99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
SB0846

Introduced 2/11/2015, by Sen. Dale A. Righter

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
820 ILCS 305/1 from Ch. 48, par. 138.1
820 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 48, par. 138.8

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that an employee who is required to travel in connection with his or her employment and who suffers an injury while in travel status shall be eligible for benefits only if the injury arises out of and in the course of employment while he or she is actively engaged in the duties of employment. Defines "accident" and "injury". Provides that "injury" does not include the aggravation of a pre-existing condition by an accident unless it can be shown to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the aggravation arose primarily out of and in the course of the employment. Provides that an injury resulting directly or indirectly from idiopathic causes is not compensable. Further provides that, with respect to the computation of compensation to be paid to an employee who had previously sustained an injury resulting in payment of compensation for partial disability for injuries not involving serious and permanent disfigurement and injuries for which the Act provides a schedule of benefits, the amount of the prior award for the partial disability with respect to the same portion of the body shall be deducted. Limits cumulative awards for partial disability to 500 weeks, which shall constitute a complete loss of use of the body as a whole. Provides that no employer shall be required to pay temporary partial disability benefits to an employee who has been discharged for cause. Provides that injuries to the shoulder are deemed to be injuries to the arm and injuries to the hip are deemed to be injuries to the leg. Effective immediately.
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FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

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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 Sections 1 and 8 as follows:
6 (820 ILCS 305/1) (from Ch. 48, par. 138.1)
7 Sec. 1. This Act may be cited as the Workers' Compensation
8Act.
9 (a) The term "employer" as used in this Act means:
10 1. The State and each county, city, town, township,
11incorporated village, school district, body politic, or
12municipal corporation therein.
13 2. Every person, firm, public or private corporation,
14including hospitals, public service, eleemosynary, religious
15or charitable corporations or associations who has any person
16in service or under any contract for hire, express or implied,
17oral or written, and who is engaged in any of the enterprises
18or businesses enumerated in Section 3 of this Act, or who at or
19prior to the time of the accident to the employee for which
20compensation under this Act may be claimed, has in the manner
21provided in this Act elected to become subject to the
22provisions of this Act, and who has not, prior to such
23accident, effected a withdrawal of such election in the manner

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1provided in this Act.
2 3. Any one engaging in any business or enterprise referred
3to in subsections 1 and 2 of Section 3 of this Act who
4undertakes to do any work enumerated therein, is liable to pay
5compensation to his own immediate employees in accordance with
6the provisions of this Act, and in addition thereto if he
7directly or indirectly engages any contractor whether
8principal or sub-contractor to do any such work, he is liable
9to pay compensation to the employees of any such contractor or
10sub-contractor unless such contractor or sub-contractor has
11insured, in any company or association authorized under the
12laws of this State to insure the liability to pay compensation
13under this Act, or guaranteed his liability to pay such
14compensation. With respect to any time limitation on the filing
15of claims provided by this Act, the timely filing of a claim
16against a contractor or subcontractor, as the case may be,
17shall be deemed to be a timely filing with respect to all
18persons upon whom liability is imposed by this paragraph.
19 In the event any such person pays compensation under this
20subsection he may recover the amount thereof from the
21contractor or sub-contractor, if any, and in the event the
22contractor pays compensation under this subsection he may
23recover the amount thereof from the sub-contractor, if any.
24 This subsection does not apply in any case where the
25accident occurs elsewhere than on, in or about the immediate
26premises on which the principal has contracted that the work be

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1done.
2 4. Where an employer operating under and subject to the
3provisions of this Act loans an employee to another such
4employer and such loaned employee sustains a compensable
5accidental injury in the employment of such borrowing employer
6and where such borrowing employer does not provide or pay the
7benefits or payments due such injured employee, such loaning
8employer is liable to provide or pay all benefits or payments
9due such employee under this Act and as to such employee the
10liability of such loaning and borrowing employers is joint and
11several, provided that such loaning employer is in the absence
12of agreement to the contrary entitled to receive from such
13borrowing employer full reimbursement for all sums paid or
14incurred pursuant to this paragraph together with reasonable
15attorneys' fees and expenses in any hearings before the
16Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or in any action to
17secure such reimbursement. Where any benefit is provided or
18paid by such loaning employer the employee has the duty of
19rendering reasonable cooperation in any hearings, trials or
20proceedings in the case, including such proceedings for
21reimbursement.
22 Where an employee files an Application for Adjustment of
23Claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
24alleging that his claim is covered by the provisions of the
25preceding paragraph, and joining both the alleged loaning and
26borrowing employers, they and each of them, upon written demand

