Breaking News for Illinois Employers: Workers’ Compensation Presumption of “work-relatedness” to Be Withdrawn

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) has called an emergency meeting on Monday to withdraw its controversial new rule adopting a rebuttal presumption of work-relatedness for first responders and essential workers who contract COVID-19. A state court judge in Springfield blocked enforcement of the rule on Thursday.  The IWCC has said that it intends to create a task force to work on a new rule and there will likely be legislation filed in the General Assembly.  Note that several other states, including Wisconsin and Ohio, have either already enacted or have legislation pending to adopt similar presumptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Franczek P.C. is following the IWCC developments and will provide updates as they become available.