104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB1254 Introduced , by Rep. Dan Ugaste SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8 Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. 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. Effective immediately. LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b A BILL FOR 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB1254 Introduced , by Rep. Dan Ugaste 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. 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. Effective immediately. LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b A BILL FOR 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB1254 Introduced , by Rep. Dan Ugaste 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. 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. Effective immediately. LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b A BILL FOR HB1254LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 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 (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-721) 8 Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to 9 the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death 10 is: 11 (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated 12 rate, if applicable, or the lesser of the health care 13 provider's actual charges or according to a fee schedule, 14 subject to Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was 15 rendered for all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical 16 services, and all necessary medical, surgical and hospital 17 services thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which 18 is reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of 19 the accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells, 20 transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for 21 procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If 22 the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical, 23 surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026 HB1254 Introduced , by Rep. Dan Ugaste 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. 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. Effective immediately. LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b A BILL FOR 820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8 LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 2 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 2 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 2 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The 2 employer shall also pay for treatment, instruction and 3 training necessary for the physical, mental and vocational 4 rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance 5 costs and expenses incidental thereto. If as a result of the 6 injury the employee is unable to be self-sufficient the 7 employer shall further pay for such maintenance or 8 institutional care as shall be required. 9 The employee may at any time elect to secure his own 10 physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's 11 expense, or, 12 Upon agreement between the employer and the employees, or 13 the employees' exclusive representative, and subject to the 14 approval of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the 15 employer shall maintain a list of physicians, to be known as a 16 Panel of Physicians, who are accessible to the employees. The 17 employer shall post this list in a place or places easily 18 accessible to his employees. The employee shall have the right 19 to make an alternative choice of physician from such Panel if 20 he is not satisfied with the physician first selected. If, due 21 to the nature of the injury or its occurrence away from the 22 employer's place of business, the employee is unable to make a 23 selection from the Panel, the selection process from the Panel 24 shall not apply. The physician selected from the Panel may 25 arrange for any consultation, referral or other specialized 26 medical services outside the Panel at the employer's expense. HB1254 - 2 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 3 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 3 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 3 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 Provided that, in the event the Commission shall find that a 2 doctor selected by the employee is rendering improper or 3 inadequate care, the Commission may order the employee to 4 select another doctor certified or qualified in the medical 5 field for which treatment is required. If the employee refuses 6 to make such change the Commission may relieve the employer of 7 his obligation to pay the doctor's charges from the date of 8 refusal to the date of compliance. 9 Any vocational rehabilitation counselors who provide 10 service under this Act shall have appropriate certifications 11 which designate the counselor as qualified to render opinions 12 relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational 13 rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling 14 for job searches, supervising a job search program, and 15 vocational retraining including education at an accredited 16 learning institution. The employee or employer may petition to 17 the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational 18 rehabilitation and the Commission shall resolve any such 19 dispute, including payment of the vocational rehabilitation 20 program by the employer. 21 The maintenance benefit shall not be less than the 22 temporary total disability rate determined for the employee. 23 In addition, maintenance shall include costs and expenses 24 incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program. 25 When the employee is working light duty on a part-time 26 basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be HB1254 - 3 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 4 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 4 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 4 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs, 2 then the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial 3 disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits 4 shall be equal to two-thirds of the difference between the 5 average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the 6 full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in 7 which he or she was engaged at the time of accident and the 8 gross amount which he or she is earning in the modified job 9 provided to the employee by the employer or in any other job 10 that the employee is working. 11 Every hospital, physician, surgeon or other person 12 rendering treatment or services in accordance with the 13 provisions of this Section shall upon written request furnish 14 full and complete reports thereof to, and permit their records 15 to be copied by, the employer, the employee or his dependents, 16 as the case may be, or any other party to any proceeding for 17 compensation before the Commission, or their attorneys. 18 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the employer's liability to 19 pay for such medical services selected by the employee shall 20 be limited to: 21 (1) all first aid and emergency treatment; plus 22 (2) all medical, surgical and hospital services 23 provided by the physician, surgeon or hospital initially 24 chosen by the employee or by any other physician, 25 consultant, expert, institution or other provider of 26 services recommended by said initial service provider or HB1254 - 4 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 5 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 5 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 5 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 any subsequent provider of medical services in the chain 2 of referrals from said initial service provider; plus 3 (3) all medical, surgical and hospital services 4 provided by any second physician, surgeon or hospital 5 subsequently chosen by the employee or by any other 6 physician, consultant, expert, institution or other 7 provider of services recommended by said second service 8 provider or any subsequent provider of medical services in 9 the chain of referrals from said second service provider. 10 Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all 11 necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the 12 employee may not select a provider of medical services at 13 the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such 14 selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical 15 treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph 16 shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation 17 referred to above. 18 (4) The following shall apply for injuries occurring 19 on or after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 20 97-18) and only when an employer has an approved preferred 21 provider program pursuant to Section 8.1a on the date the 22 employee sustained his or her accidental injuries: 23 (A) The employer shall, in writing, on a form 24 promulgated by the Commission, inform the employee of 25 the preferred provider program; 26 (B) Subsequent to the report of an injury by an HB1254 - 5 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 6 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 6 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 6 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 employee, the employee may choose in writing at any 2 time to decline the preferred provider program, in 3 which case that would constitute one of the two 4 choices of medical providers to which the employee is 5 entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3); and 6 (C) Prior to the report of an injury by an 7 employee, when an employee chooses non-emergency 8 treatment from a provider not within the preferred 9 provider program, that would constitute the employee's 10 one choice of medical providers to which the employee 11 is entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3). 12 When an employer and employee so agree in writing, nothing 13 in this Act prevents an employee whose injury or disability 14 has been established under this Act, from relying in good 15 faith, on treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone, in 16 accordance with the tenets and practice of a recognized church 17 or religious denomination, by a duly accredited practitioner 18 thereof, and having nursing services appropriate therewith, 19 without suffering loss or diminution of the compensation 20 benefits under this Act. However, the employee shall submit to 21 all physical examinations required by this Act. The cost of 22 such treatment and nursing care shall be paid by the employee 23 unless the employer agrees to make such payment. 24 Where the accidental injury results in the amputation of 25 an arm, hand, leg or foot, or the enucleation of an eye, or the 26 loss of any of the natural teeth, the employer shall furnish an HB1254 - 6 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 7 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 7 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 7 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental 2 injury arising out of and in the course of employment, and 3 shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and 4 necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by 5 amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain 6 in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during 7 the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury 8 accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture, 9 eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental 10 injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer 11 shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or 12 artificial member. 13 The furnishing by the employer of any such services or 14 appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the 15 employer to pay compensation. 16 The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the 17 servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of 18 compensation. 19 (b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work 20 lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as 21 hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of 22 such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the 23 total temporary incapacity lasts. In cases where the temporary 24 total incapacity for work continues for a period of 14 days or 25 more from the day of the accident compensation shall commence 26 on the day after the accident. HB1254 - 7 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 8 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 8 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 8 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 1. The compensation rate for temporary total 2 incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall 3 be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage 4 computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it 5 shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal 6 minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the 7 Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, 8 whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage 9 rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, 10 not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation, 11 nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in 12 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is 13 less. 14 2. The compensation rate in all cases other than for 15 temporary total disability under this paragraph (b), and 16 other than for serious and permanent disfigurement under 17 paragraph (c) and other than for permanent partial 18 disability under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (d) or 19 under paragraph (e), of this Section shall be equal to 66 20 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage computed in 21 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, provided 22 that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the 23 Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 24 or the 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, HB1254 - 8 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 9 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 9 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 9 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 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 2.1. The compensation rate in all cases of serious and 6 permanent disfigurement under paragraph (c) and of 7 permanent partial disability under subparagraph (2) of 8 paragraph (d) or under paragraph (e) of this Section shall 9 be equal to 60% of the employee's average weekly wage 10 computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10, 11 provided that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum 12 of the Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards 13 Act, or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage 14 Law, whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This 15 percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse 16 and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage 17 calculation, nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage 18 computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10, 19 whichever is less. 20 3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a 21 child of the employee including any child legally adopted 22 before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the 23 employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom 24 the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of 25 the accident was under 18 years of age and not 26 emancipated. The term "children" means the plural of HB1254 - 9 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 10 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 10 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 10 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 "child". 