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1by the employee and within 7 days after receipt of such demand,
2shall have the duty of filing with the Illinois Workers'
3Compensation Commission a written admission or denial of the
4allegation that the claim is covered by the provisions of the
5preceding paragraph and in default of such filing or if any
6such denial be ultimately determined not to have been bona fide
7then the provisions of Paragraph K of Section 19 of this Act
8shall apply.
9 An employer whose business or enterprise or a substantial
10part thereof consists of hiring, procuring or furnishing
11employees to or for other employers operating under and subject
12to the provisions of this Act for the performance of the work
13of such other employers and who pays such employees their
14salary or wages notwithstanding that they are doing the work of
15such other employers shall be deemed a loaning employer within
16the meaning and provisions of this Section.
17 (b) The term "employee" as used in this Act means:
18 1. Every person in the service of the State, including
19members of the General Assembly, members of the Commerce
20Commission, members of the Illinois Workers' Compensation
21Commission, and all persons in the service of the University of
22Illinois, county, including deputy sheriffs and assistant
23state's attorneys, city, town, township, incorporated village
24or school district, body politic, or municipal corporation
25therein, whether by election, under appointment or contract of
26hire, express or implied, oral or written, including all

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1members of the Illinois National Guard while on active duty in
2the service of the State, and all probation personnel of the
3Juvenile Court appointed pursuant to Article VI of the Juvenile
4Court Act of 1987, and including any official of the State, any
5county, city, town, township, incorporated village, school
6district, body politic or municipal corporation therein except
7any duly appointed member of a police department in any city
8whose population exceeds 500,000 according to the last Federal
9or State census, and except any member of a fire insurance
10patrol maintained by a board of underwriters in this State. A
11duly appointed member of a fire department in any city, the
12population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last
13federal or State census, is an employee under this Act only
14with respect to claims brought under paragraph (c) of Section
158.
16 One employed by a contractor who has contracted with the
17State, or a county, city, town, township, incorporated village,
18school district, body politic or municipal corporation
19therein, through its representatives, is not considered as an
20employee of the State, county, city, town, township,
21incorporated village, school district, body politic or
22municipal corporation which made the contract.
23 2. Every person in the service of another under any
24contract of hire, express or implied, oral or written,
25including persons whose employment is outside of the State of
26Illinois where the contract of hire is made within the State of

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1Illinois, persons whose employment results in fatal or
2non-fatal injuries within the State of Illinois where the
3contract of hire is made outside of the State of Illinois, and
4persons whose employment is principally localized within the
5State of Illinois, regardless of the place of the accident or
6the place where the contract of hire was made, and including
7aliens, and minors who, for the purpose of this Act are
8considered the same and have the same power to contract,
9receive payments and give quittances therefor, as adult
10employees.
11 3. Every sole proprietor and every partner of a business
12may elect to be covered by this Act.
13 An employee or his dependents under this Act who shall have
14a cause of action by reason of any injury, disablement or death
15arising out of and in the course of his employment may elect to
16pursue his remedy in the State where injured or disabled, or in
17the State where the contract of hire is made, or in the State
18where the employment is principally localized.
19 However, any employer may elect to provide and pay
20compensation to any employee other than those engaged in the
21usual course of the trade, business, profession or occupation
22of the employer by complying with Sections 2 and 4 of this Act.
23Employees are not included within the provisions of this Act
24when excluded by the laws of the United States relating to
25liability of employers to their employees for personal injuries
26where such laws are held to be exclusive.

