Utilities Worker Injured in Illinois?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Illinois DWC regulations
Reviewed by: David K. Warren, Esq.
Occupational Injury Attorney · IL Bar #6320145 · 11 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your occupational skin disease claim is worth. Illinois workers typically receive $14,000–$100,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$14,000
Avg low
$100,000
Avg high
3 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $533/week
67%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,897
max weekly benefit
20%
typical attorney fee
3
filing deadline
Illinois Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Illinois Workers' Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305)
TTD rate: 67% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,897
Statute of limitations: 3 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 45 days
Key features of Illinois's system:
- ✓ Percentage-of-person disability system (no scheduled loss)
- ✓ No cap on PPD weeks for non-scheduled injuries
- ✓ Petitioner can choose treating physician
Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) administers a system notable for its high impairment benefit multipliers — permanent disability is calculated as a percentage-of-person disability, with payments at 60% of average weekly wage for the applicable number of weeks. Illinois has no maximum number of weeks for non-scheduled injuries, which can result in very high PPD awards for significant impairments. Attorney contingency fees are capped at 20% of disputed amounts.
What to Expect with Occupational Skin Disease in Illinois
10%
Average impairment rating
$12,000
Average medical costs
Occupational skin diseases — principally contact dermatitis (irritant and allergic), occupational acne (chloracne), and skin infections — are the second most common occupational disease category in the United States. Healthcare workers (latex allergy, disinfectants), construction workers (cement, epoxy resins), hairdressers (hair dyes, bleaches), and food service workers (wet work) are most affected. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by sensitizing agents (such as chromate in cement or thiurams in rubber gloves) is permanent — once sensitized, reexposure to even trace amounts causes flare-ups, often making continued employment in the causative role impossible. Patch testing is the diagnostic gold standard. Chronic allergic contact dermatitis can reach 10–25% whole-person impairment under AMA standards.
Common treatments
- ✓ Identification and complete avoidance of the causative agent
- ✓ Topical corticosteroids and emollients
- ✓ Systemic immunosuppressants (severe allergic dermatitis)
- ✓ Phototherapy (UV-B for chronic hand eczema)
- ✓ Barrier creams and protective gloves
- ✓ Vocational counseling if avoidance requires job change
Documentation needed
- ✓ Dermatologist evaluation with clinical photographs
- ✓ Patch test results identifying specific allergens
- ✓ MSDS / SDS for products handled at work
- ✓ Employer records confirming use of identified allergens
- ✓ Incident or symptom progression report
- ✓ AMA impairment rating from dermatologist
Frequently asked questions
How is occupational skin disease compensation calculated in Illinois?
In Illinois, your weekly benefit is 67% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,897. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average occupational skin disease settlement in Illinois?
Illinois workers with occupational skin disease typically settle between $14,000 and $100,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Illinois?
3 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Illinois?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 20% of settlement.
Other Illinois Workers' Comp Claims
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.