99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB4638

 

Introduced , by Rep. Dwight Kay

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
820 ILCS 305/8  from Ch. 48, par. 138.8

    Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that, within 120 days after a determination by an arbitrator that an employee is no longer eligible for benefits for temporary total incapacity, the arbitrator shall issue a determination on eligibility for permanent disability benefits unless the arbitrator extends the time for determination for good cause shown.


LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB4638LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1    AN ACT concerning employment.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Workers' Compensation Act is amended by
5changing Section 8 as follows:
 
6    (820 ILCS 305/8)  (from Ch. 48, par. 138.8)
7    Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to
8the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death
9is:
10    (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated rate,
11if applicable, or the lesser of the health care provider's
12actual charges or according to a fee schedule, subject to
13Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was rendered for
14all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical services, and
15all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services
16thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which is
17reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the
18accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells,
19transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for
20procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If
21the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical,
22surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such
23payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The employer

 

 

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1shall also pay for treatment, instruction and training
2necessary for the physical, mental and vocational
3rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance
4costs and expenses incidental thereto. If as a result of the
5injury the employee is unable to be self-sufficient the
6employer shall further pay for such maintenance or
7institutional care as shall be required.
8    The employee may at any time elect to secure his own
9physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's
10expense, or,
11    Upon agreement between the employer and the employees, or
12the employees' exclusive representative, and subject to the
13approval of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the
14employer shall maintain a list of physicians, to be known as a
15Panel of Physicians, who are accessible to the employees. The
16employer shall post this list in a place or places easily
17accessible to his employees. The employee shall have the right
18to make an alternative choice of physician from such Panel if
19he is not satisfied with the physician first selected. If, due
20to the nature of the injury or its occurrence away from the
21employer's place of business, the employee is unable to make a
22selection from the Panel, the selection process from the Panel
23shall not apply. The physician selected from the Panel may
24arrange for any consultation, referral or other specialized
25medical services outside the Panel at the employer's expense.
26Provided that, in the event the Commission shall find that a

 

 

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1doctor selected by the employee is rendering improper or
2inadequate care, the Commission may order the employee to
3select another doctor certified or qualified in the medical
4field for which treatment is required. If the employee refuses
5to make such change the Commission may relieve the employer of
6his obligation to pay the doctor's charges from the date of
7refusal to the date of compliance.
8    Any vocational rehabilitation counselors who provide
9service under this Act shall have appropriate certifications
10which designate the counselor as qualified to render opinions
11relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational
12rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling
13for job searches, supervising a job search program, and
14vocational retraining including education at an accredited
15learning institution. The employee or employer may petition to
16the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational
17rehabilitation and the Commission shall resolve any such
18dispute, including payment of the vocational rehabilitation
19program by the employer.
20    The maintenance benefit shall not be less than the
21temporary total disability rate determined for the employee. In
22addition, maintenance shall include costs and expenses
23incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program.
24    When the employee is working light duty on a part-time
25basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be
26earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs,

 

 

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1then the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial
2disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits
3shall be equal to two-thirds of the difference between the
4average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the
5full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in
6which he or she was engaged at the time of accident and the
7gross amount which he or she is earning in the modified job
8provided to the employee by the employer or in any other job
9that the employee is working.
10    Every hospital, physician, surgeon or other person
11rendering treatment or services in accordance with the
12provisions of this Section shall upon written request furnish
13full and complete reports thereof to, and permit their records
14to be copied by, the employer, the employee or his dependents,
15as the case may be, or any other party to any proceeding for
16compensation before the Commission, or their attorneys.
17    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the employer's liability to
18pay for such medical services selected by the employee shall be
19limited to:
20        (1) all first aid and emergency treatment; plus
21        (2) all medical, surgical and hospital services
22    provided by the physician, surgeon or hospital initially
23    chosen by the employee or by any other physician,
24    consultant, expert, institution or other provider of
25    services recommended by said initial service provider or
26    any subsequent provider of medical services in the chain of

 

 