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1 The term "employee" does not include persons performing
2services as real estate broker, broker-salesman, or salesman
3when such persons are paid by commission only.
4 (c) "Commission" means the Industrial Commission created
5by Section 5 of "The Civil Administrative Code of Illinois",
6approved March 7, 1917, as amended, or the Illinois Workers'
7Compensation Commission created by Section 13 of this Act.
8 (d) To obtain compensation under this Act, an employee
9bears the burden of showing, by a preponderance of the
10evidence, that he or she has sustained accidental injuries
11arising out of and in the course of the employment. An employee
12who is required to travel in connection with his or her
13employment and who suffers an injury while in travel status
14shall be eligible for benefits only if the injury arises out of
15and in the course of employment while he or she is actively
16engaged in the duties of employment. This subsection (d)
17applies to travel necessarily incident to the performance of
18the employee's job responsibility if: (i) the employer
19furnishes the transportation or the employee receives
20reimbursement from the employer for costs of travel, gas, oil,
21or lodging as a part of the employee's benefits or employment
22agreement and the travel is necessitated by and on behalf of
23the employer as an integral part or condition of the
24employment; or (ii) the travel is required by the employer as
25part of the employee's job duties. Arising out of and in the
26course of the employment does not include travel to and from

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1work. Arising out of and in the course of employment does not
2include when an employee is on a paid or unpaid break and is
3not performing any specific tasks for the employer during the
4break.
5 (e) The term "accident" as used in this Act means an
6occurrence arising out of the employment, resulting from a risk
7incidental to the employment, and in the course of the
8employment at a time and place and under circumstances
9reasonably required by the employment.
10 (f) The term "injury" means an injury by accident, a mental
11injury, occupational disease including diseases of the heart,
12lung and hypertension, or cumulative trauma conditions
13including hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any other
14repetitive motion conditions, arising primarily out of and in
15the course and scope of employment, that causes death,
16disablement, or the need for medical treatment of the employee;
17provided, that:
18 (i) An injury is "accidental" only if the injury is
19 caused by a specific incident, or set of incidents, arising
20 primarily out of and in the course and scope of employment,
21 and is identifiable by time and place of occurrence, and
22 shall not include the aggravation of a preexisting disease,
23 condition or ailment unless it can be shown to a reasonable
24 degree of medical certainty that the aggravation arose
25 primarily out of and in the course and scope of employment;
26 (ii) An injury "arises primarily out of and in the

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1 course and scope of employment" only if it has been shown
2 by a preponderance of the evidence that the employment
3 contributed more than 50% in causing the injury,
4 considering all causes;
5 (iii) An injury causes death, disablement,Y or the need
6 for medical treatment only if it has been shown to a
7 reasonable degree of medical certainty that the employment
8 contributed more than 50% in causing the death,
9 disablement, or need for medical treatment, considering
10 all causes;
11 (iv) "Shown to a reasonable degree of medical
12 certainty" means that, in the opinion of a physician, it is
13 more likely than not considering all causes, as opposed to
14 speculation or possibility;
15 (v) If the injured worker selects a preferred provider
16 from the employer's Preferred Provider Program (PPP), the
17 opinion of the treating physician shall be rebuttably
18 presumed correct on the issue of causation.
19(Source: P.A. 97-18, eff. 6-28-11; 97-268, eff. 8-8-11; 97-813,
20eff. 7-13-12.)
21 (820 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 48, par. 138.8)
22 Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to
23the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death
24is:
25 (a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated rate,

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1if applicable, or the lesser of the health care provider's
2actual charges or according to a fee schedule, subject to
3Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was rendered for
4all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical services, and
5all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services
6thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which is
7reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the
8accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells,
9transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for
10procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If
11the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical,
12surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such
13payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The employer
14shall also pay for treatment, instruction and training
15necessary for the physical, mental and vocational
16rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance
17costs and expenses incidental thereto. If as a result of the
18injury the employee is unable to be self-sufficient the
19employer shall further pay for such maintenance or
20institutional care as shall be required.
21 The employee may at any time elect to secure his own
22physician, surgeon and hospital services at the employer's
23expense, or,
24 Upon agreement between the employer and the employees, or
25the employees' exclusive representative, and subject to the
26approval of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the

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1employer shall maintain a list of physicians, to be known as a
2Panel of Physicians, who are accessible to the employees. The
3employer shall post this list in a place or places easily
4accessible to his employees. The employee shall have the right
5to make an alternative choice of physician from such Panel if
6he is not satisfied with the physician first selected. If, due
7to the nature of the injury or its occurrence away from the
8employer's place of business, the employee is unable to make a
9selection from the Panel, the selection process from the Panel
10shall not apply. The physician selected from the Panel may
11arrange for any consultation, referral or other specialized
12medical services outside the Panel at the employer's expense.
13Provided that, in the event the Commission shall find that a
14doctor selected by the employee is rendering improper or
15inadequate care, the Commission may order the employee to
16select another doctor certified or qualified in the medical
17field for which treatment is required. If the employee refuses
18to make such change the Commission may relieve the employer of
19his obligation to pay the doctor's charges from the date of
20refusal to the date of compliance.
21 Any vocational rehabilitation counselors who provide
22service under this Act shall have appropriate certifications
23which designate the counselor as qualified to render opinions
24relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational
25rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling
26for job searches, supervising a job search program, and

