News

July 23, 2020

Effective Wednesday, July 22, 2020, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (“Commission”) has completed the second release of the CompFile system, its e-filing system for the management of workers’ compensation claims.  This release is significant because the Commission will no longer accept/approve physical copies of settlement contracts in most claims.  In fact, only settlements with a pro se claimant are permitted to be on paper as those settlements still require an appearance by the claimant before the Commission.  Going forward, settlement contracts must be created from within CompFile, signed within CompFile, and submitted for approval within CompFile.  While this requirement may cause some initial delays as the bar adapts previously prepared settlement contracts to CompFile, future contracts will all be drafted, managed, submitted and approved within CompFile.

All attorneys must register before they can draft/sign settlement contracts in CompFile.  Only registered attorneys may draft/edit a contract; however, non-attorney parties, such as a Third-Party Administrator (“TPA”)/claim managers can be emailed a link to review and sign settlement contracts prepared by opposing counsel.  As all contracts must be e-signed by the parties, it is important to have an email address for the claimant and/or any TPA/claim manager when drafting contracts.  Registered attorneys and their staff who have filed an appearance on the case can track the progress of signing and submitting settlement contracts for approval within CompFile.

The CompFile system will be further expanded later this year to include a) electronic delivery of notices and decisions, b) secure, online access to case information and documents, c) e-filing of applications and other litigation documents.

Wiedner & McAuliffe looks forward to working with you to navigate this new system, and to developing strategies for the most efficient and effective resolution of your workers’ compensation claims.  If you have any questions, please contact us at Wiedner & McAuliffe by email or phone at 312/855-1105.