2 4. All weekly compensation rates provided under 3 subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this 4 Section shall be subject to the following limitations: 5 The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1, 6 1975, except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the 7 State's average weekly wage in covered industries under 8 the Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that 9 most closely approximates the State's average weekly wage. 10 The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period 11 July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter 12 provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on 13 July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly 14 compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall 15 be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month 16 period there shall have been an increase in the State's 17 average weekly wage in covered industries under the 18 Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate 19 shall be proportionately increased by the same percentage 20 as the percentage of increase in the State's average 21 weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment 22 Insurance Act during such period. 23 The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period 24 January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as 25 hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the State's average 26 weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment HB1254 - 10 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 11 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 11 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 11 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 Insurance Act in effect on January 1, 1981. Effective 2 January 1, 1984 and on January 1, of each year thereafter 3 the maximum weekly compensation rate, except as 4 hereinafter provided, shall be determined as follows: if 5 during the preceding 12 month period there shall have been 6 an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered 7 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the 8 weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately 9 increased by the same percentage as the percentage of 10 increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered 11 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act during 12 such period. 13 From July 1, 1977 and thereafter such maximum weekly 14 compensation rate in death cases under Section 7, and 15 permanent total disability cases under paragraph (f) or 16 subparagraph 18 of paragraph (3) of this Section and for 17 temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this 18 Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of 19 an eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be 20 increased to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage 21 in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance 22 Act. 23 For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006, 24 the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this 25 Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage 26 in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance HB1254 - 11 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 12 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 12 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 12 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 Act. 2 4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary 3 notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for 4 compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph 5 (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this 6 Section and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for 7 amputation of a member or enucleation of an eye under 8 paragraph (e) of this Section, shall in no event be less 9 than 50% of the State's average weekly wage in covered 10 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act. 11 4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding, 12 the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not 13 exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years. 14 5. For the purpose of this Section this State's 15 average weekly wage in covered industries under the 16 Unemployment Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed 17 at $228.16 per week and the computation of compensation 18 rates shall be based on the aforesaid average weekly wage 19 until modified as hereinafter provided. 20 6. The Department of Employment Security of the State 21 shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on 22 or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day 23 of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish 24 the State's average weekly wage in covered industries 25 under the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois 26 Workers' Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of HB1254 - 12 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 13 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 13 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 13 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 January, 1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the 2 15th day of each January and July of each year thereafter, 3 post and publish the State's average weekly wage in 4 covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as 5 last determined and published by the Department of 6 Employment Security. The amount when so posted and 7 published shall be conclusive and shall be applicable as 8 the basis of computation of compensation rates until the 9 next posting and publication as aforesaid. 10 7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his 11 insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not 12 constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay 13 compensation. 14 (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the 15 hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest 16 above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to 17 compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by 18 agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a 19 hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental 20 injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the 21 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 22 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before 23 February 1, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury 24 occurs on or after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate 25 provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section. 26 No compensation is payable under this paragraph where HB1254 - 13 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 14 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 14 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 14 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of 2 this Section. 3 A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the 4 population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last 5 federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under 6 this paragraph only where such serious and permanent 7 disfigurement results from burns. 8 (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained, 9 the employee as a result thereof becomes partially 10 incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of 11 employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the 12 specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section, 13 receive compensation for the duration of his disability, 14 subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in 15 paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the 16 difference between the average amount which he would be able 17 to earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation 18 in which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the 19 average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some 20 suitable employment or business after the accident. For 21 accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011, 22 an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be 23 effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5 24 years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is 25 later. 26 2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains HB1254 - 14 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 15 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 15 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 15 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c) 2 and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered 3 by the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have 4 sustained in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do 5 not incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his 6 employment but which would disable him from pursuing other 7 suitable occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in 8 physical impairment; or if such injuries partially 9 incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his usual and 10 customary line of employment but do not result in an 11 impairment of earning capacity, or having resulted in an 12 impairment of earning capacity, the employee elects to waive 13 his right to recover under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of 14 paragraph (d) of this Section then in any of the foregoing 15 events, he shall receive in addition to compensation for 16 temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this 17 Section, compensation at the rate provided in subparagraph 2.1 18 of paragraph (b) of this Section for that percentage of 500 19 weeks that the partial disability resulting from the injuries 20 covered by this paragraph bears to total disability. If the 21 employee shall have sustained a fracture of one or more 22 vertebra or fracture of the skull, the amount of compensation 23 allowed under this Section shall be not less than 6 weeks for a 24 fractured skull and 6 weeks for each fractured vertebra, and 25 in the event the employee shall have sustained a fracture of 26 any of the following facial bones: nasal, lachrymal, vomer, HB1254 - 15 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 16 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 16 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 16 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 zygoma, maxilla, palatine or mandible, the amount of 2 compensation allowed under this Section shall be not less than 3 2 weeks for each such fractured bone, and for a fracture of 4 each transverse process not less than 3 weeks. In the event 5 such injuries shall result in the loss of a kidney, spleen or 6 lung, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section 7 shall be not less than 10 weeks for each such organ. 8 Compensation awarded under this subparagraph 2 shall not take 9 into consideration injuries covered under paragraphs (c) and 10 (e) of this Section and the compensation provided in this 11 paragraph shall not affect the employee's right to 12 compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (e) of this 13 Section for the disabilities therein covered. 14 (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the 15 employee shall receive compensation for the period of 16 temporary total incapacity for work resulting from such 17 accidental injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of 18 this Section, and shall receive in addition thereto 19 compensation for a further period for the specific loss herein 20 mentioned, but shall not receive any compensation under any 21 other provisions of this Act. The following listed amounts 22 apply to either the loss of or the permanent and complete loss 23 of use of the member specified, such compensation for the 24 length of time as follows: 25 1. Thumb- 26 70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or HB1254 - 16 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 17 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 17 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 17 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 2 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 3 76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 4 after February 1, 2006. 5 70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 7 104th 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. 14 40 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 15 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 16 104th General Assembly. 17 3. Second, or middle finger- 18 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 19 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 20 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 21 38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 22 after February 1, 2006 , but before the effective date 23 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly.. 24 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 25 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 26 104th General Assembly HB1254 - 17 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 18 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 18 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 18 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 4. Third, or ring finger- 2 25 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 27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 7 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly.. 8 25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 9 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 10 104th General Assembly. 11 5. Fourth, or little finger- 12 20 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 22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 16 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 17 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 18 20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 19 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 20 104th General Assembly. 21 6. Great toe- 22 35 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 38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date HB1254 - 18 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 19 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 19 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 19 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 2 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 3 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 4 104th General Assembly. 5 7. Each toe other than great toe- 6 12 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 13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 10 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 11 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 12 12 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 13 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 14 104th General Assembly. 15 8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb 16 or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to 17 the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the 18 compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above 19 specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be 20 considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe. 21 In no case shall the amount received for more than one 22 finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the 23 loss of a hand. 24 9. Hand- 25 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the HB1254 - 19 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 20 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 20 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 20 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 2 205 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 104th General Assembly. 5 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 7 104th General Assembly. 