Workers' Compensation

A discussion on how the Workers’ Compensation Commission interprets, applies, and responds to appellate opinions, the practical impact those rulings have on case outcomes and what practitioners should understand about this ongoing dialogue between the two institutions.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

Explore the five key factors used to determine the nature and extent of injuries in workers’ compensation cases. This session reviews current interpretations, practical applications, and recent developments impacting these evaluations. Gain insights into how these factors influence case outcomes and learn strategies for presenting compelling evidence.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

Gain practical guidance on crafting clear, persuasive legal documents for administrative and appellate review. This session covers techniques for organizing arguments, drafting proposed decisions, and preparing effective briefs that meet procedural requirements and strengthen advocacy.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

This session explores how utilization review impacts treatment decisions and the role of nurse case managers in coordinating care for workers’ compensation claims. Learn key regulatory requirements, communication best practices, and strategies for effective medical management that balance cost and quality. The session also covers handling conflicts between UR and treating physician recommendations, including appeals and 19(b) options.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

This session evaluates and discusses retaliatory discharge and wrongful termination claims, with a focus on how separation agreements intersect with workers’ compensation cases. Explore the variety of issues employees and employers face when an injury impacts employment status. Key topics include wrongful termination, FMLA, ADA, and resignation agreements.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

An in-depth examination of the latest developments and best practices in Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) arrangements in workers' compensation cases. This session will cover recent regulatory changes, key compliance considerations, and effective strategies for ensuring proper funding and management of MSAs. What do attorneys need to know to protect their clients?
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

A concise overview of handling digital evidence in workers’ compensation cases, including objections to emails and texts, proper authentication, compliance with Supreme Court disclosure rules, and the use of software to identify and remove sensitive information.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

Tackle complex issues surrounding exclusive remedy and subrogation in third-party claims, including loaning and borrowing employer scenarios, the impact of Zuber, and other Section 5 considerations. This session discusses practical strategies for identifying risks, managing litigation challenges, and ensuring compliance while protecting client interests.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

New decisions by the Appellate Court and the Workers’ Compensation Commission that may impact your practice.
Originally presented as part of Workers' Compensation Institute 2026.

PRE-ORDER When a workplace injury or death occurs, Illinois practitioners can count on this handbook to help them counsel employer or employee clients through one of the oldest areas of the law.

Practical and focused on real-world strategies, this course gives practitioners the updates and tools they need to confidently handle today’s workers’ compensation cases. This full-day program brings together leading attorneys, commissioners, and judges to cover new caselaw, digital evidence issues, Section 5 challenges, Medicare Set-Asides, employment-related claims, utilization review and effective legal writing.

Learn from the arbitrators themselves what they think practitioners should know about pre-trials, deposing a witness and proposed Commission decisions.
Originally presented as part of Work Comp Boot Camp 2025.