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1    referrals from said initial service provider; plus
2        (3) all medical, surgical and hospital services
3    provided by any second physician, surgeon or hospital
4    subsequently chosen by the employee or by any other
5    physician, consultant, expert, institution or other
6    provider of services recommended by said second service
7    provider or any subsequent provider of medical services in
8    the chain of referrals from said second service provider.
9    Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all
10    necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the
11    employee may not select a provider of medical services at
12    the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such
13    selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical
14    treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph
15    shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation
16    referred to above.
17        (4) The following shall apply for injuries occurring on
18    or after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
19    97-18) and only when an employer has an approved preferred
20    provider program pursuant to Section 8.1a on the date the
21    employee sustained his or her accidental injuries:
22            (A) The employer shall, in writing, on a form
23        promulgated by the Commission, inform the employee of
24        the preferred provider program;
25            (B) Subsequent to the report of an injury by an
26        employee, the employee may choose in writing at any

 

 

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1        time to decline the preferred provider program, in
2        which case that would constitute one of the two choices
3        of medical providers to which the employee is entitled
4        under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3); and
5            (C) Prior to the report of an injury by an
6        employee, when an employee chooses non-emergency
7        treatment from a provider not within the preferred
8        provider program, that would constitute the employee's
9        one choice of medical providers to which the employee
10        is entitled under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3).
11    When an employer and employee so agree in writing, nothing
12in this Act prevents an employee whose injury or disability has
13been established under this Act, from relying in good faith, on
14treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone, in accordance
15with the tenets and practice of a recognized church or
16religious denomination, by a duly accredited practitioner
17thereof, and having nursing services appropriate therewith,
18without suffering loss or diminution of the compensation
19benefits under this Act. However, the employee shall submit to
20all physical examinations required by this Act. The cost of
21such treatment and nursing care shall be paid by the employee
22unless the employer agrees to make such payment.
23    Where the accidental injury results in the amputation of an
24arm, hand, leg or foot, or the enucleation of an eye, or the
25loss of any of the natural teeth, the employer shall furnish an
26artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental

 

 

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1injury arising out of and in the course of employment, and
2shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and
3necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by
4amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain
5in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during
6the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury
7accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture,
8eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental
9injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer
10shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or
11artificial member.
12    The furnishing by the employer of any such services or
13appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the
14employer to pay compensation.
15    The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the
16servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of
17compensation.
18    (b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work
19lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as
20hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of
21such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the
22total temporary total incapacity lasts. In cases where the
23temporary total incapacity for work continues for a period of
2414 days or more from the day of the accident compensation shall
25commence on the day after the accident. With respect to cases
26filed after December 31, 2016, no later than 120 days after a

 

 

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1determination by an arbitrator that an employee is no longer
2eligible for benefits for temporary total incapacity for work,
3the arbitrator shall issue a determination on eligibility for
4permanent disability benefits unless the arbitrator extends
5the time for determination for good cause shown.
6        1. The compensation rate for temporary total
7    incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall
8    be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage
9    computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it
10    shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal
11    minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the
12    Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever
13    is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall
14    be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to
15    exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation, nor
16    exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
17    accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
18    less.
19        2. The compensation rate in all cases other than for
20    temporary total disability under this paragraph (b), and
21    other than for serious and permanent disfigurement under
22    paragraph (c) and other than for permanent partial
23    disability under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (d) or under
24    paragraph (e), of this Section shall be equal to 66 2/3% of
25    the employee's average weekly wage computed in accordance
26    with the provisions of Section 10, provided that it shall

 

 

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1    be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal minimum
2    wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the Illinois
3    minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever is more,
4    multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall be
5    increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to exceed
6    100% of the total minimum wage calculation, nor exceed the
7    employee's average weekly wage computed in accordance with
8    the provisions of Section 10, whichever is less.
9        2.1. The compensation rate in all cases of serious and
10    permanent disfigurement under paragraph (c) and of
11    permanent partial disability under subparagraph (2) of
12    paragraph (d) or under paragraph (e) of this Section shall
13    be equal to 60% of the employee's average weekly wage
14    computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
15    provided that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum
16    of the Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards
17    Act, or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage
18    Law, whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This
19    percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse
20    and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage
21    calculation, nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage
22    computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
23    whichever is less.
24        3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a
25    child of the employee including any child legally adopted
26    before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the

 

 

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1    employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom
2    the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of
3    the accident was under 18 years of age and not emancipated.
4    The term "children" means the plural of "child".
5        4. All weekly compensation rates provided under
6    subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this
7    Section shall be subject to the following limitations:
8        The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1, 1975,
9    except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the
10    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
11    Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that most
12    closely approximates the State's average weekly wage.
13        The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
14    July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter
15    provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on
16    July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly
17    compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall
18    be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month
19    period there shall have been an increase in the State's
20    average weekly wage in covered industries under the
21    Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate
22    shall be proportionately increased by the same percentage
23    as the percentage of increase in the State's average weekly
24    wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
25    Insurance Act during such period.
26        The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period

