6 Common Mistakes To Avoid in Illinois Workers’ Comp Claims

 Posted on January 31, 2026 in Workers' Compensation

According to data published in 2025 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in a single year. If you are injured at work in Illinois, small mistakes in your paperwork and filing process can delay or reduce your workers’ compensation benefits.

Many workers believe benefits come automatically, but Illinois workers’ compensation claims follow strict rules. As of 2026, Illinois continues to require careful compliance with reporting, treatment, and filing rules. A Bloomington, IL workers' compensation lawyer at Kanoski Bresney can help explain how the system works and what to avoid from the start.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Workers Make in Illinois Workers’ Comp Claims?

Many mistakes often happen early in the process and can affect medical care, wage benefits, and how smoothly a claim moves forward.

Waiting Too Long To Report the Injury

One of the most common mistakes is failing to report a work injury right away. Some workers delay because they hope the pain will fade or worry about upsetting their employer.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(c), injured workers must notify their employer of a work-related injury within the required time. Waiting too long can lead to disputes about whether the injury happened at work, which can slow or block benefits.

Delaying Medical Treatment

Another frequent issue is waiting too long to see a doctor. Delayed treatment can make injuries worse and weaken a claim.

Medical records help show when symptoms began and how the injury affects your ability to work. When there is a long gap between the injury and treatment, insurance companies may argue that the injury is not serious or was caused by something outside of work.

Not Understanding the Rules for Choosing a Doctor

Illinois allows injured workers to choose their own doctors, but there are limits. Seeing too many providers without understanding those limits can cause billing and coverage problems.

Under 820 ILCS 305/8(a), workers are generally allowed to choose two treating doctors. Going beyond that without approval may result in unpaid medical bills that become the worker’s responsibility.

Failing To Follow Medical Restrictions

Not following a doctor’s treatment plan can damage a workers’ compensation claim. This includes missing appointments, stopping treatment early, or ignoring work restrictions.

Insurance carriers often review medical compliance closely. If records show skipped visits or ignored restrictions, they may argue that the injury is less serious than claimed or that recovery was delayed by the worker.

Returning To Work Too Soon

Some workers feel pressure to return to work before they are medically ready. Others accept tasks that do not suit their restrictions.

Returning too early can worsen injuries and affect wage benefits. Light-duty or modified work must follow the doctor’s limits. If it does not, the injury may become more severe and the claim more complicated.

Trying To Handle a Disputed Claim Alone

While some workers’ compensation claims move smoothly, many do not. Disputes over benefits, medical treatment, or disability ratings are common.

Illinois provides formal procedures for resolving workers’ compensation disputes. Missing deadlines or filing incorrect paperwork during a dispute can result in lost benefits.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Protect Your Claim in Illinois?

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help make sure injuries are reported correctly, medical treatment is properly documented, and benefits are calculated accurately. Legal guidance is especially important when claims are delayed, denied, or challenged.

An attorney can also handle communication with employers and insurance companies, allowing injured workers to focus on healing. They can also make sure deadlines are met and that required paperwork is filed correctly, so mistakes do not put your benefits at risk.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Decatur, IL Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workers’ compensation claims can become complicated very quickly. Attorney Todd Bresney previously worked at the Federal Trade Commission and as a State’s Attorney for Cook County, giving him valuable insight into how agencies and insurers evaluate claims. Our team also brings more than 100 years of combined experience helping injured workers protect their rights.

If you were injured on the job and want to avoid common workers’ compensation mistakes, contact the Bloomington, IL workers' compensation lawyers at Kanoski Bresney by calling 888-826-8682 to schedule your free consultation today.