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1vocational retraining including education at an accredited
2learning institution. The employee or employer may petition to
3the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational
4rehabilitation and the Commission shall resolve any such
5dispute, including payment of the vocational rehabilitation
6program by the employer.
7 The maintenance benefit shall not be less than the
8temporary total disability rate determined for the employee. In
9addition, maintenance shall include costs and expenses
10incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program.
11 When the employee is working light duty on a part-time
12basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be
13earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs,
14then the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial
15disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits
16shall be equal to two-thirds of the difference between the
17average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the
18full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in
19which he or she was engaged at the time of accident and the
20gross amount which he or she is earning in the modified job
21provided to the employee by the employer or in any other job
22that the employee is working.
23 No employer shall be required to pay temporary partial
24disability or maintenance benefits to an employee who has been
25discharged for cause. Prior to suspension of temporary partial
26disability or maintenance benefits, the employer shall provide

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1notice to the employee who has been discharged for cause.
2Following a hearing, the Commission may reinstate the temporary
3partial benefits and retroactively restore any benefits the
4employer should have paid if it finds the employer's discharge
5of the employee was not for cause. "Discharge for cause" means
6a discharge resulting from the employee's voluntary violation
7of a rule or policy of the employer not caused by the
8employee's disability.
9 Every hospital, physician, surgeon or other person
10rendering treatment or services in accordance with the
11provisions of this Section shall upon written request furnish
12full and complete reports thereof to, and permit their records
13to be copied by, the employer, the employee or his dependents,
14as the case may be, or any other party to any proceeding for
15compensation before the Commission, or their attorneys.
16 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the employer's liability to
17pay for such medical services selected by the employee shall be
18limited to:
19 (1) all first aid and emergency treatment; plus
20 (2) all medical, surgical and hospital services
21 provided by the physician, surgeon or hospital initially
22 chosen by the employee or by any other physician,
23 consultant, expert, institution or other provider of
24 services recommended by said initial service provider or
25 any subsequent provider of medical services in the chain of
26 referrals from said initial service provider; plus

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

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

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1shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and
2necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by
3amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain
4in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during
5the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury
6accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture,
7eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental
8injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer
9shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or
10artificial member.
11 The furnishing by the employer of any such services or
12appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the
13employer to pay compensation.
14 The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the
15servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of
16compensation.
17 (b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work
18lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as
19hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of
20such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the
21total temporary incapacity lasts. In cases where the temporary
22total incapacity for work continues for a period of 14 days or
23more from the day of the accident compensation shall commence
24on the day after the accident.
25 1. The compensation rate for temporary total
26 incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall

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1 be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage
2 computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it
3 shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal
4 minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the
5 Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever
6 is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall
7 be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to
8 exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation,
9 nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
10 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
11 less. No employer shall be required to pay temporary
12 partial disability or maintenance benefits to an employee
13 who has been discharged for cause. Prior to suspension of
14 temporary partial disability or maintenance benefits, the
15 employer shall provide notice to the employee who has been
16 discharged for cause. Following a hearing, the Commission
17 may reinstate the temporary partial benefits and
18 retroactively restore any benefits the employer should
19 have paid if it finds the employer's discharge of the
20 employee was not for cause. "Discharge for cause" means a
21 discharge resulting from the employee's voluntary
22 violation of a rule or policy of the employer not caused by
23 the employee's disability.
24 2. The compensation rate in all cases other than for
25 temporary total disability under this paragraph (b), and
26 other than for serious and permanent disfigurement under

