If you have been hurt at work in Illinois, you have rights — and the next step depends on where you are. This site explains Illinois workers’ compensation in plain language, with a focus on physical therapy. It is general information only, not medical advice, not legal advice, and not a law firm. See the Disclaimer. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.
Questions people actually search for
Find your question below. Each question links to its own page with a full answer, what to do next, and related questions.
En español: Guía de derechos de compensación laboral y terapia física en Illinois
Just injured
- How many days do I have to report a work injury in Illinois?
- Can workers’ compensation be denied for late report?
- How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
- Does workers’ compensation cover back injuries?
- Can I get workers’ compensation if I am partially at fault?
- As an employee, how do I find the insurance that my employer is using for workers’ comp?
- How do I file a claim with the IWCC, step by step (CompFile)?
- Am I covered if I was hurt on my first day — or work part-time, seasonally, or through a staffing agency?
- Can undocumented workers get Illinois workers’ compensation?
- I am called an independent contractor (1099) — can I still have a claim?
- I was hurt traveling for work, driving, or running a work errand — covered?
Treatment / physical therapy
- Can I choose my own doctor in Illinois?
- Can I change doctors in Illinois?
- Is physical therapy covered under Illinois workers’ compensation?
- Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Illinois?
- Can I see any physical therapist in Illinois?
- What if my physical therapy is stopped?
- Does workers’ comp pay my mileage and travel costs to treatment?
- Shoulder injuries at work: treatment, surgery questions, and therapy
- Knee injuries at work: treatment, therapy, and time off
- A nurse case manager wants to come to my doctor appointments — what are my choices?
- Hearing loss from a noisy workplace
- Amputation and loss of use: how specific-loss claims work
- Burns at work
- Concussion and head injury at work
Money and benefits
- What does Illinois workers’ compensation pay for?
- Does workers’ compensation pay for missed work?
- Can I get benefits for a pre-existing condition?
- Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive strain injuries?
- My workers’ comp checks stopped, or are late — what can I do?
- Death benefits: what Illinois pays a worker’s family
- How is my average weekly wage (AWW) calculated?
- TTD, TPD, PPD, PTD: what is the difference?
- Can I get workers’ comp and Social Security at the same time?
- Are workers’ comp benefits taxable?
- Disfigurement and scarring benefits
Claim denied
- What if my claim is denied?
- What is a workers’ compensation IME?
- Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois?
- Do I have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
- Can my employer drug-test me after an injury — and what if I test positive?
- Can I sue someone besides my employer? Third-party claims explained
- My work-injury medical bills went to collections — do I have to pay them?
- What is a 19(b) hearing, and when does a stalled claim need one?
- Can the insurance company put me under surveillance?
Returning to work
- Can I return to work with restrictions?
- Can I lose my job for filing a claim?
- What happens if I am fired after a work injury?
- What is vocational rehabilitation, and can I ask for it?
- Can I work a second job while I am on workers’ comp?
- Can I quit my job while I am on workers’ comp?
Settlement
- Do I have to accept a settlement?
- What is the difference between a settlement and an award?
- How long does a workers’ compensation claim take?
- Does workers’ comp pay for pain and suffering?
More questions: How is a settlement calculated? | How long can I receive benefits? | What is MMI? | What if I cannot return to work? | Can I reopen a claim? | All FAQs
Deadlines box — verify your dates
Warning: Verify your own dates against the current IWCC handbook and rate table.
- Notice to employer: generally within 45 days.
- Filing a claim with the IWCC: generally within 3 years of the injury, or within 2 years of the last compensation payment, whichever is later.
- Two-doctor rule: generally two choices of doctor, plus referrals from those doctors.
- PPP opt-out: must be checked in writing — do not assume a Preferred Provider Program applies or does not apply without checking.
Verify at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
The process, in one place
For the step-by-step process after an injury, see What to Do After a Work Injury.
All guides and FAQs
Benefits overview | Return to work | Physical therapy guide | Choosing a doctor | Claim denied guide | FAQs
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