Donald Fohrman Argues That Further Workers' Compensation Reforms Are Unnecessary

Chicago, illinois, August 19, 2015 (Newswire.com) - A new report from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Committee shows that workers' compensation costs in the state have dropped significantly since the last round of legislative reforms in 2011. Some in the state say that the results of the report show that further reforms aren't necessary. Governor Bruce Rauner has proposed a number of reforms that he says would reduce workers' compensation costs and make the state more business friendly.

Chicago workers' compensation lawyer Donald Fohrman is among those argue that further reforms aren't needed. "I can understand the governor's desire to reduce business expenses," Mr. Fohrman explained. "I think all Illinois residents want the state to be as business-friendly as possible. But I don't think that should come at the expense of the state's injured workers."

Under Governor Rauner's proposed changes workers would have to meet a higher injury threshold before being eligible for benefits. He would also like to reduce reimbursement rates to doctors who treat injured workers and place restrictions on workers' compensation benefits for injuries suffered while traveling.

However, according to some, current state law is already effective at reducing costs. "We have payments down by almost 20 percent. That's the largest drop in the country," Mr. Fohrman added. "I think we've done an excellent job at reforming the system. Let's look elsewhere to cut business costs."

Mr. Fohrman, a workers' compensation lawyer in Chicago, continued that it's easy to forget how important these funds are. "Sometimes politicians can just look at a line item and decide to cut it," he explained. "Well, I see these injured workers everyday. They need these benefits. They're physically unable to work. What are they supposed to do if they can't work and they can't meet an increased injury threshold?"