Skip to main content

Illinois law

Workers' Compensation Laws in Illinois.

Illinois's workers' compensation system covers all employers regardless of size. The system is no-fault, and employees have the right to choose 2 personal physicians (referrals from each are also covered). Temporary total disability benefits pay 66 2/3% of average weekly wage. Claims must generally be filed within 3 years of the injury or 2 years from the last payment of compensation.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

State law

Statute of Limitations

45 days (report) / 3 years (claim)820 ILCS 305/6

You should report the injury as soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after the accident. A formal claim must be filed within 3 years of the injury date (if no compensation paid) or 2 years from the last payment of compensation, whichever is later.

State law

Filing Requirements

Report to Employer820 ILCS 305/6(c)

Report the injury to your employer as soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after the accident. Prompt reporting is critical to preserving your claim.

File Claim with IWCC820 ILCS 305/6

If benefits are denied or disputed, file a claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) within 3 years of the injury date.

State law

Key Illinois Statutes

All Employers Covered820 ILCS 305/1

All employers in Illinois are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees. Coverage applies regardless of immigration status.

Wage Replacement Benefits820 ILCS 305/8

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits pay 66 2/3% of average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability (TPD) pays 66 2/3% of the wage difference. Permanent partial disability (PPD) pays 60% of AWW multiplied by weeks per schedule. Permanent total disability (PTD) pays 66 2/3% for life.

Choice of Physician (2 Choices)820 ILCS 305/8(a)

Employees have the right to 2 choices of personal physicians. Referrals from each chosen physician are covered by the employer/insurer. The employer may require an examination by its own physician.

Anti-Retaliation820 ILCS 305/4(h)

Employers cannot discharge, threaten, or discriminate against an employee for exercising rights under the Workers' Compensation Act or filing a claim. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, and attorney's fees.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.

Also in the directory

Browse attorneys for this issue in Illinois.

Browse Workers' Compensation attorneys

More in Illinois

Other state law topics.

Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Wrongful Death Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws

FlowLawyers Logo
FlowLawyersAccess to Justice

Browse the legal platform.

Browse attorneys by state and practice area, explore legal aid resources, and access state law and legal education in one place.

Attorney Advertising Disclosure

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. FlowLegal Partners LLC is an attorney directory and advertising platform dedicated to improving access to legal representation across the United States. We are not a law firm and do not operate as a lawyer referral service. We do not practice law, evaluate legal matters, provide legal advice, make legal judgments, or recommend or endorse any specific attorney. AI-generated work product requires attorney review and approval before use. Attorney supervision of all AI output is required and is the sole responsibility of the subscribing firm. Attorneys may pay for enhanced directory listings and advertising placement. The presence of an attorney on our platform does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

© 2025–2026 FlowLegal Partners LLC