8 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 9 after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 10 97-18) and if the accidental injury involves carpal 11 tunnel syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative 12 trauma, in which case the permanent partial disability 13 shall not exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except 14 for cause shown by clear and convincing evidence and 15 in which case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of 16 use of the hand. 17 The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges 18 of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the 19 basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further, 20 that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits, 21 in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a 22 hand. 23 10. Arm- 24 235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 25 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 26 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. HB1254 - 20 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 21 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 21 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 21 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 2 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 3 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 4 235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 5 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 6 104th General Assembly. 7 Where an accidental injury results in the amputation 8 of an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be 9 compensated as a loss of an arm. Where an accidental 10 injury results in the amputation of an arm above the 11 elbow, compensation for an additional 15 weeks (if the 12 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 13 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but 14 before February 1, 2006, but before the effective date of 15 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) or an 16 additional 15 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 17 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 18 104th General Assembly) or an additional 17 weeks (if the 19 accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006) 20 shall be paid, except where the accidental injury results 21 in the amputation of an arm at the shoulder joint, or so 22 close to shoulder joint that an artificial arm cannot be 23 used, or results in the disarticulation of an arm at the 24 shoulder joint, in which case compensation for an 25 additional 65 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the HB1254 - 21 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 22 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 22 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 22 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an 2 additional 70 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 3 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date of 4 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) or an 5 additional 65 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 7 104th General Assembly) shall be paid. 8 11. Foot- 9 155 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. 12 167 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 104th General Assembly. 15 155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 16 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 17 104th General Assembly. 18 12. Leg- 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, but before the effective date 24 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 25 200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the HB1254 - 22 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 23 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 23 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 23 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 104th General Assembly. 2 Where an accidental injury results in the amputation 3 of a leg below the knee, such injury shall be compensated 4 as loss of a leg. Where an accidental injury results in the 5 amputation of a leg above the knee, compensation for an 6 additional 25 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) or an 9 additional 27 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 10 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date of 11 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) or an 12 additional 25 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 13 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 14 104th General Assembly) 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, but 24 before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 25 104th General Assembly) or an additional 75 weeks (if the 26 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of HB1254 - 23 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 24 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 24 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 24 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) shall 2 be paid. 3 13. Eye- 4 150 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. 7 162 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 104th General Assembly. 10 150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 11 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 12 104th General Assembly. 13 Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation 14 of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the 15 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 16 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but 17 before February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the 18 accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006, but 19 before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 20 104th General Assembly) or an additional 10 weeks (if the 21 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 22 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly)) shall 23 be paid. 24 14. Loss of hearing of one ear- 25 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the HB1254 - 24 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 25 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 25 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 25 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 2 54 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 104th General Assembly. 5 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 7 104th General Assembly. 8 Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears- 9 200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 10 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 11 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 12 215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 13 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 14 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 15 200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 16 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 17 104th General Assembly. 18 15. Testicle- 19 50 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 54 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 104th General Assembly. 25 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the HB1254 - 25 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 26 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 26 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 26 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 104th General Assembly. 2 Both testicles- 3 150 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. 6 162 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 104th General Assembly. 9 150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 10 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 11 104th General Assembly. 12 16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member 13 or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation 14 during that proportion of the number of weeks in the 15 foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or 16 sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial 17 loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such 18 member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear. 19 (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes 20 shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 21 and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability 22 for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are 23 not to be considered as constituting disability for 24 hearing. 25 (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of 26 the determination of compensation claims for HB1254 - 26 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 27 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 27 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 27 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the 2 average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for 3 the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per 4 second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric 5 instruments, approved by nationally recognized 6 authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring 7 hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30 8 decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of 9 hearing shall not then constitute any compensable 10 hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average 11 85 decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same 12 shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable 13 hearing loss. 14 (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest 15 measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be 16 added together and divided by 3 to determine the 17 average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss 18 exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be 19 made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85 20 decibels. 21 (d) If a hearing loss is established to have 22 existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the 23 employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so 24 established nor shall he be liable for any loss for 25 which compensation has been paid or awarded. 26 (e) No consideration shall be given to the HB1254 - 27 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 28 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 28 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 28 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 question of whether or not the ability of an employee 2 to understand speech is improved by the use of a 3 hearing aid. 4 (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial 5 noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed 6 unless the employee has been exposed for a period of 7 time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise 8 levels in excess of the following: 9Sound Level DBA10Slow ResponseHours Per Day11908129261395414973151002161021-1/2171051181101/2191151/4 9 Sound Level DBA 10 Slow Response Hours Per Day 11 90 8 12 92 6 13 95 4 14 97 3 15 100 2 16 102 1-1/2 17 105 1 18 110 1/2 19 115 1/4 9 Sound Level DBA 10 Slow Response Hours Per Day 11 90 8 12 92 6 13 95 4 14 97 3 15 100 2 16 102 1-1/2 17 105 1 18 110 1/2 19 115 1/4 20 This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of 21 hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion. 22 17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any 23 employee who, before the accident for which he claims 24 compensation, had before that time sustained an injury 25 resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by 26 amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or HB1254 - 28 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 9 Sound Level DBA 10 Slow Response Hours Per Day 11 90 8 12 92 6 13 95 4 14 97 3 15 100 2 16 102 1-1/2 17 105 1 18 110 1/2 19 115 1/4 HB1254- 29 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 29 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 29 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss 2 of any such member shall be deducted from any award made 3 for the subsequent injury. For the permanent loss of use 4 or the permanent partial loss of use of any such member or 5 the partial loss of sight of an eye, for which 6 compensation has been paid, then such loss shall be taken 7 into consideration and deducted from any award for the 8 subsequent injury. 9 18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both 10 arms, or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any 11 two thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use 12 thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be 13 compensated according to the compensation fixed by 14 paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of 15 total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases. 16 Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or 17 permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such 18 members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses 19 another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the 20 use of any one of such members the employer for whom the 21 injured employee is working at the time of the last 22 independent accident is liable to pay compensation only 23 for the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of 24 the member occasioned by the last independent accident. 25 19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent 26 death of such injured employee from other causes than such HB1254 - 29 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 30 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 30 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 30 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 injury leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving 2 before payment or payment in full for such injury, then 3 the amount due for such injury is payable to the widow or 4 widower and, if there be no widow or widower, then to such 5 dependents, in the proportion which such dependency bears 6 to total dependency. 7 Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the 8 Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when, 9 after deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the 10 amount therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid 11 by employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be 12 reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the 13 sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely. 14 However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to 15 $400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by 16 paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner 17 herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been 18 reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by 19 paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner 20 herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in 21 payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment 22 become immediately effective for all cases coming before the 23 Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final 24 order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury. 25 On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each 26 subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund HB1254 - 30 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 31 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 31 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 31 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after 2 deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount 3 therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by 4 employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be 5 reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the 6 sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely. 7 However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to 8 $3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7 9 shall be resumed in the manner herein provided. 