 

 

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1    January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as
2    hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the State's average
3    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
4    Insurance Act in effect on January 1, 1981. Effective
5    January 1, 1984 and on January 1, of each year thereafter
6    the maximum weekly compensation rate, except as
7    hereinafter provided, shall be determined as follows: if
8    during the preceding 12 month period there shall have been
9    an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
10    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the
11    weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately
12    increased by the same percentage as the percentage of
13    increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
14    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act during
15    such period.
16        From July 1, 1977 and thereafter such maximum weekly
17    compensation rate in death cases under Section 7, and
18    permanent total disability cases under paragraph (f) or
19    subparagraph 18 of paragraph (3) of this Section and for
20    temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this
21    Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of an
22    eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be increased
23    to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage in covered
24    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
25        For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006,
26    the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this

 

 

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1    Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage in
2    covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
3        4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary
4    notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for
5    compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph
6    (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this Section
7    and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for amputation of
8    a member or enucleation of an eye under paragraph (e) of
9    this Section, shall in no event be less than 50% of the
10    State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
11    Unemployment Insurance Act.
12        4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding,
13    the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not
14    exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years.
15        5. For the purpose of this Section this State's average
16    weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
17    Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed at $228.16
18    per week and the computation of compensation rates shall be
19    based on the aforesaid average weekly wage until modified
20    as hereinafter provided.
21        6. The Department of Employment Security of the State
22    shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on
23    or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day
24    of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish
25    the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
26    the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois Workers'

 

 

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1    Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of January,
2    1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the 15th day
3    of each January and July of each year thereafter, post and
4    publish the State's average weekly wage in covered
5    industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as last
6    determined and published by the Department of Employment
7    Security. The amount when so posted and published shall be
8    conclusive and shall be applicable as the basis of
9    computation of compensation rates until the next posting
10    and publication as aforesaid.
11        7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his
12    insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not
13    constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay
14    compensation.
15    (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the
16hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest
17above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to
18compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by
19agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a
20hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental
21injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the
22accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of this
23amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before February
241, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
25after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate provided in
26subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section.

 

 

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1    No compensation is payable under this paragraph where
2compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of
3this Section.
4    A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the
5population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last
6federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under
7this paragraph only where such serious and permanent
8disfigurement results from burns.
9    (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained,
10the employee as a result thereof becomes partially
11incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of
12employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the
13specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section,
14receive compensation for the duration of his disability,
15subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in
16paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the
17difference between the average amount which he would be able to
18earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation in
19which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the
20average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some
21suitable employment or business after the accident. For
22accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011,
23an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be
24effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5
25years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is
26later.

 

 

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1    2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains
2serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c)
3and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered by
4the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have sustained
5in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do not
6incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his employment but
7which would disable him from pursuing other suitable
8occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in physical
9impairment; or if such injuries partially incapacitate him from
10pursuing the duties of his usual and customary line of
11employment but do not result in an impairment of earning
12capacity, or having resulted in an impairment of earning
13capacity, the employee elects to waive his right to recover
14under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of paragraph (d) of this
15Section then in any of the foregoing events, he shall receive
16in addition to compensation for temporary total disability
17under paragraph (b) of this Section, compensation at the rate
18provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section
19for that percentage of 500 weeks that the partial disability
20resulting from the injuries covered by this paragraph bears to
21total disability. If the employee shall have sustained a
22fracture of one or more vertebra or fracture of the skull, the
23amount of compensation allowed under this Section shall be not
24less than 6 weeks for a fractured skull and 6 weeks for each
25fractured vertebra, and in the event the employee shall have
26sustained a fracture of any of the following facial bones:

 

 

