Are Workers Compensation Claims in Illinois Public Record?

It’s fairly common for workers compensation claims in Illinois and other states to be resolved through mutually acceptable settlements. Once a settlement is reached, you’ll receive a specific sum of money in exchange for agreeing not pursue your claim any further. Should you have concerns about such details being public record, the answer can be a little complex.

All Workers’ Comp Claims Are Public Record in Illinois

The short answer is “yes,” workers’ comp claims are public record in Illinois. Technically, anyone could look up your claim if they wish to do so, but doing so will still require the need to look for a specific record. Plus, it can be a time-consuming process to track down such information. This is usually something your employer or their insurance company may do if they have a need to review your past claim(s).

Workers’ Comp Trials Are Also Public Record

In some cases, it’s not possible to reach a settlement. If this happens, you may need to have a trial in order to receive fair compensation for your injuries. The results from the trial would also be public record. So, going to court won’t keep your workers’ comp claim private either.

What Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Do for You?

If you are concerned about privacy, one option is to simply not file a claim. However, this is not recommended if you know you’ll have significant medical expenses and other financial burdens to deal with. What a workers compensation attorney can do is guide you through the process and answer your questions so you’ll understand what information may be publicly accessible. Additionally, you can always contact a lawyer later if you believe a current or new employer unfairly used public details about past claims against you.