10 (f) In case of complete disability, which renders the 11 employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the 12 specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in 13 subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation 14 shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of 15 paragraph (b) of this Section for life. 16 An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of 17 this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate 18 Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the 19 supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this 20 Section 8. 21 If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph 22 afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is 23 able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under 24 such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is 25 able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as 26 much as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as HB1254 - 31 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 32 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 32 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 32 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 to conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If 2 such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of 3 this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time 4 within 30 months after the date of such termination or 5 reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose 6 of determining whether any disability exists as a result of 7 the original accidental injury and the extent thereof. 8 Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e) 9 of this Section is considered complete disability. 10 If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the 11 permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the 12 loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand, 13 one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and 14 complete disability through the loss or the permanent and 15 complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive, 16 in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and 17 after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second 18 Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which, 19 together with the compensation payable from the employer in 20 whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was 21 incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and 22 complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this 23 Section. 24 The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in 25 paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as 26 a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim. HB1254 - 32 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 33 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 33 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 33 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly 2 and in general terms the approximate time and place and manner 3 of the loss of the first member. 4 In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall 5 specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be 6 weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be 7 paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of 8 the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of 9 Section 7 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments 10 continue, the date upon which the pension payments commence 11 and the monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall 12 30 days after the date upon which payments out of the Second 13 Injury Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every 14 month thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller 15 a voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that 16 date at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State 17 Comptroller shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along 18 with a receipt to be executed by the injured employee and 19 returned to the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt 20 is a full and complete acquittance to the Commission for the 21 payment out of the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation 22 or warrant is necessary for payment out of the Second Injury 23 Fund. The Second Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose 24 of making payments according to the terms of the awards. 25 As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and 26 obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims HB1254 - 33 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 34 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 34 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 34 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the 2 extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund 3 to pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all 4 references to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also 5 include the Rate Adjustment Fund. 6 (g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by 7 the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which 8 compensation payments shall become due and payable after the 9 effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for 10 death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the 11 Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory 12 Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of 13 the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall 14 first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered 15 prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter. 16 In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of 17 the second year next following the date of the entry of the 18 award and shall further be made on July 15 annually 19 thereafter. If during the intervening period from the date of 20 the entry of the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there 21 shall have been an increase in the State's average weekly wage 22 in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 23 the weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately 24 increased by the same percentage as the percentage of increase 25 in the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under 26 the Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the HB1254 - 34 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 35 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 35 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 35 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 compensation rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring 2 the total compensation rate to an amount greater than the 3 prevailing maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment 4 is made. Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as 5 herein provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to 6 the injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, 7 out of the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of 8 Section 7 of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same 9 intervals as provided in the award or, at the option of the 10 Commission, may be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of 11 January, April, July and October of each year. In the event of 12 a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall be no change 13 in the then existing compensation rate. The within paragraph 14 shall not apply to cases where there is disputed liability and 15 in which a compromise lump sum settlement between the employer 16 and the injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may 17 be, has been duly approved by the Illinois Workers' 18 Compensation Commission. 19 Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the 20 Commission for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the 21 increases in the compensation rate adjusted under the 22 foregoing provision of this paragraph (g) shall be limited to 23 increases in the State's average weekly wage in covered 24 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act occurring 25 after July 1, 1975. 26 For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but HB1254 - 35 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 36 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 36 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 36 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th 2 General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General 3 Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in 4 awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as 5 provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The 6 adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the 7 second year next following the date of the entry of the award 8 and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If 9 during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the 10 award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been 11 an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered 12 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer 13 shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by 14 the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the 15 State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the 16 Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation 17 rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total 18 compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing 19 maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In 20 the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall 21 be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such 22 increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and 23 at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the 24 award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is 25 disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum 26 settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or HB1254 - 36 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 37 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 37 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 37 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly 2 approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. 3 The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits 4 or permanent total disability involving accidents occurring 5 before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the 6 effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General 7 Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall 8 continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to 9 this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act. 10 (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total 11 compensation to which the employee would have been entitled 12 has been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow, 13 widower, child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or 14 other lineal heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time 15 of the accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent 16 of 50% or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be 17 paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and 18 distributed as provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7. 19 (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal 20 disability at the time when any right or privilege accrues to 21 him or her under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant 22 to law, and may, on behalf of such person under legal 23 disability, claim and exercise any such right or privilege 24 with the same effect as if the employee himself or herself had 25 claimed or exercised the right or privilege. No limitations of 26 time provided by this Act run so long as the employee who is HB1254 - 37 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 38 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 38 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 38 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 under legal disability is without a conservator or guardian. 2 (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age 3 at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the 4 amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d), 5 (e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%. 6 However, where an employer has on file an employment 7 certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work 8 permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards 9 Act, as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly 10 issued, such certificate, permit or birth certificate is 11 conclusive evidence as to the age of the injured minor 12 employee for the purposes of this Section. 13 Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions 14 of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors 15 under the age of 16 years. 16 (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives 17 benefits, including medical, surgical or hospital benefits 18 under any group plan covering non-occupational disabilities 19 contributed to wholly or partially by the employer, which 20 benefits should not have been payable if any rights of 21 recovery existed under this Act, then such amounts so paid to 22 the employee from any such group plan as shall be consistent 23 with, and limited to, the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, 24 shall be credited to or against any compensation payment for 25 temporary total incapacity for work or any medical, surgical 26 or hospital benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such HB1254 - 38 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 39 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 39 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 39 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 event, the period of time for giving notice of accidental 2 injury and filing application for adjustment of claim does not 3 commence to run until the termination of such payments. This 4 paragraph does not apply to payments made under any group plan 5 which would have been payable irrespective of an accidental 6 injury under this Act. Any employer receiving such credit 7 shall keep such employee safe and harmless from any and all 8 claims or liabilities that may be made against him by reason of 9 having received such payments only to the extent of such 10 credit. 11 Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State 12 employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under 13 Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or 14 disputed disability claim shall be credited against any 15 payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on 16 behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments 17 for medical expenses which have already been incurred at the 18 time of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly 19 reimburse the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent 20 of such credit. 21 2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to 22 give the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit 23 for any benefits or payments received by the employee other 24 than compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the 25 employee receives payments other than compensation payments, 26 whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits, HB1254 - 39 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 40 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 40 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 40 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or 2 insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment 3 only to the extent of the compensation that would have been 4 payable during the period covered by such payment. 