Bill Text: IL HB6145 | 2011-2012 | 97th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that, in computing the compensation to be paid to an employee who, before the accident for which the employee claims compensation, had previously sustained an injury resulting in the payment of compensation for a percentage of partial disability, that percentage of partial disability shall be deducted from any award made for a subsequent injury to the same portion of the body as was involved in the prior injury for which compensation was paid; however, nothing in those provisions permits cumulative awards for compensation for partial disability to exceed 500 weeks, which shall constitute complete loss of use of the body as a whole. Provides that, for purposes of computing compensation in nonfatal cases, injuries to the shoulder shall be considered to be injuries to part of the arm and injuries to the hip shall be considered to be injuries to part of the leg and also provides that those amendatory changes are declarative of existing law and are not new enactments. Effective immediately.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2013-01-08 - Session Sine Die [HB6145 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2011-HB6145-Introduced.html

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97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2011 and 2012 HB6145 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, in computing the compensation to be paid to an employee who, before the accident for which the employee claims compensation, had previously sustained an injury resulting in the payment of compensation for a percentage of partial disability, that percentage of partial disability shall be deducted from any award made for a subsequent injury to the same portion of the body as was involved in the prior injury for which compensation was paid; however, nothing in those provisions permits cumulative awards for compensation for partial disability to exceed 500 weeks, which shall constitute complete loss of use of the body as a whole. Provides that, for purposes of computing compensation in nonfatal cases, injuries to the shoulder shall be considered to be injuries to part of the arm and injuries to the hip shall be considered to be injuries to part of the leg and also provides that those amendatory changes are declarative of existing law and are not new enactments. Effective immediately.
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FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY
A BILL FOR
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AN ACT concerning employment.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Workers' Compensation Act is amended by
changing Section 8 as follows:
(820 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 48, par. 138.8)
Sec. 8. The amount of compensation which shall be paid to
the employee for an accidental injury not resulting in death
is:
(a) The employer shall provide and pay the negotiated rate,
if applicable, or the lesser of the health care provider's
actual charges or according to a fee schedule, subject to
Section 8.2, in effect at the time the service was rendered for
all the necessary first aid, medical and surgical services, and
all necessary medical, surgical and hospital services
thereafter incurred, limited, however, to that which is
reasonably required to cure or relieve from the effects of the
accidental injury, even if a health care provider sells,
transfers, or otherwise assigns an account receivable for
procedures, treatments, or services covered under this Act. If
the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical,
surgical, and hospital services, the employer shall make such
payment to the provider on behalf of the employee. The employer

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

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

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

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referrals from said initial service provider; plus
(3) all medical, surgical and hospital services
provided by any second physician, surgeon or hospital
subsequently chosen by the employee or by any other
physician, consultant, expert, institution or other
provider of services recommended by said second service
provider or any subsequent provider of medical services in
the chain of referrals from said second service provider.
Thereafter the employer shall select and pay for all
necessary medical, surgical and hospital treatment and the
employee may not select a provider of medical services at
the employer's expense unless the employer agrees to such
selection. At any time the employee may obtain any medical
treatment he desires at his own expense. This paragraph
shall not affect the duty to pay for rehabilitation
referred to above.
(4) The following shall apply for injuries occurring on
or after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
97-18) this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly and
only when an employer has an approved preferred provider
program pursuant to Section 8.1a on the date the employee
sustained his or her accidental injuries:
(A) The employer shall, in writing, on a form
promulgated by the Commission, inform the employee of
the preferred provider program;
(B) Subsequent to the report of an injury by an

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

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artificial of any such members lost or damaged in accidental
injury arising out of and in the course of employment, and
shall also furnish the necessary braces in all proper and
necessary cases. In cases of the loss of a member or members by
amputation, the employer shall, whenever necessary, maintain
in good repair, refit or replace the artificial limbs during
the lifetime of the employee. Where the accidental injury
accompanied by physical injury results in damage to a denture,
eye glasses or contact eye lenses, or where the accidental
injury results in damage to an artificial member, the employer
shall replace or repair such denture, glasses, lenses, or
artificial member.
The furnishing by the employer of any such services or
appliances is not an admission of liability on the part of the
employer to pay compensation.
The furnishing of any such services or appliances or the
servicing thereof by the employer is not the payment of
compensation.
(b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work
lasts more than 3 working days, weekly compensation as
hereinafter provided shall be paid beginning on the 4th day of
such temporary total incapacity and continuing as long as the
total temporary incapacity lasts. In cases where the temporary
total incapacity for work continues for a period of 14 days or
more from the day of the accident compensation shall commence
on the day after the accident.