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

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1 calculation,
2 nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
3 accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
4 less.
5 3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a
6 child of the employee including any child legally adopted
7 before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the
8 employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom
9 the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of
10 the accident was under 18 years of age and not emancipated.
11 The term "children" means the plural of "child".
12 4. All weekly compensation rates provided under
13 subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this
14 Section shall be subject to the following limitations:
15 The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1, 1975,
16 except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the
17 State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
18 Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that most
19 closely approximates the State's average weekly wage.
20 The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
21 July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter
22 provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on
23 July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly
24 compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall
25 be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month
26 period there shall have been an increase in the State's

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

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1 temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this
2 Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of an
3 eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be increased
4 to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage in covered
5 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
6 For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006,
7 the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this
8 Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage in
9 covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
10 4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary
11 notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for
12 compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph
13 (e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this Section
14 and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for amputation of
15 a member or enucleation of an eye under paragraph (e) of
16 this Section, shall in no event be less than 50% of the
17 State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
18 Unemployment Insurance Act.
19 4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding,
20 the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not
21 exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years.
22 5. For the purpose of this Section this State's average
23 weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
24 Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed at $228.16
25 per week and the computation of compensation rates shall be
26 based on the aforesaid average weekly wage until modified

SB0846- 22 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 as hereinafter provided.
2 6. The Department of Employment Security of the State
3 shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on
4 or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day
5 of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish
6 the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
7 the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois Workers'
8 Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of January,
9 1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the 15th day
10 of each January and July of each year thereafter, post and
11 publish the State's average weekly wage in covered
12 industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as last
13 determined and published by the Department of Employment
14 Security. The amount when so posted and published shall be
15 conclusive and shall be applicable as the basis of
16 computation of compensation rates until the next posting
17 and publication as aforesaid.
18 7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his
19 insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not
20 constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay
21 compensation.
22 (c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the
23hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest
24above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to
25compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by
26agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a

SB0846- 23 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental
2injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the
3accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of this
4amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before February
51, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
6after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate provided in
7subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section.
8 No compensation is payable under this paragraph where
9compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of
10this Section.
11 A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the
12population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last
13federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under
14this paragraph only where such serious and permanent
15disfigurement results from burns.
16 (d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained,
17the employee as a result thereof becomes partially
18incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of
19employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the
20specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section,
21receive compensation for the duration of his disability,
22subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in
23paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the
24difference between the average amount which he would be able to
25earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation in
26which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the

SB0846- 24 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some
2suitable employment or business after the accident. For
3accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011,
4an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be
5effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5
6years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is
7later.
8 2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains
9serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c)
10and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered by
11the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have sustained
12in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do not
13incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his employment but
14which would disable him from pursuing other suitable
15occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in physical
16impairment; or if such injuries partially incapacitate him from
17pursuing the duties of his usual and customary line of
18employment but do not result in an impairment of earning
19capacity, or having resulted in an impairment of earning
20capacity, the employee elects to waive his right to recover
21under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of paragraph (d) of this
22Section then in any of the foregoing events, he shall receive
23in addition to compensation for temporary total disability
24under paragraph (b) of this Section, compensation at the rate
25provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section
26for that percentage of 500 weeks that the partial disability

SB0846- 25 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1resulting from the injuries covered by this paragraph bears to
2total disability.
3 In computing the compensation to be paid to any employee
4who, before the accident for which he or she claims
5compensation, had previously sustained an injury resulting in
6the payment of compensation for a percentage of partial
7disability under this subparagraph 2, such percentage of
8partial disability shall be deducted from any award made under
9this subparagraph 2 for a subsequent injury to the same portion
10of the body as was involved in the prior injury for which
11compensation was paid; provided, however, nothing herein
12contained shall permit cumulative awards for compensation for
13partial disability under this subparagraph 2 to exceed 500
14weeks, which shall constitute complete loss of use of the body
15as a whole.
16 If, as a result of the accident, the employee shall have
17sustained a fracture of one or more vertebra or fracture of the
18skull, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section
19shall be not less than 6 weeks for a fractured skull and 6
20weeks for each fractured vertebra, and in the event the
21employee shall have sustained a fracture of any of the
22following facial bones: nasal, lachrymal, vomer, zygoma,
23maxilla, palatine or mandible, the amount of compensation
24allowed under this Section shall be not less than 2 weeks for
25each such fractured bone, and for a fracture of each transverse
26process not less than 3 weeks. In the event such injuries shall