5 3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application 6 for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall 7 not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had 8 expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits 9 enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided 10 however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases 11 wherein the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall 12 be received after July 1, 1969. 13 (Source: P.A. 97-18, eff. 6-28-11; 97-268, eff. 8-8-11; 14 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.) 15 (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-721) 16 Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to 17 the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death 18 is: 19 (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated 20 rate, if applicable, or the lesser of the health care 21 provider's actual charges or according to a fee schedule, 22 subject to Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was 23 rendered for all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical 24 services, and all necessary medical, surgical and hospital 25 services thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which HB1254 - 40 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 41 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 41 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 41 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 is reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of 2 the accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells, 3 transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for 4 procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If 5 the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical, 6 surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such 7 payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The 8 employer shall also pay for treatment, instruction and 9 training necessary for the physical, mental and vocational 10 rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance 11 costs and expenses incidental thereto. If as a result of the 12 injury the employee is unable to be self-sufficient the 13 employer shall further pay for such maintenance or 14 institutional care as shall be required. 15 The employee may at any time elect to secure his own 16 physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's 17 expense, or, 18 Upon agreement between the employer and the employees, or 19 the employees' exclusive representative, and subject to the 20 approval of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the 21 employer shall maintain a list of physicians, to be known as a 22 Panel of Physicians, who are accessible to the employees. The 23 employer shall post this list in a place or places easily 24 accessible to his employees. The employee shall have the right 25 to make an alternative choice of physician from such Panel if 26 he is not satisfied with the physician first selected. If, due HB1254 - 41 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 42 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 42 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 42 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 to the nature of the injury or its occurrence away from the 2 employer's place of business, the employee is unable to make a 3 selection from the Panel, the selection process from the Panel 4 shall not apply. The physician selected from the Panel may 5 arrange for any consultation, referral or other specialized 6 medical services outside the Panel at the employer's expense. 7 Provided that, in the event the Commission shall find that a 8 doctor selected by the employee is rendering improper or 9 inadequate care, the Commission may order the employee to 10 select another doctor certified or qualified in the medical 11 field for which treatment is required. If the employee refuses 12 to make such change the Commission may relieve the employer of 13 his obligation to pay the doctor's charges from the date of 14 refusal to the date of compliance. 15 Any vocational rehabilitation counselors who provide 16 service under this Act shall have appropriate certifications 17 which designate the counselor as qualified to render opinions 18 relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational 19 rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling 20 for job searches, supervising a job search program, and 21 vocational retraining including education at an accredited 22 learning institution. The employee or employer may petition to 23 the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational 24 rehabilitation and the Commission shall resolve any such 25 dispute, including payment of the vocational rehabilitation 26 program by the employer. HB1254 - 42 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 43 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 43 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 43 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 The maintenance benefit shall not be less than the 2 temporary total disability rate determined for the employee. 3 In addition, maintenance shall include costs and expenses 4 incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program. 5 When the employee is working light duty on a part-time 6 basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be 7 earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs, 8 then the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial 9 disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits 10 shall be equal to two-thirds of the difference between the 11 average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the 12 full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in 13 which he or she was engaged at the time of accident and the 14 gross amount which he or she is earning in the modified job 15 provided to the employee by the employer or in any other job 16 that the employee is working. 17 Every hospital, physician, surgeon or other person 18 rendering treatment or services in accordance with the 19 provisions of this Section shall upon written request furnish 20 full and complete reports thereof to, and permit their records 21 to be copied by, the employer, the employee or his dependents, 22 as the case may be, or any other party to any proceeding for 23 compensation before the Commission, or their attorneys. 24 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the employer's liability to 25 pay for such medical services selected by the employee shall 26 be limited to: HB1254 - 43 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 44 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 44 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 44 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 (1) all first aid and emergency treatment; plus 2 (2) all medical, surgical and hospital services 3 provided by the physician, surgeon or hospital initially 4 chosen by the employee or by any other physician, 5 consultant, expert, institution or other provider of 6 services recommended by said initial service provider or 7 any subsequent provider of medical services in the chain 8 of referrals from said initial service provider; plus 9 (3) all medical, surgical and hospital services 10 provided by any second physician, surgeon or hospital 11 subsequently chosen by the employee or by any other 12 physician, consultant, expert, institution or other 13 provider of services recommended by said second service 14 provider or any subsequent provider of medical services in 15 the chain of referrals from said second service provider. 16 Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all 17 necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the 18 employee may not select a provider of medical services at 19 the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such 20 selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical 21 treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph 22 shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation 23 referred to above. 24 (4) The following shall apply for injuries occurring 25 on or after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 26 97-18) and only when an employer has an approved preferred HB1254 - 44 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 45 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 45 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 45 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 provider program pursuant to Section 8.1a on the date the 2 employee sustained his or her accidental injuries: 3 (A) The employer shall, in writing, on a form 4 promulgated by the Commission, inform the employee of 5 the preferred provider program; 6 (B) Subsequent to the report of an injury by an 7 employee, the employee may choose in writing at any 8 time to decline the preferred provider program, in 9 which case that would constitute one of the two 10 choices of medical providers to which the employee is 11 entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3); and 12 (C) Prior to the report of an injury by an 13 employee, when an employee chooses non-emergency 14 treatment from a provider not within the preferred 15 provider program, that would constitute the employee's 16 one choice of medical providers to which the employee 17 is entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3). 18 When an employer and employee so agree in writing, nothing 19 in this Act prevents an employee whose injury or disability 20 has been established under this Act, from relying in good 21 faith, on treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone, in 22 accordance with the tenets and practice of a recognized church 23 or religious denomination, by a duly accredited practitioner 24 thereof, and having nursing services appropriate therewith, 25 without suffering loss or diminution of the compensation 26 benefits under this Act. However, the employee shall submit to HB1254 - 45 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 46 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 46 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 46 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 all physical examinations required by this Act. The cost of 2 such treatment and nursing care shall be paid by the employee 3 unless the employer agrees to make such payment. 4 Where the accidental injury results in the amputation of 5 an arm, hand, leg or foot, or the enucleation of an eye, or the 6 loss of any of the natural teeth, the employer shall furnish an 7 artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental 8 injury arising out of and in the course of employment, and 9 shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and 10 necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by 11 amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain 12 in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during 13 the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury 14 accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture, 15 eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental 16 injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer 17 shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or 18 artificial member. 19 The furnishing by the employer of any such services or 20 appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the 21 employer to pay compensation. 22 The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the 23 servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of 24 compensation. 25 (b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work 26 lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as HB1254 - 46 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 47 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 47 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 47 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of 2 such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the 3 total temporary incapacity lasts. In cases where the temporary 4 total incapacity for work continues for a period of 14 days or 5 more from the day of the accident compensation shall commence 6 on the day after the accident. 7 1. The compensation rate for temporary total 8 incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall 9 be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage 10 computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it 11 shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal 12 minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the 13 Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, 14 whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage 15 rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, 16 not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation, 17 nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in 18 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is 19 less. 20 2. The compensation rate in all cases other than for 21 temporary total disability under this paragraph (b), and 22 other than for serious and permanent disfigurement under 23 paragraph (c) and other than for permanent partial 24 disability under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (d) or 25 under paragraph (e), of this Section shall be equal to 66 26 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage computed in HB1254 - 47 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 48 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 48 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 48 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, provided 2 that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the 3 Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 4 or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, 5 whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage 6 rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, 7 not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation, 8 nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in 9 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is 10 less. 11 2.1. The compensation rate in all cases of serious and 12 permanent disfigurement under paragraph (c) and of 13 permanent partial disability under subparagraph (2) of 14 paragraph (d) or under paragraph (e) of this Section shall 15 be equal to 60% of the employee's average weekly wage 16 computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10, 17 provided that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum 18 of the Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards 19 Act, or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage 20 Law, whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This 21 percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse 22 and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage 23 calculation, nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage 24 computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10, 25 whichever is less. 26 3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a HB1254 - 48 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 49 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 49 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 49 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 child of the employee including any child legally adopted 2 before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the 3 employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom 4 the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of 5 the accident was under 18 years of age and not 6 emancipated. The term "children" means the plural of 7 "child". 