Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart

In Illinois, if you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits. Determining settlement amounts can be complex. This Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart is a resource to help clarify potential compensation. Walton Telken is available to guide you through the process of pursuing a proper settlement.

What is a Workers’ Comp Settlement?

A workers’ compensation settlement is an agreement between you and your employer’s insurance company. It typically provides either a lump sum or structured payments to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and any permanent disability in exchange for closing your claim.

After accepting a settlement, you usually can’t request additional compensation for the same injury, so it’s crucial to confirm the offer meets your needs—including any potential future medical expenses.

Settlements are negotiated based on medical reports, disability ratings, and legal arguments, and they must be approved by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) to guarantee fairness.

When Will You Receive a Settlement Offer?

There’s no set timeline for receiving a workers’ comp settlement offer because it depends on several factors, such as:

• How serious your injury is and how your medical treatment progresses
• Whether there’s a disagreement about the extent of your disability or medical care
• Delays from the insurance company, either procedural or intentional
• If the IWCC needs to get involved to resolve disputes

Typically, settlement discussions start once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)—meaning your doctor believes your condition has stabilized. If your case is dragging on or the offer seems too low, a workers’ compensation attorney can help push for a better outcome.

How Are Workers’ Comp Settlements Calculated?

Your settlement amount is based on several key factors:

• The type and severity of your injury
• Your wages before the injury
• Whether your injury caused lasting disability

Illinois uses a formula to determine settlements, factoring in the affected body part and the percentage of impairment. Here’s what typically influences your settlement:

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you’ve lost some function but can still work, your compensation is based on the affected body part and the percentage of impairment.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you can’t return to any type of job, you may qualify for lifetime benefits.
• Wage Differential Benefits: If you can work but have to take a lower-paying job, you may receive compensation for part of the wage difference.
• Medical Expenses: Your settlement should cover all necessary and reasonable medical treatments related to your injury.

Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart

The Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart helps estimate how much compensation you may receive based on your injury. Each body part has a maximum number of weeks of benefits, and your payout is calculated by applying the percentage of disability to that maximum.

Sample Compensation Structure:

For example, if you have a 25% impairment in your arm, your compensation would be:

253 weeks x 25% = 63.25 weeks of benefits

The total payout depends on your average weekly wage (AWW) and Illinois’ current maximum PPD rate.

Other Factors That May Affect Your Settlement

In addition to the basic calculation, several other factors can impact the amount of your workers’ comp settlement:

• Pre-existing Conditions: If you had a prior injury to the same body part, your settlement may be adjusted based on the difference in impairment before and after the workplace injury.
• Future Medical Needs: If your injury requires ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or future surgeries, this should be factored into your settlement.
• Pain and Suffering: While traditional workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, an attorney can sometimes negotiate for additional compensation in cases of severe, life-altering injuries.
• Employment Status: If you can return to work in a limited capacity or in a lower-paying role, wage differential benefits may apply.
• Employer and Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and an experienced attorney can help counteract delay tactics and lowball offers.
• Cost of Living Adjustments: If you receive long-term benefits, periodic adjustments may be considered to account for inflation.

Why You Should Have an Attorney Negotiate for You

The Illinois Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart provides valuable insight into your entitlements following a workplace injury. Walton Telken is committed to assisting injured workers in Edwardsville and throughout Illinois in obtaining appropriate compensation.

For assistance managing the workers’ compensation process, schedule a free consultation with our team.

“Walton Telken Bragee’s Managing Partner Attorney Troy E. Walton has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases.”

Troy E. Walton

Trial Lawyer & Managing Partner