3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a
23  child of the employee including any child legally adopted
24  before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the
25  employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom
26  the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of

 

 

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1  the accident was under 18 years of age and not
2  emancipated. The term "children" means the plural of
3  "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,
8  1975, except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the
9  State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
10  the Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that
11  most 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 in the State's
19  average weekly wage in covered industries under the
20  Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate
21  shall be proportionately increased by the same percentage
22  as the percentage of increase in the State's average
23  weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
24  Insurance Act during such period.
25  The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
26  January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as

 

 

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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 in the State's average weekly wage in covered
9  industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the
10  weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately
11  increased by the same percentage as the percentage of
12  increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
13  industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act during
14  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
21  an eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be
22  increased to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage
23  in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance
24  Act.
25  For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006,
26  the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this

 

 

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1  Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage
2  in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance
3  Act.
4  4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary
5  notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for
6  compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph
7  (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this
8  Section and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for
9  amputation of a member or enucleation of an eye under
10  paragraph (e) of this Section, shall in no event be less
11  than 50% of the State's average weekly wage in covered
12  industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
13  4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding,
14  the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not
15  exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years.
16  5. For the purpose of this Section this State's
17  average weekly wage in covered industries under the
18  Unemployment Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed
19  at $228.16 per week and the computation of compensation
20  rates shall be based on the aforesaid average weekly wage
21  until modified as hereinafter provided.
22  6. The Department of Employment Security of the State
23  shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on
24  or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day
25  of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish
26  the State's average weekly wage in covered industries

 

 

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1  under the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois
2  Workers' Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of
3  January, 1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the
4  15th day of each January and July of each year thereafter,
5  post and publish the State's average weekly wage in
6  covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as
7  last determined and published by the Department of
8  Employment Security. The amount when so posted and
9  published shall be conclusive and shall be applicable as
10  the basis of computation of compensation rates until the
11  next posting and publication as aforesaid.
12  7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his
13  insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not
14  constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay
15  compensation.
16  (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the
17  hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest
18  above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to
19  compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by
20  agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a
21  hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental
22  injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 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 162 weeks (if the accidental injury
26  occurs on or after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate

 

 

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1  provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section.
2  No compensation is payable under this paragraph where
3  compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of
4  this Section.
5  A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the
6  population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last
7  federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under
8  this paragraph only where such serious and permanent
9  disfigurement results from burns.
10  (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained,
11  the employee as a result thereof becomes partially
12  incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of
13  employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the
14  specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section,
15  receive compensation for the duration of his disability,
16  subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in
17  paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the
18  difference between the average amount which he would be able
19  to earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation
20  in which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the
21  average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some
22  suitable employment or business after the accident. For
23  accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011,
24  an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be
25  effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5
26  years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is

 

 

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1  later.
2  2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains
3  serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c)
4  and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered
5  by the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have
6  sustained in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do
7  not incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his
8  employment but which would disable him from pursuing other
9  suitable occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in
10  physical impairment; or if such injuries partially
11  incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his usual and
12  customary line of employment but do not result in an
13  impairment of earning capacity, or having resulted in an
14  impairment of earning capacity, the employee elects to waive
15  his right to recover under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of
16  paragraph (d) of this Section then in any of the foregoing
17  events, he shall receive in addition to compensation for
18  temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this
19  Section, compensation at the rate provided in subparagraph 2.1
20  of paragraph (b) of this Section for that percentage of 500
21  weeks that the partial disability resulting from the injuries
22  covered by this paragraph bears to total disability. If the
23  employee shall have sustained a fracture of one or more
24  vertebra or fracture of the skull, the amount of compensation
25  allowed under this Section shall be not less than 6 weeks for a
26  fractured skull and 6 weeks for each fractured vertebra, and

 

 

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1  in the event the employee shall have sustained a fracture of
2  any of the following facial bones: nasal, lachrymal, vomer,
3  zygoma, maxilla, palatine or mandible, the amount of
4  compensation allowed under this Section shall be not less than
5  2 weeks for each such fractured bone, and for a fracture of
6  each transverse process not less than 3 weeks. In the event
7  such injuries shall result in the loss of a kidney, spleen or
8  lung, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section
9  shall be not less than 10 weeks for each such organ.
10  Compensation awarded under this subparagraph 2 shall not take
11  into consideration injuries covered under paragraphs (c) and
12  (e) of this Section and the compensation provided in this
13  paragraph shall not affect the employee's right to
14  compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (e) of this
15  Section for the disabilities therein covered.
16  (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the
17  employee shall receive compensation for the period of
18  temporary total incapacity for work resulting from such
19  accidental injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of
20  this Section, and shall receive in addition thereto
21  compensation for a further period for the specific loss herein
22  mentioned, but shall not receive any compensation under any
23  other provisions of this Act. The following listed amounts
24  apply to either the loss of or the permanent and complete loss
25  of use of the member specified, such compensation for the
26  length of time as follows:

 

 

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1  1. Thumb-
2  70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
4  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
5  76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
6  after February 1, 2006.
7  2. First, or index finger-
8  40 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
9  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
10  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
11  43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
12  after February 1, 2006.
13  3. Second, or middle finger-
14  35 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  38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
18  after February 1, 2006.
19  4. Third, or ring finger-
20  25 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  27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
24  after February 1, 2006.
25  5. Fourth, or little finger-
26  20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

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1  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
2  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
3  22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4  after February 1, 2006.
5  6. Great toe-
6  35 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  38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
10  after February 1, 2006.
11  7. Each toe other than great toe-
12  12 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  13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
16  after February 1, 2006.
17  8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb
18  or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to
19  the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the
20  compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above
21  specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be
22  considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe.
23  In no case shall the amount received for more than one
24  finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the
25  loss of a hand.
26  9. Hand-

 

 

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1  190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
2  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
3  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
4  205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
5  after February 1, 2006.
6  190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7  after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
8  97-18) and if the accidental injury involves carpal
9  tunnel syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative
10  trauma, in which case the permanent partial disability
11  shall not exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except
12  for cause shown by clear and convincing evidence and
13  in which case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of
14  use of the hand.
15  The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges
16  of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the
17  basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further,
18  that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits,
19  in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a
20  hand.
21  10. Arm-
22  235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
24  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
25  253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26  after February 1, 2006.

 

 

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1  Where an accidental injury results in the amputation
2  of an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be
3  compensated as a loss of an arm. Where an accidental
4  injury results in the amputation of an arm above the
5  elbow, compensation for an additional 15 weeks (if the
6  accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
7  this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but
8  before February 1, 2006) or an additional 17 weeks (if the
9  accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
10  shall be paid, except where the accidental injury results
11  in the amputation of an arm at the shoulder joint, or so
12  close to shoulder joint that an artificial arm cannot be
13  used, or results in the disarticulation of an arm at the
14  shoulder joint, in which case compensation for an
15  additional 65 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) or an
18  additional 70 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
19  after February 1, 2006) shall be paid.
20  11. Foot-
21  155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
22  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
23  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
24  167 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
25  after February 1, 2006.
26  12. Leg-

 

 

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1  200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
2  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
3  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
4  215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
5  after February 1, 2006.
6  Where an accidental injury results in the amputation
7  of a leg below the knee, such injury shall be compensated
8  as loss of a leg. Where an accidental injury results in the
9  amputation of a leg above the knee, compensation for an
10  additional 25 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) or an
13  additional 27 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
14  after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
15  accidental injury results in the amputation of a leg at
16  the hip joint, or so close to the hip joint that an
17  artificial leg cannot be used, or results in the
18  disarticulation of a leg at the hip joint, in which case
19  compensation for an additional 75 weeks (if the accidental
20  injury occurs on or after the effective date of this
21  amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
22  February 1, 2006) or an additional 81 weeks (if the
23  accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
24  shall be paid.
25  13. Eye-
26  150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

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1  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
2  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
3  162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4  after February 1, 2006.
5  Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation
6  of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the
7  accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
8  this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but
9  before February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the
10  accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
11  shall be paid.
12  14. Loss of hearing of one ear-
13  50 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  54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
17  after February 1, 2006.
18  Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears-
19  200 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  215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23  after February 1, 2006.
24  15. Testicle-
25  50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26  after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

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1  94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2  54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3  after February 1, 2006.
4  Both testicles-
5  150 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  162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
9  after February 1, 2006.
10  16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member
11  or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation
12  during that proportion of the number of weeks in the
13  foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or
14  sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial
15  loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such
16  member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear.
17  (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes
18  shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000
19  and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability
20  for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are
21  not to be considered as constituting disability for
22  hearing.
23  (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of
24  the determination of compensation claims for
25  occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the
26  average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for

 

 

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1  the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per
2  second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric
3  instruments, approved by nationally recognized
4  authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring
5  hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30
6  decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of
7  hearing shall not then constitute any compensable
8  hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average
9  85 decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same
10  shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable
11  hearing loss.
12  (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest
13  measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be
14  added together and divided by 3 to determine the
15  average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss
16  exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be
17  made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85
18  decibels.
19  (d) If a hearing loss is established to have
20  existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the
21  employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so
22  established nor shall he be liable for any loss for
23  which compensation has been paid or awarded.
24  (e) No consideration shall be given to the
25  question of whether or not the ability of an employee
26  to understand speech is improved by the use of a

 

 

