Effective April 13, 2020, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission amended Rule 9030.70, expanding the Commission’s Rules of Evidence to include a rebuttable presumption for first responders and front-line workers exposed to COVID-19.

Being surveilled is unsettling, but the ordinary life of a Petitioner is a fascinating area of workers’ compensation and can have a significant impact at any trial.

“Dem Bones” (also known as “Dry Bones”) is a biblical song, inspired by Ezekiel’s visits to the Valley of Dry Bones. In Ezekiel’s vision, the dry bones are connected into human figures, and the prophet is commanded to revitalize the figures.

In the arena of workers’ compensation, attorneys heavily scrutinize the credentials of physicians, combing through every certification, publication or piece of education that is susceptible to attack.

Self-directed job logs, ledgers and spreadsheets created by a Petitioner should be heavily scrutinized, and can be critical in pointing to a claimant’s diminished credibility.

If you’ve got low back pain, you’re in good company.  Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal condition in the adult population, with prevalence up to 84%.[1]  The use of advanced imaging (such as MRI) is dramatically on the rise, despite lack of evidence to support its benefit.