SB0846- 26 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1result in the loss of a kidney, spleen or lung, the amount of
2compensation allowed under this Section shall be not less than
310 weeks for each such organ. Compensation awarded under this
4subparagraph 2 shall not take into consideration injuries
5covered under paragraphs (c) and (e) of this Section and the
6compensation provided in this paragraph shall not affect the
7employee's right to compensation payable under paragraphs (b),
8(c) and (e) of this Section for the disabilities therein
9covered.
10 (e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the
11employee shall receive compensation for the period of temporary
12total incapacity for work resulting from such accidental
13injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of this Section,
14and shall receive in addition thereto compensation for a
15further period for the specific loss herein mentioned, but
16shall not receive any compensation under any other provisions
17of this Act. The following listed amounts apply to either the
18loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the member
19specified, such compensation for the length of time as follows:
20 1. Thumb-
21 70 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 76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
25 after February 1, 2006.
26 2. First, or index finger-

SB0846- 27 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 40 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 43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
5 after February 1, 2006.
6 3. Second, or middle finger-
7 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
8 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
9 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
10 38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
11 after February 1, 2006.
12 4. Third, or ring finger-
13 25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
14 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
15 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
16 27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
17 after February 1, 2006.
18 5. Fourth, or little finger-
19 20 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 22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23 after February 1, 2006.
24 6. Great toe-
25 35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

SB0846- 28 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2 38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3 after February 1, 2006.
4 7. Each toe other than great toe-
5 12 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 13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
9 after February 1, 2006.
10 8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb
11 or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to
12 the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the
13 compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above
14 specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be
15 considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe.
16 In no case shall the amount received for more than one
17 finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the
18 loss of a hand.
19 9. Hand-
20 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
21 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
22 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
23 205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
24 after February 1, 2006.
25 190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26 after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act

SB0846- 29 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 97-18) and if the accidental injury involves carpal
2 tunnel syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative
3 trauma, in which case the permanent partial disability
4 shall not exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except
5 for cause shown by clear and convincing evidence and in
6 which case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of use
7 of the hand.
8 The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges
9 of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the
10 basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further,
11 that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits,
12 in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a
13 hand.
14 10. Arm-
15 235 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.
18 253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
19 after February 1, 2006.
20 Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
21 an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be compensated as
22 a loss of an arm. Where an accidental injury results in the
23 amputation of an arm above the elbow, compensation for an
24 additional 15 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
25 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
26 General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an

SB0846- 30 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 additional 17 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
2 after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
3 accidental injury results in the amputation of an arm at
4 the shoulder joint, or so close to shoulder joint that an
5 artificial arm cannot be used, or results in the
6 disarticulation of an arm at the shoulder joint, in which
7 case compensation for an additional 65 weeks (if the
8 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
9 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
10 February 1, 2006) or an additional 70 weeks (if the
11 accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
12 shall be paid. For purposes of awards under this
13 subdivision (e), injuries to the shoulder shall be
14 considered to be injuries to part of the arm. This
15 amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly is declarative
16 of existing law and is not a new enactment.
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.

SB0846- 31 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 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. For purposes of
21 awards under this subdivision (e), injuries to the hip
22 shall be considered to be injuries to part of the leg. This
23 amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly is declarative
24 of existing law and is not a new enactment.
25 13. Eye-
26 150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

SB0846- 32 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
2 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
3 162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
4 after February 1, 2006.
5 Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation
6 of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the
7 accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
8 this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before
9 February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the
10 accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
11 shall be paid.
12 14. Loss of hearing of one ear-
13 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
14 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
15 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
16 54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
17 after February 1, 2006.
18 Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears-
19 200 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.
22 215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
23 after February 1, 2006.
24 15. Testicle-
25 50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
26 after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the

SB0846- 33 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
2 54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
3 after February 1, 2006.
4 Both testicles-
5 150 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.
8 162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
9 after February 1, 2006.
10 16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member
11 or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation
12 during that proportion of the number of weeks in the
13 foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or
14 sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial
15 loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such
16 member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear.
17 (a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes
18 shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000
19 and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability
20 for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are
21 not to be considered as constituting disability for
22 hearing.
23 (b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of
24 the determination of compensation claims for
25 occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the
26 average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for