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1nasal, lachrymal, vomer, zygoma, maxilla, palatine or
2mandible, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section
3shall be not less than 2 weeks for each such fractured bone,
4and for a fracture of each transverse process not less than 3
5weeks. In the event such injuries shall result in the loss of a
6kidney, spleen or lung, the amount of compensation allowed
7under this Section shall be not less than 10 weeks for each
8such organ. Compensation awarded under this subparagraph 2
9shall not take into consideration injuries covered under
10paragraphs (c) and (e) of this Section and the compensation
11provided in this paragraph shall not affect the employee's
12right to compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (e)
13of this Section for the disabilities therein covered.
14    (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the
15employee shall receive compensation for the period of temporary
16total incapacity for work resulting from such accidental
17injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of this Section,
18and shall receive in addition thereto compensation for a
19further period for the specific loss herein mentioned, but
20shall not receive any compensation under any other provisions
21of this Act. The following listed amounts apply to either the
22loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the member
23specified, such compensation for the length of time as follows:
24        1. Thumb-
25            70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

 

 

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1        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2            76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3        after February 1, 2006.
4        2. First, or index finger-
5            40 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            43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
9        after February 1, 2006.
10        3. Second, or middle finger-
11            35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
12        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
13        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
14            38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
15        after February 1, 2006.
16        4. Third, or ring finger-
17            25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
18        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
19        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
20            27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
21        after February 1, 2006.
22        5. Fourth, or little finger-
23            20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
24        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
25        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
26            22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

 

 

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1        after February 1, 2006.
2        6. Great toe-
3            35 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            38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
7        after February 1, 2006.
8        7. Each toe other than great toe-
9            12 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            13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
13        after February 1, 2006.
14        8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb
15    or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to
16    the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the
17    compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above
18    specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be
19    considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe.
20    In no case shall the amount received for more than one
21    finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the
22    loss of a hand.
23        9. Hand-
24            190 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.

 

 

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1            205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
2        after February 1, 2006.
3            190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4        after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
5        97-18) and if the accidental injury involves carpal
6        tunnel syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative
7        trauma, in which case the permanent partial disability
8        shall not exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except
9        for cause shown by clear and convincing evidence and in
10        which case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of use
11        of the hand.
12        The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges
13    of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the
14    basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further,
15    that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits,
16    in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a
17    hand.
18        10. Arm-
19            235 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            253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23        after February 1, 2006.
24        Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
25    an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be compensated as
26    a loss of an arm. Where an accidental injury results in the

 

 

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1    amputation of an arm above the elbow, compensation for an
2    additional 15 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
3    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
4    General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
5    additional 17 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
6    after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
7    accidental injury results in the amputation of an arm at
8    the shoulder joint, or so close to shoulder joint that an
9    artificial arm cannot be used, or results in the
10    disarticulation of an arm at the shoulder joint, in which
11    case compensation for an additional 65 weeks (if the
12    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
13    this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
14    February 1, 2006) or an additional 70 weeks (if the
15    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
16    shall be paid.
17        11. Foot-
18            155 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            167 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
22        after February 1, 2006.
23        12. Leg-
24            200 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.

 

 

HB4638- 21 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1            215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
2        after February 1, 2006.
3        Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
4    a leg below the knee, such injury shall be compensated as
5    loss of a leg. Where an accidental injury results in the
6    amputation of a leg above the knee, compensation for an
7    additional 25 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
8    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
9    General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
10    additional 27 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
11    after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
12    accidental injury results in the amputation of a leg at the
13    hip joint, or so close to the hip joint that an artificial
14    leg cannot be used, or results in the disarticulation of a
15    leg at the hip joint, in which case compensation for an
16    additional 75 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
17    after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
18    General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
19    additional 81 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
20    after February 1, 2006) shall be paid.
21        13. Eye-
22            150 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            162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26        after February 1, 2006.

 

 

HB4638- 22 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1        Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation
2    of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the
3    accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
4    this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
5    February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the
6    accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
7    shall be paid.
8        14. Loss of hearing of one ear-
9            50 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            54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
13        after February 1, 2006.
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.
20        15. Testicle-
21            50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
22        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
23        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
24            54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
25        after February 1, 2006.
26        Both testicles-

 

 

HB4638- 23 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1            150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
2        after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
3        94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
4            162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
5        after February 1, 2006.
6        16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member
7    or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation
8    during that proportion of the number of weeks in the
9    foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or
10    sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial
11    loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such
12    member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear.
13            (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes
14        shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000
15        and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability
16        for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are
17        not to be considered as constituting disability for
18        hearing.
19            (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of
20        the determination of compensation claims for
21        occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the
22        average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for
23        the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per
24        second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric
25        instruments, approved by nationally recognized
26        authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring

 

 

HB4638- 24 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1        hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30
2        decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of
3        hearing shall not then constitute any compensable
4        hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average 85
5        decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same
6        shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable
7        hearing loss.
8            (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest
9        measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be
10        added together and divided by 3 to determine the
11        average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss
12        exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be
13        made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85
14        decibels.
15            (d) If a hearing loss is established to have
16        existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the
17        employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so
18        established nor shall he be liable for any loss for
19        which compensation has been paid or awarded.
20            (e) No consideration shall be given to the question
21        of whether or not the ability of an employee to
22        understand speech is improved by the use of a hearing
23        aid.
24            (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial
25        noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed
26        unless the employee has been exposed for a period of

 

 

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1        time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise
2        levels in excess of the following:
3Sound Level DBA
4Slow ResponseHours Per Day
5908
6926
7954
8973
91002
101021-1/2
111051
121101/2
131151/4
14        This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of
15    hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion.
16        17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any
17    employee who, before the accident for which he claims
18    compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
19    resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by
20    amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or
21    fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss
22    of any such member shall be deducted from any award made
23    for the subsequent injury. For the permanent loss of use or
24    the permanent partial loss of use of any such member or the
25    partial loss of sight of an eye, for which compensation has
26    been paid, then such loss shall be taken into consideration

 

 

HB4638- 26 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1    and deducted from any award for the subsequent injury.
2        18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both arms,
3    or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any two
4    thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use
5    thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be
6    compensated according to the compensation fixed by
7    paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of
8    total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases.
9        Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or
10    permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such
11    members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses
12    another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the
13    use of any one of such members the employer for whom the
14    injured employee is working at the time of the last
15    independent accident is liable to pay compensation only for
16    the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of the
17    member occasioned by the last independent accident.
18        19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent death
19    of such injured employee from other causes than such injury
20    leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving before
21    payment or payment in full for such injury, then the amount
22    due for such injury is payable to the widow or widower and,
23    if there be no widow or widower, then to such dependents,
24    in the proportion which such dependency bears to total
25    dependency.
26    Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the

 

 

HB4638- 27 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when, after
2deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the amount
3therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid by
4employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
5reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the
6sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely.
7However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to
8$400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by
9paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
10herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been
11reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by
12paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
13herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in
14payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment
15become immediately effective for all cases coming before the
16Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final
17order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury.
18    On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each
19subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund
20designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after
21deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount
22therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by
23employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
24reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the
25sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely.
26However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to

 

 

HB4638- 28 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1$3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7
2shall be resumed in the manner herein provided.
3    (f) In case of complete disability, which renders the
4employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the
5specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in
6subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation
7shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of
8paragraph (b) of this Section for life.
9    An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of
10this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate
11Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the
12supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this
13Section 8.
14    If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph
15afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is
16able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under
17such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is
18able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as much
19as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as to
20conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If
21such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of
22this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time
23within 30 months after the date of such termination or
24reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose
25of determining whether any disability exists as a result of the
26original accidental injury and the extent thereof.

 

 

HB4638- 29 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1    Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e)
2of this Section is considered complete disability.
3    If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the
4permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the
5loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand,
6one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and
7complete disability through the loss or the permanent and
8complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive,
9in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and
10after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second
11Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which,
12together with the compensation payable from the employer in
13whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was
14incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and
15complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this
16Section.
17    The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in
18paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as
19a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim.
20The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly and
21in general terms the approximate time and place and manner of
22the loss of the first member.
23    In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall
24specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be
25weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be
26paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of

 

 

HB4638- 30 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section
27 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments continue,
3the date upon which the pension payments commence and the
4monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall 30 days
5after the date upon which payments out of the Second Injury
6Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every month
7thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller a
8voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that date
9at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State Comptroller
10shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along with a
11receipt to be executed by the injured employee and returned to
12the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt is a full and
13complete acquittance to the Commission for the payment out of
14the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation or warrant is
15necessary for payment out of the Second Injury Fund. The Second
16Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose of making payments
17according to the terms of the awards.
18    As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and
19obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims
20against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the
21extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund to
22pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all references
23to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also include the
24Rate Adjustment Fund.
25    (g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by
26the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which

 

 