8 4. All weekly compensation rates provided under 9 subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this 10 Section shall be subject to the following limitations: 11 The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1, 12 1975, except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the 13 State's average weekly wage in covered industries under 14 the Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that 15 most closely approximates the State's average weekly wage. 16 The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period 17 July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter 18 provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on 19 July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly 20 compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall 21 be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month 22 period there shall have been an increase in the State's 23 average weekly wage in covered industries under the 24 Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate 25 shall be proportionately increased by the same percentage 26 as the percentage of increase in the State's average HB1254 - 49 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 50 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 50 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 50 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment 2 Insurance Act during such period. 3 The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period 4 January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as 5 hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the State's average 6 weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment 7 Insurance Act in effect on January 1, 1981. Effective 8 January 1, 1984 and on January 1, of each year thereafter 9 the maximum weekly compensation rate, except as 10 hereinafter provided, shall be determined as follows: if 11 during the preceding 12 month period there shall have been 12 an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered 13 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the 14 weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately 15 increased by the same percentage as the percentage of 16 increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered 17 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act during 18 such period. 19 From July 1, 1977 and thereafter such maximum weekly 20 compensation rate in death cases under Section 7, and 21 permanent total disability cases under paragraph (f) or 22 subparagraph 18 of paragraph (3) of this Section and for 23 temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this 24 Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of 25 an eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be 26 increased to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage HB1254 - 50 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 51 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 51 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 51 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance 2 Act. 3 For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006, 4 the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this 5 Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage 6 in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance 7 Act. 8 4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary 9 notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for 10 compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph 11 (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this 12 Section and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for 13 amputation of a member or enucleation of an eye under 14 paragraph (e) of this Section, shall in no event be less 15 than 50% of the State's average weekly wage in covered 16 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act. 17 4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding, 18 the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not 19 exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years. 20 5. For the purpose of this Section this State's 21 average weekly wage in covered industries under the 22 Unemployment Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed 23 at $228.16 per week and the computation of compensation 24 rates shall be based on the aforesaid average weekly wage 25 until modified as hereinafter provided. 26 6. The Department of Employment Security of the State HB1254 - 51 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 52 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 52 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 52 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on 2 or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day 3 of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish 4 the State's average weekly wage in covered industries 5 under the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois 6 Workers' Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of 7 January, 1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the 8 15th day of each January and July of each year thereafter, 9 post and publish the State's average weekly wage in 10 covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as 11 last determined and published by the Department of 12 Employment Security. The amount when so posted and 13 published shall be conclusive and shall be applicable as 14 the basis of computation of compensation rates until the 15 next posting and publication as aforesaid. 16 7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his 17 insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not 18 constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay 19 compensation. 20 (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the 21 hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest 22 above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to 23 compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by 24 agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a 25 hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental 26 injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the HB1254 - 52 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 53 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 53 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 53 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 2 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before 3 February 1, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury 4 occurs on or after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate 5 provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section. 6 No compensation is payable under this paragraph where 7 compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of 8 this Section. 9 A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the 10 population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last 11 federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under 12 this paragraph only where such serious and permanent 13 disfigurement results from burns. 14 (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained, 15 the employee as a result thereof becomes partially 16 incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of 17 employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the 18 specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section, 19 receive compensation for the duration of his disability, 20 subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in 21 paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the 22 difference between the average amount which he would be able 23 to earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation 24 in which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the 25 average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some 26 suitable employment or business after the accident. For HB1254 - 53 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 54 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 54 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 54 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011, 2 an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be 3 effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5 4 years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is 5 later. 6 2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains 7 serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c) 8 and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered 9 by the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have 10 sustained in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do 11 not incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his 12 employment but which would disable him from pursuing other 13 suitable occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in 14 physical impairment; or if such injuries partially 15 incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his usual and 16 customary line of employment but do not result in an 17 impairment of earning capacity, or having resulted in an 18 impairment of earning capacity, the employee elects to waive 19 his right to recover under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of 20 paragraph (d) of this Section then in any of the foregoing 21 events, he shall receive in addition to compensation for 22 temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this 23 Section, compensation at the rate provided in subparagraph 2.1 24 of paragraph (b) of this Section for that percentage of 500 25 weeks that the partial disability resulting from the injuries 26 covered by this paragraph bears to total disability. If the HB1254 - 54 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 55 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 55 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 55 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 employee shall have sustained a fracture of one or more 2 vertebra or fracture of the skull, the amount of compensation 3 allowed under this Section shall be not less than 6 weeks for a 4 fractured skull and 6 weeks for each fractured vertebra, and 5 in the event the employee shall have sustained a fracture of 6 any of the following facial bones: nasal, lachrymal, vomer, 7 zygoma, maxilla, palatine or mandible, the amount of 8 compensation allowed under this Section shall be not less than 9 2 weeks for each such fractured bone, and for a fracture of 10 each transverse process not less than 3 weeks. In the event 11 such injuries shall result in the loss of a kidney, spleen or 12 lung, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section 13 shall be not less than 10 weeks for each such organ. 14 Compensation awarded under this subparagraph 2 shall not take 15 into consideration injuries covered under paragraphs (c) and 16 (e) of this Section and the compensation provided in this 17 paragraph shall not affect the employee's right to 18 compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (e) of this 19 Section for the disabilities therein covered. 20 (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the 21 employee shall receive compensation for the period of 22 temporary total incapacity for work resulting from such 23 accidental injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of 24 this Section, and shall receive in addition thereto 25 compensation for a further period for the specific loss herein 26 mentioned, but shall not receive any compensation under any HB1254 - 55 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 56 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 56 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 56 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 other provisions of this Act. The following listed amounts 2 apply to either the loss of or the permanent and complete loss 3 of use of the member specified, such compensation for the 4 length of time as follows: 5 1. Thumb- 6 70 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 76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 10 after February 1, 2006. 11 70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 12 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 13 104th General Assembly. 14 2. First, or index finger- 15 40 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 43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 19 after February 1, 2006. 20 40 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 21 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 22 104th General Assembly. 23 3. Second, or middle finger- 24 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 25 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 26 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. HB1254 - 56 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 57 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 57 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 57 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 2 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 3 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 4 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 5 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 6 104th General Assembly 7 4. Third, or ring finger- 8 25 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 27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 12 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 13 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 14 25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 15 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 16 104th General Assembly. 17 5. Fourth, or little finger- 18 20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 19 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 20 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 21 22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 22 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 23 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 24 20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 25 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 26 104th General Assembly. HB1254 - 57 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 58 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 58 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 58 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 6. Great toe- 2 35 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 38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 7 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 8 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 9 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 10 104th General Assembly. 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, but before the effective date 17 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 18 12 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 19 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 20 104th General Assembly. 21 8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb 22 or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to 23 the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the 24 compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above 25 specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be 26 considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe. HB1254 - 58 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 59 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 59 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 59 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 In no case shall the amount received for more than one 2 finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the 3 loss of a hand. 4 9. Hand- 5 190 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. 8 205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 9 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 10 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 11 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 12 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 13 104th General Assembly. 