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1  hearing aid.
2  (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial
3  noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed
4  unless the employee has been exposed for a period of
5  time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise
6  levels in excess of the following:
7Sound Level DBA   8Slow Response Hours Per Day   990 8   1092 6   1195 4   1297 3   13100 2   14102 1-1/2   15105 1   16110 1/2   17115 1/4 7  Sound Level DBA  8  Slow Response Hours Per Day 9  90 8 10  92 6 11  95 4 12  97 3 13  100 2 14  102 1-1/2 15  105 1 16  110 1/2 17  115 1/4
7  Sound Level DBA
8  Slow Response Hours Per Day
9  90 8
10  92 6
11  95 4
12  97 3
13  100 2
14  102 1-1/2
15  105 1
16  110 1/2
17  115 1/4
18  This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of
19  hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion.
20  17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any
21  employee who, before the accident for which he claims
22  compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
23  resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by
24  amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or
25  fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss
26  of any such member shall be deducted from any award made

 

 

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7  Sound Level DBA
8  Slow Response Hours Per Day
9  90 8
10  92 6
11  95 4
12  97 3
13  100 2
14  102 1-1/2
15  105 1
16  110 1/2
17  115 1/4


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

 

 

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1  the amount due for such injury is payable to the widow or
2  widower and, if there be no widow or widower, then to such
3  dependents, in the proportion which such dependency bears
4  to total dependency.
5  Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the
6  Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when,
7  after deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the
8  amount therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid
9  by employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
10  reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the
11  sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely.
12  However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to
13  $400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by
14  paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
15  herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been
16  reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by
17  paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
18  herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in
19  payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment
20  become immediately effective for all cases coming before the
21  Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final
22  order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury.
23  On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each
24  subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund
25  designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after
26  deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount

 

 

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

 

 

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1  this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time
2  within 30 months after the date of such termination or
3  reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose
4  of determining whether any disability exists as a result of
5  the original accidental injury and the extent thereof.
6  Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e)
7  of this Section is considered complete disability.
8  If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the
9  permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the
10  loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand,
11  one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and
12  complete disability through the loss or the permanent and
13  complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive,
14  in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and
15  after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second
16  Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which,
17  together with the compensation payable from the employer in
18  whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was
19  incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and
20  complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this
21  Section.
22  The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in
23  paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as
24  a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim.
25  The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly
26  and in general terms the approximate time and place and manner

 

 

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1  of the loss of the first member.
2  In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall
3  specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be
4  weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be
5  paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of
6  the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of
7  Section 7 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments
8  continue, the date upon which the pension payments commence
9  and the monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall
10  30 days after the date upon which payments out of the Second
11  Injury Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every
12  month thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller
13  a voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that
14  date at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State
15  Comptroller shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along
16  with a receipt to be executed by the injured employee and
17  returned to the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt
18  is a full and complete acquittance to the Commission for the
19  payment out of the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation
20  or warrant is necessary for payment out of the Second Injury
21  Fund. The Second Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose
22  of making payments according to the terms of the awards.
23  As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and
24  obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims
25  against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the
26  extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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1  The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits
2  or permanent total disability involving accidents occurring
3  before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the
4  effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
5  Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall
6  continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to
7  this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act.
8  (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total
9  compensation to which the employee would have been entitled
10  has been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow,
11  widower, child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or
12  other lineal heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time
13  of the accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent
14  of 50% or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be
15  paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and
16  distributed as provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7.
17  (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal
18  disability at the time when any right or privilege accrues to
19  him or her under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant
20  to law, and may, on behalf of such person under legal
21  disability, claim and exercise any such right or privilege
22  with the same effect as if the employee himself or herself had
23  claimed or exercised the right or privilege. No limitations of
24  time provided by this Act run so long as the employee who is
25  under legal disability is without a conservator or guardian.
26  (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age

 

 

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1  at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the
2  amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d),
3  (e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%.
4  However, where an employer has on file an employment
5  certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work
6  permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards
7  Act, as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly
8  issued, such certificate, permit or birth certificate is
9  conclusive evidence as to the age of the injured minor
10  employee for the purposes of this Section.
11  Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions
12  of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors
13  under the age of 16 years.
14  (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives
15  benefits, including medical, surgical or hospital benefits
16  under any group plan covering non-occupational disabilities
17  contributed to wholly or partially by the employer, which
18  benefits should not have been payable if any rights of
19  recovery existed under this Act, then such amounts so paid to
20  the employee from any such group plan as shall be consistent
21  with, and limited to, the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof,
22  shall be credited to or against any compensation payment for
23  temporary total incapacity for work or any medical, surgical
24  or hospital benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such
25  event, the period of time for giving notice of accidental
26  injury and filing application for adjustment of claim does not

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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