SB0846- 34 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per
2 second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric
3 instruments, approved by nationally recognized
4 authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring
5 hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30
6 decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of
7 hearing shall not then constitute any compensable
8 hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average 85
9 decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same
10 shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable
11 hearing loss.
12 (c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest
13 measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be
14 added together and divided by 3 to determine the
15 average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss
16 exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be
17 made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85
18 decibels.
19 (d) If a hearing loss is established to have
20 existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the
21 employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so
22 established nor shall he be liable for any loss for
23 which compensation has been paid or awarded.
24 (e) No consideration shall be given to the question
25 of whether or not the ability of an employee to
26 understand speech is improved by the use of a hearing

SB0846- 35 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 aid.
2 (f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial
3 noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed
4 unless the employee has been exposed for a period of
5 time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise
6 levels in excess of the following:
7Sound Level DBA
8Slow ResponseHours Per Day
9908
10926
11954
12973
131002
141021-1/2
151051
161101/2
171151/4
18 This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of
19 hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion.
20 17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any
21 employee who, before the accident for which he claims
22 compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
23 resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by
24 amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or
25 fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss
26 of any such member shall be deducted from any award made

SB0846- 36 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 for the subsequent injury. For the permanent loss of use or
2 the permanent partial loss of use of any such member or the
3 partial loss of sight of an eye, for which compensation has
4 been paid, then such loss shall be taken into consideration
5 and deducted from any award for the subsequent injury.
6 18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both arms,
7 or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any two
8 thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use
9 thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be
10 compensated according to the compensation fixed by
11 paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of
12 total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases.
13 Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or
14 permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such
15 members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses
16 another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the
17 use of any one of such members the employer for whom the
18 injured employee is working at the time of the last
19 independent accident is liable to pay compensation only for
20 the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of the
21 member occasioned by the last independent accident.
22 19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent death
23 of such injured employee from other causes than such injury
24 leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving before
25 payment or payment in full for such injury, then the amount
26 due for such injury is payable to the widow or widower and,

SB0846- 37 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 if there be no widow or widower, then to such dependents,
2 in the proportion which such dependency bears to total
3 dependency.
4 Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the
5Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when, after
6deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the amount
7therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid by
8employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
9reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the
10sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely.
11However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to
12$400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by
13paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
14herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been
15reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by
16paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
17herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in
18payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment
19become immediately effective for all cases coming before the
20Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final
21order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury.
22 On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each
23subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund
24designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after
25deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount
26therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by

SB0846- 38 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
2reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the
3sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely.
4However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to
5$3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7
6shall be resumed in the manner herein provided.
7 (f) In case of complete disability, which renders the
8employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the
9specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in
10subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation
11shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of
12paragraph (b) of this Section for life.
13 An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of
14this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate
15Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the
16supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this
17Section 8.
18 If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph
19afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is
20able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under
21such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is
22able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as much
23as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as to
24conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If
25such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of
26this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time

SB0846- 39 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1within 30 months after the date of such termination or
2reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose
3of determining whether any disability exists as a result of the
4original accidental injury and the extent thereof.
5 Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e)
6of this Section is considered complete disability.
7 If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the
8permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the
9loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand,
10one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and
11complete disability through the loss or the permanent and
12complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive,
13in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and
14after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second
15Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which,
16together with the compensation payable from the employer in
17whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was
18incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and
19complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this
20Section.
21 The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in
22paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as
23a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim.
24The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly and
25in general terms the approximate time and place and manner of
26the loss of the first member.

SB0846- 40 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1 In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall
2specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be
3weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be
4paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of
5the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section
67 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments continue,
7the date upon which the pension payments commence and the
8monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall 30 days
9after the date upon which payments out of the Second Injury
10Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every month
11thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller a
12voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that date
13at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State Comptroller
14shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along with a
15receipt to be executed by the injured employee and returned to
16the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt is a full and
17complete acquittance to the Commission for the payment out of
18the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation or warrant is
19necessary for payment out of the Second Injury Fund. The Second
20Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose of making payments
21according to the terms of the awards.
22 As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and
23obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims
24against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the
25extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund to
26pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all references

SB0846- 41 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also include the
2Rate Adjustment Fund.
3 (g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by
4the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which
5compensation payments shall become due and payable after the
6effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for
7death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the
8Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory
9Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of
10the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall
11first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered
12prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter.
13In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of
14the second year next following the date of the entry of the
15award and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter.
16If during the intervening period from the date of the entry of
17the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have
18been an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
19industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly
20compensation rate shall be proportionately increased by the
21same percentage as the percentage of increase in the State's
22average weekly wage in covered industries under the
23Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
24rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
25compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
26maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made.