14 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 15 after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 16 97-18) and if the accidental injury involves carpal 17 tunnel syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative 18 trauma, in which case the permanent partial disability 19 shall not exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except 20 for cause shown by clear and convincing evidence and 21 in which case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of 22 use of the hand. 23 The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges 24 of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the 25 basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further, 26 that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits, HB1254 - 59 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 60 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 60 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 60 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a 2 hand. 3 10. Arm- 4 235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 5 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 6 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 7 253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 8 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 9 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly. 10 235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 11 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 12 104th General Assembly. 13 Where an accidental injury results in the amputation 14 of an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be 15 compensated as a loss of an arm. Where an accidental 16 injury results in the amputation of an arm above the 17 elbow, compensation for an additional 15 weeks (if the 18 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 19 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but 20 before February 1, 2006, but before the effective date of 21 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) or an 22 additional 15 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 23 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 24 104th General Assembly) or an additional 17 weeks (if the 25 accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006) 26 shall be paid, except where the accidental injury results HB1254 - 60 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 61 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 61 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 61 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 in the amputation of an arm at the shoulder joint, or so 2 close to shoulder joint that an artificial arm cannot be 3 used, or results in the disarticulation of an arm at the 4 shoulder joint, in which case compensation for an 5 additional 65 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) or an 8 additional 70 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 9 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date of 10 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) or an 11 additional 65 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or 12 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 13 104th General Assembly) shall be paid. 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 104th General Assembly. 21 155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 22 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 23 104th 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 HB1254 - 61 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 62 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 62 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 62 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 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 104th General Assembly. 5 200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 7 104th 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 104th 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 104th 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 HB1254 - 62 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 63 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 63 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 63 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 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 104th 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 104th General Assembly) shall 8 be paid. 9 13. Eye- 10 150 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. 13 162 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 104th General Assembly.. 16 150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 17 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 18 104th General Assembly. 19 Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation 20 of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the 21 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 22 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but 23 before February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the 24 accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006, but 25 before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 26 104th General Assembly) or an additional 10 weeks (if the HB1254 - 63 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 64 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 64 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 64 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of 2 this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly) shall 3 be paid. 4 14. Loss of hearing of one ear- 5 50 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 54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 9 after February 1, 2006, but before the effective date 10 of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly.. 11 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 12 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 13 104th General Assembly. 14 Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears- 15 200 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. 18 215 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 104th General Assembly.. 21 200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 22 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 23 104th General Assembly. 24 15. Testicle- 25 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the HB1254 - 64 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 65 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 65 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 65 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006. 2 54 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 104th General Assembly.. 5 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 6 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 7 104th General Assembly. 8 Both testicles- 9 150 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. 12 162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or 13 after February 1, 2006. 14 16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member 15 or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation 16 during that proportion of the number of weeks in the 17 foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or 18 sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial 19 loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such 20 member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear. 21 (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes 22 shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 23 and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability 24 for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are 25 not to be considered as constituting disability for 26 hearing. HB1254 - 65 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 66 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 66 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 66 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of 2 the determination of compensation claims for 3 occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the 4 average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for 5 the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per 6 second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric 7 instruments, approved by nationally recognized 8 authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring 9 hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30 10 decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of 11 hearing shall not then constitute any compensable 12 hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average 13 85 decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same 14 shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable 15 hearing loss. 16 (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest 17 measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be 18 added together and divided by 3 to determine the 19 average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss 20 exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be 21 made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85 22 decibels. 23 (d) If a hearing loss is established to have 24 existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the 25 employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so 26 established nor shall he be liable for any loss for HB1254 - 66 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 67 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 67 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 67 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 which compensation has been paid or awarded. 2 (e) No consideration shall be given to the 3 question of whether or not the ability of an employee 4 to understand speech is improved by the use of a 5 hearing aid. 6 (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial 7 noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed 8 unless the employee has been exposed for a period of 9 time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise 10 levels in excess of the following: 11Sound Level DBA12Slow ResponseHours Per Day13908149261595416973171002181021-1/2191051201101/2211151/4 11 Sound Level DBA 12 Slow Response Hours Per Day 13 90 8 14 92 6 15 95 4 16 97 3 17 100 2 18 102 1-1/2 19 105 1 20 110 1/2 21 115 1/4 11 Sound Level DBA 12 Slow Response Hours Per Day 13 90 8 14 92 6 15 95 4 16 97 3 17 100 2 18 102 1-1/2 19 105 1 20 110 1/2 21 115 1/4 22 This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of 23 hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion. 24 17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any 25 employee who, before the accident for which he claims 26 compensation, had before that time sustained an injury HB1254 - 67 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 11 Sound Level DBA 12 Slow Response Hours Per Day 13 90 8 14 92 6 15 95 4 16 97 3 17 100 2 18 102 1-1/2 19 105 1 20 110 1/2 21 115 1/4 HB1254- 68 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 68 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 68 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by 2 amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or 3 fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss 4 of any such member shall be deducted from any award made 5 for the subsequent injury. For the permanent loss of use 6 or the permanent partial loss of use of any such member or 7 the partial loss of sight of an eye, for which 8 compensation has been paid, then such loss shall be taken 9 into consideration and deducted from any award for the 10 subsequent injury. 11 18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both 12 arms, or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any 13 two thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use 14 thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be 15 compensated according to the compensation fixed by 16 paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of 17 total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases. 18 Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or 19 permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such 20 members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses 21 another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the 22 use of any one of such members the employer for whom the 23 injured employee is working at the time of the last 24 independent accident is liable to pay compensation only 25 for the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of 26 the member occasioned by the last independent accident. HB1254 - 68 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 69 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 69 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 69 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent 2 death of such injured employee from other causes than such 3 injury leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving 4 before payment or payment in full for such injury, then 5 the amount due for such injury is payable to the widow or 6 widower and, if there be no widow or widower, then to such 7 dependents, in the proportion which such dependency bears 8 to total dependency. 9 Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the 10 Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when, 11 after deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the 12 amount therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid 13 by employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be 14 reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the 15 sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely. 16 However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to 17 $400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by 18 paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner 19 herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been 20 reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by 21 paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner 22 herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in 23 payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment 24 become immediately effective for all cases coming before the 25 Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final 26 order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury. HB1254 - 69 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 70 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 70 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 70 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each 2 subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund 3 designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after 4 deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount 5 therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by 6 employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be 7 reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the 8 sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely. 9 However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to 10 $3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7 11 shall be resumed in the manner herein provided. 12 (f) In case of complete disability, which renders the 13 employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the 14 specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in 15 subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation 16 shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of 17 paragraph (b) of this Section for life. 18 An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of 19 this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate 20 Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the 21 supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this 22 Section 8. 