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1. The compensation rate for temporary total
incapacity under this paragraph (b) of this Section shall
be equal to 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage
computed in accordance with Section 10, provided that it
shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal
minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the
Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever
is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall
be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to
exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation,
nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
less.
2. The compensation rate in all cases other than for
temporary total disability under this paragraph (b), and
other than for serious and permanent disfigurement under
paragraph (c) and other than for permanent partial
disability under subparagraph (2) of paragraph (d) or under
paragraph (e), of this Section shall be equal to 66 2/3% of
the employee's average weekly wage computed in accordance
with the provisions of Section 10, provided that it shall
be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal minimum
wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, or the Illinois
minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law, whichever is more,
multiplied by 40 hours. This percentage rate shall be
increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to exceed

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100% of the total minimum wage calculation,
nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
less.
2.1. The compensation rate in all cases of serious and
permanent disfigurement under paragraph (c) and of
permanent partial disability under subparagraph (2) of
paragraph (d) or under paragraph (e) of this Section shall
be equal to 60% of the employee's average weekly wage
computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10,
provided that it shall be not less than 66 2/3% of the sum
of the Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards
Act, or the Illinois minimum wage under the Minimum Wage
Law, whichever is more, multiplied by 40 hours. This
percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse
and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage
calculation,
nor exceed the employee's average weekly wage computed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10, whichever is
less.
3. As used in this Section the term "child" means a
child of the employee including any child legally adopted
before the accident or whom at the time of the accident the
employee was under legal obligation to support or to whom
the employee stood in loco parentis, and who at the time of
the accident was under 18 years of age and not emancipated.

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The term "children" means the plural of "child".
4. All weekly compensation rates provided under
subparagraphs 1, 2 and 2.1 of this paragraph (b) of this
Section shall be subject to the following limitations:
The maximum weekly compensation rate from July 1, 1975,
except as hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the
State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
Unemployment Insurance Act, that being the wage that most
closely approximates the State's average weekly wage.
The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1987, except as hereinafter
provided, shall be $293.61. Effective July 1, 1987 and on
July 1 of each year thereafter the maximum weekly
compensation rate, except as hereinafter provided, shall
be determined as follows: if during the preceding 12 month
period there shall have been an increase in the State's
average weekly wage in covered industries under the
Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly compensation rate
shall be proportionately increased by the same percentage
as the percentage of increase in the State's average weekly
wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
Insurance Act during such period.
The maximum weekly compensation rate, for the period
January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1983, except as
hereinafter provided, shall be 100% of the State's average
weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment

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Insurance Act in effect on January 1, 1981. Effective
January 1, 1984 and on January 1, of each year thereafter
the maximum weekly compensation rate, except as
hereinafter provided, shall be determined as follows: if
during the preceding 12 month period there shall have been
an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the
weekly compensation rate shall be proportionately
increased by the same percentage as the percentage of
increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act during
such period.
From July 1, 1977 and thereafter such maximum weekly
compensation rate in death cases under Section 7, and
permanent total disability cases under paragraph (f) or
subparagraph 18 of paragraph (3) of this Section and for
temporary total disability under paragraph (b) of this
Section and for amputation of a member or enucleation of an
eye under paragraph (e) of this Section shall be increased
to 133-1/3% of the State's average weekly wage in covered
industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
For injuries occurring on or after February 1, 2006,
the maximum weekly benefit under paragraph (d)1 of this
Section shall be 100% of the State's average weekly wage in
covered industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act.
4.1. Any provision herein to the contrary

