There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to have a compensable Illinois workers’ compensation claim. These are set forth in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Request for Hearing form, which is filed before an arbitration hearing. You can find a copy of the form on the Commission’s website. IWCC PDF.
To be eligible for benefits, you must be able to prove the following:
- Illinois has jurisdiction over your claim
- You are an employee and not an independent contractor
- Your employer was operating under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act or Occupational Disease Act
- You sustained an accident or were exposed to an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of your employment
- You gave notice to your employer of your accident within the time required
- Your current condition of ill-being is causally connected to this injury
- You filed your “Application for Adjustment of Claim” within the time allowed, if you are seeking an award from the Commission
If you meet these requirements, then you may be entitled to medical and disability benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act or Occupational Diseases Act.
