Section 9070.10  Settlement Contracts

a)         Filing Requirements

1)         Settlement Contracts shall be filed in quadruplicate on a form provided by the Commission and docketed.  One copy shall be provided for each additional case number listed on the contract.  When an application is pending, the contracts must bear the docket number of the application.  When no application has been filed, the contracts shall be given an original number and letter in the same manner as an application.  In cases involving payment into the Second Injury Fund, one additional copy shall be filed for record purposes. In addition, a stamped envelope must be submitted, addressed to each person who is to receive copies of the approved contract by mail.

2)         Settlement Contracts shall be accompanied by an "Attorney Representation Agreement" if not previously filed.

b)         Contents

Settlement Contract forms shall be completed in full and accompanied by an appropriate signed physician's report concerning the nature and extent and probable duration of the disability resulting from the alleged accident.  Settlement Contract forms are available at http://www.iwcc.il.gov/forms.htm.

1)         In cases involving claim for death benefits, the report shall refer to the medical cause of death.  In addition, in death cases, copies of the death certificate and, when applicable, marriage certificate of the decedent and birth certificates of any minor children of the decedent shall accompany the Settlement Contracts.  

2)         The Petitioner shall, upon request, provide any other information relevant to determining the appropriateness of the settlement.

c)         Assignment

1)         Settlement Contracts on cases originating in Cook County that have not previously been assigned to an Arbitrator or Commissioner may be assigned randomly to an Arbitrator in the appropriate venue by a computer program.

2)         If a Petitioner is not represented by an attorney, a different assignment procedure may be established from time to time by directive of the Chairman for the benefit of those Petitioners.  An attorney may make a motion requesting an immediate hearing on a settlement for good cause.  If the motion is granted, the settlement may be assigned in the same manner as settlements of non-represented Petitioners.

3)         When the venue is outside Cook County, the parties may present Settlement Contracts by appearing personally before an Arbitrator assigned to that venue and requesting approval of the contracts.

d)         Appearance of Petitioner Discretionary

If both parties are represented by an attorney, the Arbitrator or Commissioner to whom the Settlement Contract has been assigned may approve or reject the Settlement Contract solely on the basis of information in the settlement and the medical and other reports required to be submitted pursuant to subsection (b).  Prior to rejection of a Settlement Contract, the Arbitrator or Commissioner shall give the parties an opportunity to be heard.

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 15775, effective November 9, 2016)