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notwithstanding, the weekly compensation rate for
compensation payments under subparagraph 18 of paragraph
(e) of this Section and under paragraph (f) of this Section
and under paragraph (a) of Section 7 and for amputation of
a member or enucleation of an eye under paragraph (e) of
this Section, shall in no event be less than 50% of the
State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
Unemployment Insurance Act.
4.2. Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding,
the total compensation payable under Section 7 shall not
exceed the greater of $500,000 or 25 years.
5. For the purpose of this Section this State's average
weekly wage in covered industries under the Unemployment
Insurance Act on July 1, 1975 is hereby fixed at $228.16
per week and the computation of compensation rates shall be
based on the aforesaid average weekly wage until modified
as hereinafter provided.
6. The Department of Employment Security of the State
shall on or before the first day of December, 1977, and on
or before the first day of June, 1978, and on the first day
of each December and June of each year thereafter, publish
the State's average weekly wage in covered industries under
the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Illinois Workers'
Compensation Commission shall on the 15th day of January,
1978 and on the 15th day of July, 1978 and on the 15th day
of each January and July of each year thereafter, post and

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publish the State's average weekly wage in covered
industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act as last
determined and published by the Department of Employment
Security. The amount when so posted and published shall be
conclusive and shall be applicable as the basis of
computation of compensation rates until the next posting
and publication as aforesaid.
7. The payment of compensation by an employer or his
insurance carrier to an injured employee shall not
constitute an admission of the employer's liability to pay
compensation.
(c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the
hand, head, face, neck, arm, leg below the knee or the chest
above the axillary line, the employee is entitled to
compensation for such disfigurement, the amount determined by
agreement at any time or by arbitration under this Act, at a
hearing not less than 6 months after the date of the accidental
injury, which amount shall not exceed 150 weeks (if the
accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of this
amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before February
1, 2006) or 162 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006) at the applicable rate provided in
subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section.
No compensation is payable under this paragraph where
compensation is payable under paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) of
this Section.

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A duly appointed member of a fire department in a city, the
population of which exceeds 500,000 according to the last
federal or State census, is eligible for compensation under
this paragraph only where such serious and permanent
disfigurement results from burns.
(d) 1. If, after the accidental injury has been sustained,
the employee as a result thereof becomes partially
incapacitated from pursuing his usual and customary line of
employment, he shall, except in cases compensated under the
specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this Section,
receive compensation for the duration of his disability,
subject to the limitations as to maximum amounts fixed in
paragraph (b) of this Section, equal to 66-2/3% of the
difference between the average amount which he would be able to
earn in the full performance of his duties in the occupation in
which he was engaged at the time of the accident and the
average amount which he is earning or is able to earn in some
suitable employment or business after the accident. For
accidental injuries that occur on or after September 1, 2011,
an award for wage differential under this subsection shall be
effective only until the employee reaches the age of 67 or 5
years from the date the award becomes final, whichever is
later.
2. If, as a result of the accident, the employee sustains
serious and permanent injuries not covered by paragraphs (c)
and (e) of this Section or having sustained injuries covered by

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the aforesaid paragraphs (c) and (e), he shall have sustained
in addition thereto other injuries which injuries do not
incapacitate him from pursuing the duties of his employment but
which would disable him from pursuing other suitable
occupations, or which have otherwise resulted in physical
impairment; or if such injuries partially incapacitate him from
pursuing the duties of his usual and customary line of
employment but do not result in an impairment of earning
capacity, or having resulted in an impairment of earning
capacity, the employee elects to waive his right to recover
under the foregoing subparagraph 1 of paragraph (d) of this
Section then in any of the foregoing events, he shall receive
in addition to compensation for temporary total disability
under paragraph (b) of this Section, compensation at the rate
provided in subparagraph 2.1 of paragraph (b) of this Section
for that percentage of 500 weeks that the partial disability
resulting from the injuries covered by this paragraph bears to
total disability.
In computing the compensation to be paid to any employee
who, before the accident for which he or she claims
compensation, had previously sustained an injury resulting in
the payment of compensation for a percentage of partial
disability under this subparagraph 2, such percentage of
partial disability shall be deducted from any award made under
this subparagraph 2 for a subsequent injury to the same portion
of the body as was involved in the prior injury for which

