Yes — returning to your job doesn’t mean the end of your workers’ compensation benefits. In Illinois, you may still be entitled to additional compensation if your work-related injury has caused a lasting physical impairment, even if you’re able to resume your normal job duties.
This type of benefit is known as Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) — and it’s meant to address the long-term impact of an injury, not just the time you were off work.
What Is Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)?
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) refers to a benefit paid to workers who suffer a permanent loss of use to part of their body — or their body as a whole — because of a job-related injury. You may still qualify for PPD benefits even if you:
- Returned to the same job
- Work full-time again
- No longer require active medical treatment
What matters is that a physician has determined you have some measurable, lasting impairment — such as reduced range of motion, loss of strength, chronic pain, or limited use of a limb or joint.
How Do You Receive PPD Compensation?
There are two main paths to receiving PPD benefits in Illinois:
- Settlement – You and the insurance company agree on a fair compensation amount based on your level of permanent impairment. This is typically calculated using state guidelines that assign values to specific injuries.
- Arbitrator’s Decision – If you and the insurer can’t agree, your case may go to a hearing before an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Arbitrator, who will evaluate medical records, work capacity, and testimony to issue a decision.
The amount of PPD compensation varies based on:
- The part of the body affected
- The severity of the impairment
- Your average weekly wage
- The method used (scheduled injury, wage differential, or percentage-of-person-as-a-whole calculation)
What Is The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim?
In Illinois, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you’ve received benefits already, you have two years from the date of your last compensation payment to file additional claims. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from receiving the PPD benefits you deserve.
Can My Benefits Be Affected If My Job Changes?
Yes. If you return to work with restrictions and are earning less than before your injury, you may qualify for wage differential benefits. These compensate for the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury earnings. Additionally, if your physical limitations prevent you from performing your old job and you need vocational rehabilitation or job retraining, these services may be covered.
Do I Need Legal Representation?
While not required, having legal representation significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often minimize PPD settlements, especially when workers return to work. An experienced attorney can ensure your impairment is properly evaluated and documented, strengthening your claim for appropriate benefits.
Don’t Miss Out on Benefits You’re Owed
Many injured workers assume that returning to work ends their eligibility for further compensation. But if you’ve experienced a permanent loss of function, even partial, you may be leaving money on the table if you don’t file for PPD.
You don’t need to be completely disabled to qualify — and you don’t have to choose between working and seeking compensation. Illinois law is designed to support both your return to the workforce and your long-term recovery.
