On Sept. 24, the Supreme Court of Illinois released its opinion in McAllister v. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC), a case that elaborates on when an injury “arises out of” employment for purposes of workers’ compensation eligibility. The case...
Rockford Illinois Workers’ Compensation Law Blog
Social Security Administration to start video ALJ hearings this fall
In response to the coronavirus, the Social Security Administration (SSA) shut its doors to walk-in services in mid-March, remaining open for business only via its website, telephone, mail and fax, and allowing in-person appointments with strict controls to prevent...
SSDI and SSI: What is a representative payee?
Anyone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) meets the federal definition of disability – meaning that they have a severe physical or mental medical impairment or combination of impairments expected to last at...
When are disabled children in Illinois eligible for SSI?
We post here often about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal disability insurance program into which workers pay and earn coverage should they become disabled and unable to work. But for some who have not earned coverage or are otherwise ineligible,...
Illinois workers’ comp for work-related psychological injuries
People may think of work injuries and occupational diseases as strictly physical harm for purposes of eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois. However, in three kinds of situations, mental or psychological injury is also compensable under Illinois...
Illinois workers’ compensation: Harm from workplace violence
Unfortunately, workplace violence is a reality of modern American life. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it ranks as the third-leading cause of work-related deaths here in the United States. But what are the legal remedies for...
Illinois employees at risk of harm in summer working conditions
The first day of summer 2020 has just passed with the hottest months yet to come. In Illinois, July and August can bring oppressive heat and humidity – a difficult combination from a safety and health standpoint for people who work out of doors or in indoor work...
Gov. Pritzker signs bill concerning COVID-19 and workers’ compensation
On June 5, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a mostly bipartisan bill that created a presumption in state law that for workers’ compensation eligibility purposes, when an essential worker contracts COVID-19, a rebuttable presumption is created that the...
Illinois workers’ compensation lump-sum settlements
Every year, Illinois workers’ compensation claimants submit at least 40,000 settlement contracts to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) for agency arbitrators to review and approve. These settlements are negotiated between workers with...
Can I seek SSDI benefits if my type 2 diabetes keeps me from working?
Sometimes our good health does not last forever. For example, a person in their middle age may develop type 2 diabetes, the complications of which may make it impossible to work. This can be a devastating blow not only to their health, but also to their pocketbook....