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compensation was paid; provided, however, nothing herein
contained shall permit cumulative awards for compensation for
partial disability under this subparagraph 2 to exceed 500
weeks, which shall constitute complete loss of use of the body
as a whole.
If, as a result of the accident, the employee shall have
sustained a fracture of one or more vertebra or fracture of the
skull, the amount of compensation allowed under this Section
shall be not less than 6 weeks for a fractured skull and 6
weeks for each fractured vertebra, and in the event the
employee shall have sustained a fracture of any of the
following facial bones: nasal, lachrymal, vomer, zygoma,
maxilla, palatine or mandible, the amount of compensation
allowed under this Section shall be not less than 2 weeks for
each such fractured bone, and for a fracture of each transverse
process not less than 3 weeks. In the event such injuries shall
result in the loss of a kidney, spleen or lung, the amount of
compensation allowed under this Section shall be not less than
10 weeks for each such organ. Compensation awarded under this
subparagraph 2 shall not take into consideration injuries
covered under paragraphs (c) and (e) of this Section and the
compensation provided in this paragraph shall not affect the
employee's right to compensation payable under paragraphs (b),
(c) and (e) of this Section for the disabilities therein
covered.
(e) For accidental injuries in the following schedule, the

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employee shall receive compensation for the period of temporary
total incapacity for work resulting from such accidental
injury, under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of this Section,
and shall receive in addition thereto compensation for a
further period for the specific loss herein mentioned, but
shall not receive any compensation under any other provisions
of this Act. The following listed amounts apply to either the
loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the member
specified, such compensation for the length of time as follows:
1. Thumb-
70 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
76 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
2. First, or index finger-
40 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
43 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
3. Second, or middle finger-
35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

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after February 1, 2006.
4. Third, or ring finger-
25 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
27 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
5. Fourth, or little finger-
20 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
22 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
6. Great toe-
35 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
38 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
7. Each toe other than great toe-
12 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
13 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
8. The loss of the first or distal phalanx of the thumb

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or of any finger or toe shall be considered to be equal to
the loss of one-half of such thumb, finger or toe and the
compensation payable shall be one-half of the amount above
specified. The loss of more than one phalanx shall be
considered as the loss of the entire thumb, finger or toe.
In no case shall the amount received for more than one
finger exceed the amount provided in this schedule for the
loss of a hand.
9. Hand-
190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
205 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
190 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after June 28, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
97-18) this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly
and if the accidental injury involves carpal tunnel
syndrome due to repetitive or cumulative trauma, in
which case the permanent partial disability shall not
exceed 15% loss of use of the hand, except for cause
shown by clear and convincing evidence and in which
case the award shall not exceed 30% loss of use of the
hand.
The loss of 2 or more digits, or one or more phalanges
of 2 or more digits, of a hand may be compensated on the

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basis of partial loss of use of a hand, provided, further,
that the loss of 4 digits, or the loss of use of 4 digits,
in the same hand shall constitute the complete loss of a
hand.
10. Arm-
235 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
253 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
an arm below the elbow, such injury shall be compensated as
a loss of an arm. Where an accidental injury results in the
amputation of an arm above the elbow, compensation for an
additional 15 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
additional 17 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
accidental injury results in the amputation of an arm at
the shoulder joint, or so close to shoulder joint that an
artificial arm cannot be used, or results in the
disarticulation of an arm at the shoulder joint, in which
case compensation for an additional 65 weeks (if the
accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before

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February 1, 2006) or an additional 70 weeks (if the
accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
shall be paid. For purposes of awards under this
subdivision (e), injuries to the shoulder shall be
considered to be injuries to part of the arm. This
amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly is declarative
of existing law and is not a new enactment.
11. Foot-
155 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
167 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
12. Leg-
200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
Where an accidental injury results in the amputation of
a leg below the knee, such injury shall be compensated as
loss of a leg. Where an accidental injury results in the
amputation of a leg above the knee, compensation for an
additional 25 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an

