Illinois Workers Comp Guide
Most of the confusion around workers comp in Illinois comes from not knowing what happens next. Here's the actual sequence, start to finish.
How to File a Claim in Illinois
Before anything else, your employer needs to know. That notification is what triggers their obligation to report the claim to their insurer.
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Seek medical treatment and inform the provider it's work-related
- Your employer files a First Report of Injury with their insurer
- File your own claim within Illinois's deadline — see below
- Cooperate with the insurer's investigation and any requested exams
Filing Deadline and Waiting Period
Illinois's general filing deadline is 3 years from the date of injury, and there's a 3-day waiting period before wage-replacement benefits begin. See the full filing deadline guide for tolling rules and what happens if you miss it.
What Happens After You File
Once your claim is filed, the insurer has a window to accept, deny, or request more information — how long that takes varies, but persistent follow-up rarely hurts.
Do You Need an Attorney in Illinois?
Illinois attorneys work on contingency for workers comp cases, meaning there's no upfront cost to have one review your claim — worth doing even if you're not sure you need full representation. Illinois caps attorney contingency fees at 20%.