The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission announced today that as of close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, November 13, all in-person hearings of any kind will be DISCONTINUED through the end of the month of November. This pertains to ALL hearing sites throughout the state.
In addition to the suspension of all in-person hearings, no arbitrators will be sitting in any venue for presentation of pro se settlement contracts.
Virtual events, including Review Calls, Oral Arguments, Arbitration Status Calls and Pre-Trial Conferences, will continue to be held as scheduled. It remains to be seen whether/how in-person hearings set through the end of November will be rescheduled.
It is assumed this measure has been taken due to the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases throughout the state of Illinois. The Chairman will be holding a conference call tomorrow (November 13) and we will provide any additional details provided by the Chairman, or as such additional details otherwise become available.
See below for the full text of the IWCC announcement:
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Pease take notice that as of the close of business, 5:00 p.m., on Friday, November 13, 2020, all in person Hearings, of any kind, will be DISCONTINUED at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, at ALL venues.
- There will be no in person Arbitration or Review hearings of any kind.
- There will be no pro se settlement hearings of any kind.
- Virtual Review Status Call Hearings and Virtual Oral Arguments will still be heard, as scheduled.
- Virtual Arbitration Monthly Status Calls and Virtual Pre-Trial Conferences will still be heard, as scheduled.
- There will be NO PRO SE ARBITRATORS sitting at any venue through the end of November.
- It is hoped that in person hearings will resume after November 30, 2020. An announcement regarding emergency matters will be forthcoming.
We will provide further updates as such become available, and of course welcome any questions you may have on this subject.
Stay safe.
Ganan & Shapiro, P.C.