23 If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph 24 afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is 25 able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under 26 such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is HB1254 - 70 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 71 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 71 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 71 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as 2 much as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as 3 to conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If 4 such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of 5 this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time 6 within 30 months after the date of such termination or 7 reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose 8 of determining whether any disability exists as a result of 9 the original accidental injury and the extent thereof. 10 Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e) 11 of this Section is considered complete disability. 12 If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the 13 permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the 14 loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand, 15 one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and 16 complete disability through the loss or the permanent and 17 complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive, 18 in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and 19 after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second 20 Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which, 21 together with the compensation payable from the employer in 22 whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was 23 incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and 24 complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this 25 Section. 26 The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in HB1254 - 71 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 72 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 72 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 72 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as 2 a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim. 3 The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly 4 and in general terms the approximate time and place and manner 5 of the loss of the first member. 6 In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall 7 specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be 8 weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be 9 paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of 10 the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of 11 Section 7 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments 12 continue, the date upon which the pension payments commence 13 and the monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall 14 30 days after the date upon which payments out of the Second 15 Injury Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every 16 month thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller 17 a voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that 18 date at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State 19 Comptroller shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along 20 with a receipt to be executed by the injured employee and 21 returned to the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt 22 is a full and complete acquittance to the Commission for the 23 payment out of the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation 24 or warrant is necessary for payment out of the Second Injury 25 Fund. The Second Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose 26 of making payments according to the terms of the awards. HB1254 - 72 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 73 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 73 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 73 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and 2 obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims 3 against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the 4 extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund 5 to pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all 6 references to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also 7 include the Rate Adjustment Fund. 8 (g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by 9 the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which 10 compensation payments shall become due and payable after the 11 effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for 12 death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the 13 Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory 14 Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of 15 the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall 16 first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered 17 prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter. 18 In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of 19 the second year next following the date of the entry of the 20 award and shall further be made on July 15 annually 21 thereafter. If during the intervening period from the date of 22 the entry of the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there 23 shall have been an increase in the State's average weekly wage 24 in covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 25 the weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately 26 increased by the same percentage as the percentage of increase HB1254 - 73 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 74 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 74 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 74 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 in the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under 2 the Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the 3 compensation rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring 4 the total compensation rate to an amount greater than the 5 prevailing maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment 6 is made. Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as 7 herein provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to 8 the injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, 9 out of the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of 10 Section 7 of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same 11 intervals as provided in the award or, at the option of the 12 Commission, may be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of 13 January, April, July and October of each year. In the event of 14 a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall be no change 15 in the then existing compensation rate. The within paragraph 16 shall not apply to cases where there is disputed liability and 17 in which a compromise lump sum settlement between the employer 18 and the injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may 19 be, has been duly approved by the Illinois Workers' 20 Compensation Commission. 21 Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the 22 Commission for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the 23 increases in the compensation rate adjusted under the 24 foregoing provision of this paragraph (g) shall be limited to 25 increases in the State's average weekly wage in covered 26 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act occurring HB1254 - 74 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 75 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 75 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 75 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 after July 1, 1975. 2 For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but 3 before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th 4 General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General 5 Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in 6 awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as 7 provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The 8 adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the 9 second year next following the date of the entry of the award 10 and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If 11 during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the 12 award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been 13 an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered 14 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer 15 shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by 16 the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the 17 State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the 18 Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation 19 rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total 20 compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing 21 maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In 22 the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall 23 be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such 24 increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and 25 at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the 26 award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is HB1254 - 75 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 76 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 76 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 76 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum 2 settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or 3 his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly 4 approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. 5 The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits 6 or permanent total disability involving accidents occurring 7 before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the 8 effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General 9 Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall 10 continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to 11 this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act. 12 (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total 13 compensation to which the employee would have been entitled 14 has been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow, 15 widower, child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or 16 other lineal heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time 17 of the accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent 18 of 50% or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be 19 paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and 20 distributed as provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7. 21 (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal 22 disability at the time when any right or privilege accrues to 23 him or her under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant 24 to law, and may, on behalf of such person under legal 25 disability, claim and exercise any such right or privilege 26 with the same effect as if the employee himself or herself had HB1254 - 76 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 77 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 77 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 77 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 claimed or exercised the right or privilege. No limitations of 2 time provided by this Act run so long as the employee who is 3 under legal disability is without a conservator or guardian. 4 (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age 5 at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the 6 amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d), 7 (e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%. 8 However, where an employer has on file an employment 9 certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law of 2024 or 10 work permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor 11 Standards Act, as amended, or a birth certificate properly and 12 duly issued, such certificate, permit or birth certificate is 13 conclusive evidence as to the age of the injured minor 14 employee for the purposes of this Section. 15 Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions 16 of the Child Labor Law of 2024 relating to the employment of 17 minors under the age of 16 years. 18 (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives 19 benefits, including medical, surgical or hospital benefits 20 under any group plan covering non-occupational disabilities 21 contributed to wholly or partially by the employer, which 22 benefits should not have been payable if any rights of 23 recovery existed under this Act, then such amounts so paid to 24 the employee from any such group plan as shall be consistent 25 with, and limited to, the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, 26 shall be credited to or against any compensation payment for HB1254 - 77 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 78 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 78 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 78 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 temporary total incapacity for work or any medical, surgical 2 or hospital benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such 3 event, the period of time for giving notice of accidental 4 injury and filing application for adjustment of claim does not 5 commence to run until the termination of such payments. This 6 paragraph does not apply to payments made under any group plan 7 which would have been payable irrespective of an accidental 8 injury under this Act. Any employer receiving such credit 9 shall keep such employee safe and harmless from any and all 10 claims or liabilities that may be made against him by reason of 11 having received such payments only to the extent of such 12 credit. 13 Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State 14 employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under 15 Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or 16 disputed disability claim shall be credited against any 17 payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on 18 behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments 19 for medical expenses which have already been incurred at the 20 time of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly 21 reimburse the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent 22 of such credit. 23 2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to 24 give the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit 25 for any benefits or payments received by the employee other 26 than compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the HB1254 - 78 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254- 79 -LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 79 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b HB1254 - 79 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b 1 employee receives payments other than compensation payments, 2 whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits, 3 bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or 4 insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment 5 only to the extent of the compensation that would have been 6 payable during the period covered by such payment. 7 3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application 8 for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall 9 not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had 10 expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits 11 enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided 12 however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases 13 wherein the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall 14 be received after July 1, 1969. 15 (Source: P.A. 103-721, eff. 1-1-25.) 16 Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes 17 changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text 18 that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section 19 represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does 20 not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes 21 made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other 22 Public Act. HB1254 - 79 - LRB104 03226 SPS 13248 b