Governor Rauner Pushing for Workers Comp Reform
Illinois' worker's compensation system is under intense scrutiny from Governor Rauner's office these days. In an attempt to attract businesses to the state, he is pushing for changes to the system that would bring the state in line with other states that have a higher causation standard for those who seek to file claims.
Chicago, Illinois, October 6, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Illinois' worker's compensation system is under intense scrutiny from Governor Rauner's office these days. In an attempt to attract businesses to the state, he is pushing for changes to the system that would bring the state in line with other states that have a higher causation standard for those who seek to file claims.
At the core of Governor Rauner's concerns are the high premiums businesses within the state pay in order to ensure their employees are covered on the job. As such, the Governor is meeting with both business leaders and the Illinois Worker's Compensation Commission to determine a solution that is agreeable to everyone.
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Dworkin & Maciariello, Dworkin & Maciariello Injury Law
One of the governor's proposals is to require employees to provide more detailed information with their claims. Such information would include more detailed physician records in addition to the assessment of an independent medical expert prior to the awarding of claims.
"What Governor Rauner is attempting to do is attract businesses by making it more difficult for employees to file claims. He points to other states as examples without realizing that workers within those states are often denied claims for legitimate injuries and damage. Further, workers in those states often drop their claims simply because the paperwork and bureaucracy are nightmarish," critiqued Bradley Dworkin, a Chicago injury lawyer.
Another important reason Governor Rauner is seeking reform is his concern that workers' compensation fraud is on the rise. While any workers' compensation fraud is a problem, the reality is that it's not as significant as he claims it to be. Furthermore, there are strong mechanisms in place to investigate, deny claims, and prosecute those who falsify claims information.
"All of the governors reasons and proposals are understandable, even if they are false and would bear no benefit to the business climate in the state. The truth is that the governor is seeking ways to lower the amount paid in claims, reduce the amount paid for emergency services, and decrease the amounts paid for the long-term management of pain and any surgeries that may be required by claimants. Regretably, employees will lose their protections should the governor's proposed changes become policy," argued Chicago injury lawyer Bradley Dworkin.