SB0846- 42 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as herein
2provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to the
3injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, out of
4the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7
5of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same intervals as
6provided in the award or, at the option of the Commission, may
7be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of January, April,
8July and October of each year. In the event of a decrease in
9such average weekly wage there shall be no change in the then
10existing compensation rate. The within paragraph shall not
11apply to cases where there is disputed liability and in which a
12compromise lump sum settlement between the employer and the
13injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, has
14been duly approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation
15Commission.
16 Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the Commission
17for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the increases in
18the compensation rate adjusted under the foregoing provision of
19this paragraph (g) shall be limited to increases in the State's
20average weekly wage in covered industries under the
21Unemployment Insurance Act occurring after July 1, 1975.
22 For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but
23before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
24General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General
25Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in
26awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as

SB0846- 43 -LRB099 04350 JLS 24377 b
1provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The
2adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the
3second year next following the date of the entry of the award
4and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If
5during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the
6award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been
7an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
8industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer
9shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by
10the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the
11State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
12Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
13rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
14compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
15maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In
16the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall
17be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such
18increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and
19at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the
20award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is
21disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum
22settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or
23his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly
24approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
25 The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits or
26permanent total disability involving accidents occurring

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1before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the
2effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
3Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall
4continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to
5this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act.
6 (h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total
7compensation to which the employee would have been entitled has
8been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow, widower,
9child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or other lineal
10heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time of the
11accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent of 50%
12or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be paid to
13the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and distributed as
14provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7.
15 (h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal disability
16at the time when any right or privilege accrues to him or her
17under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant to law,
18and may, on behalf of such person under legal disability, claim
19and exercise any such right or privilege with the same effect
20as if the employee himself or herself had claimed or exercised
21the right or privilege. No limitations of time provided by this
22Act run so long as the employee who is under legal disability
23is without a conservator or guardian.
24 (i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age
25at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the
26amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d),

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1(e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%.
2 However, where an employer has on file an employment
3certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work
4permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act,
5as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly issued,
6such certificate, permit or birth certificate is conclusive
7evidence as to the age of the injured minor employee for the
8purposes of this Section.
9 Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions
10of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors
11under the age of 16 years.
12 (j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives benefits,
13including medical, surgical or hospital benefits under any
14group plan covering non-occupational disabilities contributed
15to wholly or partially by the employer, which benefits should
16not have been payable if any rights of recovery existed under
17this Act, then such amounts so paid to the employee from any
18such group plan as shall be consistent with, and limited to,
19the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, shall be credited to or
20against any compensation payment for temporary total
21incapacity for work or any medical, surgical or hospital
22benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such event, the
23period of time for giving notice of accidental injury and
24filing application for adjustment of claim does not commence to
25run until the termination of such payments. This paragraph does
26not apply to payments made under any group plan which would

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1have been payable irrespective of an accidental injury under
2this Act. Any employer receiving such credit shall keep such
3employee safe and harmless from any and all claims or
4liabilities that may be made against him by reason of having
5received such payments only to the extent of such credit.
6 Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State
7employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under
8Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or
9disputed disability claim shall be credited against any
10payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on
11behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments for
12medical expenses which have already been incurred at the time
13of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly reimburse
14the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent of such
15credit.
16 2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to give
17the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit for
18any benefits or payments received by the employee other than
19compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the
20employee receives payments other than compensation payments,
21whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits,
22bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or
23insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment
24only to the extent of the compensation that would have been
25payable during the period covered by such payment.
26 3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application

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1for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall
2not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had
3expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits
4enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided
5however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases wherein
6the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall be
7received after July 1, 1969.
8(Source: P.A. 97-18, eff. 6-28-11; 97-268, eff. 8-8-11; 97-813,
9eff. 7-13-12.)
10 Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
11becoming law.