State laws govern the distribution of workers’ compensation benefits. In Illinois, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act outlines the rights of injured workers. According to the Act, injured workers are entitled to:

• Medical Expenses – 100% of all medical expenses are covered. No deductible or coinsurance payment is required.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – If you need to be off work to heal from your injuries, you are entitled to a weekly lost wage benefit. This sum is calculated based on two-thirds of your average gross weekly wage.
• Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) – Also known as a lump sum settlement, this benefit is meant to compensate you for the partial lost use of a body part. The amount of these benefits is determined by what body part is permanently impaired and how that will affect your life.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If your injury leaves you unable to do any kind of work, or you suffer a permanent injury or disability, you are entitled to benefits for life. These benefits are based on two-thirds of your average gross weekly wage.
• Wage Loss Differential – If your injury prevents you from doing your job and you must take a lower paying job, you may be entitled to a benefit equal to two-thirds of the difference between the average gross weekly wages of each job.
• Vocational Retraining – If you cannot return to your job because of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for retraining in another occupation.
• Survivor Benefits – If a worker is killed on the job, his or her dependent heirs are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.