HB4638- 31 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1compensation payments shall become due and payable after the
2effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for
3death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the
4Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory
5Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of
6the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall
7first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered
8prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter.
9In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of
10the second year next following the date of the entry of the
11award and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter.
12If during the intervening period from the date of the entry of
13the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have
14been an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
15industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly
16compensation rate shall be proportionately increased by the
17same percentage as the percentage of increase in the State's
18average weekly wage in covered industries under the
19Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
20rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
21compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
22maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made.
23Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as herein
24provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to the
25injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, out of
26the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7

 

 

HB4638- 32 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same intervals as
2provided in the award or, at the option of the Commission, may
3be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of January, April,
4July and October of each year. In the event of a decrease in
5such average weekly wage there shall be no change in the then
6existing compensation rate. The within paragraph shall not
7apply to cases where there is disputed liability and in which a
8compromise lump sum settlement between the employer and the
9injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, has
10been duly approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation
11Commission.
12    Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the Commission
13for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the increases in
14the compensation rate adjusted under the foregoing provision of
15this paragraph (g) shall be limited to increases in the State's
16average weekly wage in covered industries under the
17Unemployment Insurance Act occurring after July 1, 1975.
18    For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but
19before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
20General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General
21Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in
22awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as
23provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The
24adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the
25second year next following the date of the entry of the award
26and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If

 

 

HB4638- 33 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the
2award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been
3an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
4industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer
5shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by
6the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the
7State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
8Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
9rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
10compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
11maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In
12the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall
13be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such
14increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and
15at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the
16award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is
17disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum
18settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or
19his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly
20approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
21    The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits or
22permanent total disability involving accidents occurring
23before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the
24effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
25Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall
26continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to

 

 

HB4638- 34 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act.
2    (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total
3compensation to which the employee would have been entitled has
4been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow, widower,
5child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or other lineal
6heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time of the
7accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent of 50%
8or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be paid to
9the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and distributed as
10provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7.
11    (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal disability
12at the time when any right or privilege accrues to him or her
13under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant to law,
14and may, on behalf of such person under legal disability, claim
15and exercise any such right or privilege with the same effect
16as if the employee himself or herself had claimed or exercised
17the right or privilege. No limitations of time provided by this
18Act run so long as the employee who is under legal disability
19is without a conservator or guardian.
20    (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age
21at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the
22amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d),
23(e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%.
24    However, where an employer has on file an employment
25certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work
26permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act,

 

 

HB4638- 35 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly issued,
2such certificate, permit or birth certificate is conclusive
3evidence as to the age of the injured minor employee for the
4purposes of this Section.
5    Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions
6of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors
7under the age of 16 years.
8    (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives benefits,
9including medical, surgical or hospital benefits under any
10group plan covering non-occupational disabilities contributed
11to wholly or partially by the employer, which benefits should
12not have been payable if any rights of recovery existed under
13this Act, then such amounts so paid to the employee from any
14such group plan as shall be consistent with, and limited to,
15the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, shall be credited to or
16against any compensation payment for temporary total
17incapacity for work or any medical, surgical or hospital
18benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such event, the
19period of time for giving notice of accidental injury and
20filing application for adjustment of claim does not commence to
21run until the termination of such payments. This paragraph does
22not apply to payments made under any group plan which would
23have been payable irrespective of an accidental injury under
24this Act. Any employer receiving such credit shall keep such
25employee safe and harmless from any and all claims or
26liabilities that may be made against him by reason of having

 

 

HB4638- 36 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1received such payments only to the extent of such credit.
2    Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State
3employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under
4Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or
5disputed disability claim shall be credited against any
6payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on
7behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments for
8medical expenses which have already been incurred at the time
9of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly reimburse
10the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent of such
11credit.
12    2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to give
13the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit for
14any benefits or payments received by the employee other than
15compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the
16employee receives payments other than compensation payments,
17whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits,
18bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or
19insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment
20only to the extent of the compensation that would have been
21payable during the period covered by such payment.
22    3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application
23for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall
24not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had
25expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits
26enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided

 

 

HB4638- 37 -LRB099 19343 JLS 43735 b

1however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases wherein
2the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall be
3received after July 1, 1969.
4(Source: P.A. 97-18, eff. 6-28-11; 97-268, eff. 8-8-11; 97-813,
5eff. 7-13-12.)