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additional 27 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006) shall be paid, except where the
accidental injury results in the amputation of a leg at the
hip joint, or so close to the hip joint that an artificial
leg cannot be used, or results in the disarticulation of a
leg at the hip joint, in which case compensation for an
additional 75 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
General Assembly but before February 1, 2006) or an
additional 81 weeks (if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006) shall be paid.
For purposes of awards under this subdivision (e),
injuries to the hip shall be considered to be injuries to
part of the leg. This amendatory Act of the 97th General
Assembly is declarative of existing law and is not a new
enactment.
13. Eye-
150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
Where an accidental injury results in the enucleation
of an eye, compensation for an additional 10 weeks (if the
accidental injury occurs on or after the effective date of
this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly but before

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February 1, 2006) or an additional 11 weeks (if the
accidental injury occurs on or after February 1, 2006)
shall be paid.
14. Loss of hearing of one ear-
50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
Total and permanent loss of hearing of both ears-
200 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
215 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
15. Testicle-
50 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
54 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after February 1, 2006.
Both testicles-
150 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
94th General Assembly but before February 1, 2006.
162 weeks if the accidental injury occurs on or

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after February 1, 2006.
16. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member
or sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, compensation
during that proportion of the number of weeks in the
foregoing schedule provided for the loss of such member or
sight of an eye, or hearing of an ear, which the partial
loss of use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such
member, or sight of eye, or hearing of an ear.
(a) Loss of hearing for compensation purposes
shall be confined to the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000
and 3,000 cycles per second. Loss of hearing ability
for frequency tones above 3,000 cycles per second are
not to be considered as constituting disability for
hearing.
(b) The percent of hearing loss, for purposes of
the determination of compensation claims for
occupational deafness, shall be calculated as the
average in decibels for the thresholds of hearing for
the frequencies of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles per
second. Pure tone air conduction audiometric
instruments, approved by nationally recognized
authorities in this field, shall be used for measuring
hearing loss. If the losses of hearing average 30
decibels or less in the 3 frequencies, such losses of
hearing shall not then constitute any compensable
hearing disability. If the losses of hearing average 85

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decibels or more in the 3 frequencies, then the same
shall constitute and be total or 100% compensable
hearing loss.
(c) In measuring hearing impairment, the lowest
measured losses in each of the 3 frequencies shall be
added together and divided by 3 to determine the
average decibel loss. For every decibel of loss
exceeding 30 decibels an allowance of 1.82% shall be
made up to the maximum of 100% which is reached at 85
decibels.
(d) If a hearing loss is established to have
existed on July 1, 1975 by audiometric testing the
employer shall not be liable for the previous loss so
established nor shall he be liable for any loss for
which compensation has been paid or awarded.
(e) No consideration shall be given to the question
of whether or not the ability of an employee to
understand speech is improved by the use of a hearing
aid.
(f) No claim for loss of hearing due to industrial
noise shall be brought against an employer or allowed
unless the employee has been exposed for a period of
time sufficient to cause permanent impairment to noise
levels in excess of the following:
Sound Level DBA
Slow Response Hours Per Day

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90 8
92 6
95 4
97 3
100 2
102 1-1/2
105 1
110 1/2
115 1/4
This subparagraph (f) shall not be applied in cases of
hearing loss resulting from trauma or explosion.
17. In computing the compensation to be paid to any
employee who, before the accident for which he claims
compensation, had before that time sustained an injury
resulting in the loss by amputation or partial loss by
amputation of any member, including hand, arm, thumb or
fingers, leg, foot or any toes, such loss or partial loss
of any such member shall be deducted from any award made
for the subsequent injury. For the permanent loss of use or
the permanent partial loss of use of any such member or the
partial loss of sight of an eye, for which compensation has
been paid, then such loss shall be taken into consideration
and deducted from any award for the subsequent injury.
18. The specific case of loss of both hands, both arms,
or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any two
thereof, or the permanent and complete loss of the use

