News

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act Amendments Take Effect

On August 7, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 5228 into law, and the amendments to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act are now in effect. These changes impact several key areas of workers’ compensation claims administration, including burial expenses, utilization reviews (“URs”), and independent medical examinations (“IMEs”) addressing treatment. To help our clients understand these significant

CHANGES TO MISSOURI WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFIT RATES EFFECTIVE 7/1/2026

Pursuant to Section 287 of the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law, the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation annually adjusts maximum workers’ compensation benefit rates. Effective July 1, 2026, the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) increased to $1,233.06, resulting in higher maximum weekly benefit rates for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2026. The rate increases

CHANGES TO ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION WEEKLY BENEFITS RATES EFFECTIVE 7/15/2026

Pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) adjusts workers’ compensation rates twice each year based upon the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) published by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Updated rates became effective on July 15, 2026. The adjusted rates impact minimum and maximum weekly

CHANGES TO INDIANA WORKER’S COMPENSATION WEEKLY WAGES AND PERMANENT PARTIAL IMPAIRMENT VALUES EFFECTIVE 7/1/2026

Pursuant to statutory amendment of 22-3-3-22, the Indiana legislature increased the maximum average weekly wage, maximum TTD rate, and maximum claim compensation for injuries on or after 7/1/2026. The statute further provides for annual increases effective on July 1st of each year. The rate increases are as follows for injuries occurring between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27:

CHANGES TO KANSAS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFIT RATES EFFECTIVE 7/1/2026

Pursuant to the Kansas Workers Compensation Act, the maximum weekly workers’ compensation benefit rate is adjusted annually on July 1. Effective July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly compensation rate, qualifying weekly wage, and minimum weekly survivors benefit increased. The rate increases are as follows for injuries occurring between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27: Date of Injury Max

ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSES HOUSE BILL 5228, AMENDING ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT

On May 31, 2026, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 5228, which amends portions of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.  The bill now proceeds to Governor Pritzker for consideration and signature. The bill amends the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act in the following ways: (1)     Burial Expenses: Increases burial expenses for death claims from $8,000.00

WIEDNER & MCAULIFFE NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBER

Wiedner & McAuliffe is pleased to announce that Rafal G. Dobek has been appointed to the Board of Directors. Rafal joined the firm in 2012 and is an equity partner in the Workers’ Compensation Defense practice. He brings a depth of knowledge and experience that will help guide the firm’s continued growth and success. We

ARBITRATOR REAPPOINTMENT AND APPOINTMENTS AT THE ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION

In Illinois, Arbitrators are appointed by the Governor and then must be confirmed by the Illinois Senate.  Recently, Governor JB Pritzker announced the reappointment of the following Arbitrators: Joseph Amarilio Crystal Caison Paul Cellini Ana Vazquez Diaz Gerald Granada Jessica Hegarty Adam Hinrichs Jeffrey Huebsch Nina Mariano Maureen Pulia The Arbitrators 3-year terms will expire

CHANGES COMING TO KANSAS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

On May 29, 2024, Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 430 into law.  This law is the first major workers’ compensation reform in Kansas for almost a decade and will take effect on July 1, 2024.  The law will impact Kansas workers’ compensation claims in several notable aspects, including, but not limited to: Cap Increases: The

MARCH MADNESS IN THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE: PROPOSED LEGISLATION SEEKS TO MAKE ILLINOIS STUDENT ATHLETES ELIGIBLE FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS

Currently, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act protects employees. House Bill 5625, introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives, would amend the Act to expand the definition of “employee” to include every student participant in an athletic program at an institution of higher education, but only when the student is participating in an athletic event, traveling