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Workers' Compensation News

Governor Quinn Signs Workers' Compensation Overhaul

On June 28, 2011, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the workers' compensation overhaul bill into law. Most provisions go into effect on September 1, 2011.

Among the changes to the state's workers' compensation system are slashes in the payments to hospitals, physicians and other healthcare professionals who treat injured workers as well as new guidelines for treatment, the development of a preferred physician network, and limits on carpal tunnel syndrome benefits.

Because of the reduced medical fees, fewer physicians are expected to handle as many workers' comp cases as in the past. In a Chicago Sun-Times article, Illinois State Medical Society president Wayne V. Polek stated, "We predict injured workers will wait longer for care, thus triggering higher medical care costs and delays in their return to work."

Click here for more details on the changes to Illinois Workers' Compensation >>

Personal Injury News

Buckle Up Back There! It's the Law

At the end of June, Gov. Quinn signed two traffic safety bills into law. The first law, sponsored by State Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and the late State Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington Hills) requires all backseat passengers to wear seatbelts. When it goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, this will replace the existing seat belt law that requires all backseat passengers under the age of 18 to use seat belts. Emergency vehicles, taxis and buses are exempt from the new law.

The second law that Gov. Quinn signed prohibits people from riding in trailers, farm wagons, semi-trailors and other vehicles while they are being towed on a public highway. Farm-related activities and parades are exempt from the new law.

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Newsletter & Articles

STYKA & STYKA's newsletter offers in-depth articles on topics that affect our clients, from changes in Illinois workers' comp and PI laws, Illinois workers' rights, and workplace accident prevention to partnering with your doctor for a full recovery, tips on returning to work after an injury, and the most common unsafe work conditions.

NEW THIS SUMMER! STYKA & STYKA offers a new e-news option! Our e-newsletter is available to clients and the general public. While it features the same articles as our print version, it also contains exclusive online content. Subscribers to our e-news also receive important Workers' Comp and Personal Injury alerts, such as ongoing updates on state and federal legislation, drug recalls and more!

Current Newsletter

• 2011 Summer