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thereof, constitutes total and permanent disability, to be
compensated according to the compensation fixed by
paragraph (f) of this Section. These specific cases of
total and permanent disability do not exclude other cases.
Any employee who has previously suffered the loss or
permanent and complete loss of the use of any of such
members, and in a subsequent independent accident loses
another or suffers the permanent and complete loss of the
use of any one of such members the employer for whom the
injured employee is working at the time of the last
independent accident is liable to pay compensation only for
the loss or permanent and complete loss of the use of the
member occasioned by the last independent accident.
19. In a case of specific loss and the subsequent death
of such injured employee from other causes than such injury
leaving a widow, widower, or dependents surviving before
payment or payment in full for such injury, then the amount
due for such injury is payable to the widow or widower and,
if there be no widow or widower, then to such dependents,
in the proportion which such dependency bears to total
dependency.
Beginning July 1, 1980, and every 6 months thereafter, the
Commission shall examine the Second Injury Fund and when, after
deducting all advances or loans made to such Fund, the amount
therein is $500,000 then the amount required to be paid by
employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be

HB6145 - 28 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
reduced by one-half. When the Second Injury Fund reaches the
sum of $600,000 then the payments shall cease entirely.
However, when the Second Injury Fund has been reduced to
$400,000, payment of one-half of the amounts required by
paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
herein provided, and when the Second Injury Fund has been
reduced to $300,000, payment of the full amounts required by
paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be resumed, in the manner
herein provided. The Commission shall make the changes in
payment effective by general order, and the changes in payment
become immediately effective for all cases coming before the
Commission thereafter either by settlement agreement or final
order, irrespective of the date of the accidental injury.
On August 1, 1996 and on February 1 and August 1 of each
subsequent year, the Commission shall examine the special fund
designated as the "Rate Adjustment Fund" and when, after
deducting all advances or loans made to said fund, the amount
therein is $4,000,000, the amount required to be paid by
employers pursuant to paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be
reduced by one-half. When the Rate Adjustment Fund reaches the
sum of $5,000,000 the payment therein shall cease entirely.
However, when said Rate Adjustment Fund has been reduced to
$3,000,000 the amounts required by paragraph (f) of Section 7
shall be resumed in the manner herein provided.
(f) In case of complete disability, which renders the
employee wholly and permanently incapable of work, or in the

HB6145 - 29 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
specific case of total and permanent disability as provided in
subparagraph 18 of paragraph (e) of this Section, compensation
shall be payable at the rate provided in subparagraph 2 of
paragraph (b) of this Section for life.
An employee entitled to benefits under paragraph (f) of
this Section shall also be entitled to receive from the Rate
Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7 of the
supplementary benefits provided in paragraph (g) of this
Section 8.
If any employee who receives an award under this paragraph
afterwards returns to work or is able to do so, and earns or is
able to earn as much as before the accident, payments under
such award shall cease. If such employee returns to work, or is
able to do so, and earns or is able to earn part but not as much
as before the accident, such award shall be modified so as to
conform to an award under paragraph (d) of this Section. If
such award is terminated or reduced under the provisions of
this paragraph, such employees have the right at any time
within 30 months after the date of such termination or
reduction to file petition with the Commission for the purpose
of determining whether any disability exists as a result of the
original accidental injury and the extent thereof.
Disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph (e)
of this Section is considered complete disability.
If an employee who had previously incurred loss or the
permanent and complete loss of use of one member, through the

HB6145 - 30 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
loss or the permanent and complete loss of the use of one hand,
one arm, one foot, one leg, or one eye, incurs permanent and
complete disability through the loss or the permanent and
complete loss of the use of another member, he shall receive,
in addition to the compensation payable by the employer and
after such payments have ceased, an amount from the Second
Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section 7, which,
together with the compensation payable from the employer in
whose employ he was when the last accidental injury was
incurred, will equal the amount payable for permanent and
complete disability as provided in this paragraph of this
Section.
The custodian of the Second Injury Fund provided for in
paragraph (f) of Section 7 shall be joined with the employer as
a party respondent in the application for adjustment of claim.
The application for adjustment of claim shall state briefly and
in general terms the approximate time and place and manner of
the loss of the first member.
In its award the Commission or the Arbitrator shall
specifically find the amount the injured employee shall be
weekly paid, the number of weeks compensation which shall be
paid by the employer, the date upon which payments begin out of
the Second Injury Fund provided for in paragraph (f) of Section
7 of this Act, the length of time the weekly payments continue,
the date upon which the pension payments commence and the
monthly amount of the payments. The Commission shall 30 days

