Chicago Lump-Sum Workers’ Comp Benefits Attorneys

Last updated on June 27, 2025

When an Illinois employee becomes injured on the job within the scope of his or her employment, he or she is entitled to benefits guaranteed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act which include periodic temporary disability payments, payment of medical bills, and usually a lump-sum settlement which compensates the employee for the permanent partial disability of an injured body part.

What Is A Lump-Sum Payment For A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In Illinois, a lump-sum payment is a one-time payment made to an injured employee which ends the case and stops any ongoing weekly disability benefits from continuing. This type of settlement is reached through negotiation between the injured employee’s attorney and the employer’s insurance company or its counsel.

The lump-sum is used to compensate an injured employee for a variety of issues including the loss of use of an injured body part, the entire body as a whole, disfigurement and scarring, or, in some cases, the fact that the employee can no longer return to his or her job or any job whatsoever. Our attorneys will negotiate the amount of said lump-sum based upon our collective decades of experience knowing and understanding case values for any type of injury.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Accepting A Lump-Sum Payment?

Accepting a lump-sum payment for a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois is often recommended to resolve the claim and has many advantages, however those advantages as well as the disadvantages are always carefully weighed and discussed between the injured employees and our attorneys. The advantages include:

• Immediate financial relief: Receiving a lump-sum provides instant access to a potentially significant amount of money which can be crucial for an injured employee who may no longer be able to work in the same capacity as before the injury.
• Certainty and closure: A lump-sum payment offers a sense of closure as the case is settled and closed without the need for further litigation.
• Flexibility: The injured employee can use the funds as he or she sees fit.
• Potential for investment: There is an opportunity to invest the lump-sum to generate future income or savings.

However, it is important to also discuss the following drawbacks to accepting a lump-sum settlement:

• Risk of insufficient funds: If an injured employee has ongoing medical issues, accepting a lump-sum and closing the case may not always be recommended in light of future medical needs or expenses.
• Waiving future rights: Accepting a lump-sum could mean relinquishing any future rights which could be problematic if the injury worsens or leads to additional complications.
• Loss of regular income: Unlike weekly disability benefits, a lump-sum does not provide an ongoing, steady stream of income which may in some cases be preferable for ongoing living expenses.

Before making any decision on what type of compensation to receive after a workplace injury, it is important to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney for a careful assessment of your long-term needs.

Anesi Ozmon, Ltd., a long-established workers’ compensation law firm in Chicago, has a proven track record of favorable outcomes on behalf of clients facing disputes with employers and their insurance carriers. We are well qualified to advise clients on the advantages of a lump-sum settlement.  We will always fight to ensure our clients are compensated at the highest level.

FREE CONSULTATION:
Contact our Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers at 312-997-5784 to schedule a free initial consultation.