HB6145 - 31 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
after the date upon which payments out of the Second Injury
Fund have begun as provided in the award, and every month
thereafter, prepare and submit to the State Comptroller a
voucher for payment for all compensation accrued to that date
at the rate fixed by the Commission. The State Comptroller
shall draw a warrant to the injured employee along with a
receipt to be executed by the injured employee and returned to
the Commission. The endorsed warrant and receipt is a full and
complete acquittance to the Commission for the payment out of
the Second Injury Fund. No other appropriation or warrant is
necessary for payment out of the Second Injury Fund. The Second
Injury Fund is appropriated for the purpose of making payments
according to the terms of the awards.
As of July 1, 1980 to July 1, 1982, all claims against and
obligations of the Second Injury Fund shall become claims
against and obligations of the Rate Adjustment Fund to the
extent there is insufficient money in the Second Injury Fund to
pay such claims and obligations. In that case, all references
to "Second Injury Fund" in this Section shall also include the
Rate Adjustment Fund.
(g) Every award for permanent total disability entered by
the Commission on and after July 1, 1965 under which
compensation payments shall become due and payable after the
effective date of this amendatory Act, and every award for
death benefits or permanent total disability entered by the
Commission on and after the effective date of this amendatory

HB6145 - 32 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
Act shall be subject to annual adjustments as to the amount of
the compensation rate therein provided. Such adjustments shall
first be made on July 15, 1977, and all awards made and entered
prior to July 1, 1975 and on July 15 of each year thereafter.
In all other cases such adjustment shall be made on July 15 of
the second year next following the date of the entry of the
award and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter.
If during the intervening period from the date of the entry of
the award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have
been an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the weekly
compensation rate shall be proportionately increased by the
same percentage as the percentage of increase in the State's
average weekly wage in covered industries under the
Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made.
Such increase shall be paid in the same manner as herein
provided for payments under the Second Injury Fund to the
injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, out of
the Rate Adjustment Fund provided in paragraph (f) of Section 7
of this Act. Payments shall be made at the same intervals as
provided in the award or, at the option of the Commission, may
be made in quarterly payment on the 15th day of January, April,
July and October of each year. In the event of a decrease in

HB6145 - 33 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
such average weekly wage there shall be no change in the then
existing compensation rate. The within paragraph shall not
apply to cases where there is disputed liability and in which a
compromise lump sum settlement between the employer and the
injured employee, or his dependents, as the case may be, has
been duly approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation
Commission.
Provided, that in cases of awards entered by the Commission
for injuries occurring before July 1, 1975, the increases in
the compensation rate adjusted under the foregoing provision of
this paragraph (g) shall be limited to increases in the State's
average weekly wage in covered industries under the
Unemployment Insurance Act occurring after July 1, 1975.
For every accident occurring on or after July 20, 2005 but
before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th
General Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General
Assembly), the annual adjustments to the compensation rate in
awards for death benefits or permanent total disability, as
provided in this Act, shall be paid by the employer. The
adjustment shall be made by the employer on July 15 of the
second year next following the date of the entry of the award
and shall further be made on July 15 annually thereafter. If
during the intervening period from the date of the entry of the
award, or the last periodic adjustment, there shall have been
an increase in the State's average weekly wage in covered
industries under the Unemployment Insurance Act, the employer

HB6145 - 34 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
shall increase the weekly compensation rate proportionately by
the same percentage as the percentage of increase in the
State's average weekly wage in covered industries under the
Unemployment Insurance Act. The increase in the compensation
rate under this paragraph shall in no event bring the total
compensation rate to an amount greater than the prevailing
maximum rate at the time that the annual adjustment is made. In
the event of a decrease in such average weekly wage there shall
be no change in the then existing compensation rate. Such
increase shall be paid by the employer in the same manner and
at the same intervals as the payment of compensation in the
award. This paragraph shall not apply to cases where there is
disputed liability and in which a compromise lump sum
settlement between the employer and the injured employee, or
his or her dependents, as the case may be, has been duly
approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
The annual adjustments for every award of death benefits or
permanent total disability involving accidents occurring
before July 20, 2005 and accidents occurring on or after the
effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General
Assembly (Senate Bill 1283 of the 94th General Assembly) shall
continue to be paid from the Rate Adjustment Fund pursuant to
this paragraph and Section 7(f) of this Act.
(h) In case death occurs from any cause before the total
compensation to which the employee would have been entitled has
been paid, then in case the employee leaves any widow, widower,

HB6145 - 35 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
child, parent (or any grandchild, grandparent or other lineal
heir or any collateral heir dependent at the time of the
accident upon the earnings of the employee to the extent of 50%
or more of total dependency) such compensation shall be paid to
the beneficiaries of the deceased employee and distributed as
provided in paragraph (g) of Section 7.
(h-1) In case an injured employee is under legal disability
at the time when any right or privilege accrues to him or her
under this Act, a guardian may be appointed pursuant to law,
and may, on behalf of such person under legal disability, claim
and exercise any such right or privilege with the same effect
as if the employee himself or herself had claimed or exercised
the right or privilege. No limitations of time provided by this
Act run so long as the employee who is under legal disability
is without a conservator or guardian.
(i) In case the injured employee is under 16 years of age
at the time of the accident and is illegally employed, the
amount of compensation payable under paragraphs (b), (c), (d),
(e) and (f) of this Section is increased 50%.
However, where an employer has on file an employment
certificate issued pursuant to the Child Labor Law or work
permit issued pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act,
as amended, or a birth certificate properly and duly issued,
such certificate, permit or birth certificate is conclusive
evidence as to the age of the injured minor employee for the
purposes of this Section.

HB6145 - 36 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
Nothing herein contained repeals or amends the provisions
of the Child Labor Law relating to the employment of minors
under the age of 16 years.
(j) 1. In the event the injured employee receives benefits,
including medical, surgical or hospital benefits under any
group plan covering non-occupational disabilities contributed
to wholly or partially by the employer, which benefits should
not have been payable if any rights of recovery existed under
this Act, then such amounts so paid to the employee from any
such group plan as shall be consistent with, and limited to,
the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, shall be credited to or
against any compensation payment for temporary total
incapacity for work or any medical, surgical or hospital
benefits made or to be made under this Act. In such event, the
period of time for giving notice of accidental injury and
filing application for adjustment of claim does not commence to
run until the termination of such payments. This paragraph does
not apply to payments made under any group plan which would
have been payable irrespective of an accidental injury under
this Act. Any employer receiving such credit shall keep such
employee safe and harmless from any and all claims or
liabilities that may be made against him by reason of having
received such payments only to the extent of such credit.
Any excess benefits paid to or on behalf of a State
employee by the State Employees' Retirement System under
Article 14 of the Illinois Pension Code on a death claim or

HB6145 - 37 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
disputed disability claim shall be credited against any
payments made or to be made by the State of Illinois to or on
behalf of such employee under this Act, except for payments for
medical expenses which have already been incurred at the time
of the award. The State of Illinois shall directly reimburse
the State Employees' Retirement System to the extent of such
credit.
2. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to give
the employer or the insurance carrier the right to credit for
any benefits or payments received by the employee other than
compensation payments provided by this Act, and where the
employee receives payments other than compensation payments,
whether as full or partial salary, group insurance benefits,
bonuses, annuities or any other payments, the employer or
insurance carrier shall receive credit for each such payment
only to the extent of the compensation that would have been
payable during the period covered by such payment.
3. The extension of time for the filing of an Application
for Adjustment of Claim as provided in paragraph 1 above shall
not apply to those cases where the time for such filing had
expired prior to the date on which payments or benefits
enumerated herein have been initiated or resumed. Provided
however that this paragraph 3 shall apply only to cases wherein
the payments or benefits hereinabove enumerated shall be
received after July 1, 1969.
(Source: P.A. 97-18, eff. 6-28-11; 97-268, eff. 8-8-11; revised

HB6145 - 38 - LRB097 20980 KTG 68230 b
9-15-11.)
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
becoming law.