My husband is a plumber and broke his heal bone at work on a huge huge commercial job Just now released by Dr.

Percentages of disability are based upon the total diminished earnings value of a particular body part. Since IL settlements are called "permanent partial disability," ("PPD"), percentages basically mean that your husband is likely to permanently lose some percentage of the use of his foot for future earnings. So, 5% would be 5% loss of the total value of a foot, as defined in IL. That figure seems low; you didn't say where you got it. 5% (or any % for that matter) is not a number that is fixed, by any means. Illinois has a system that uses 6 factors to evaluate disability. They are designed to guess his future disability from work. 5% might be a figure that is generated by the AMA guidelines, but those guidelines are only 1 of the 6 parts of the IL evaluation. If your husband couldn't go back to work, or has problems once he tries to return then he might be entitled to something other than a percentage. He might get a wage differential (2/3s of the difference between his old wage and his new wage). If the doctor thinks that there is a serious chance that your husband's heel will break down in the future, he might want to have a hearing so that he can get lifetime medical benefits. Many other benefits are available in the next approx 5 years, as well. You can see that this is quite complicated (in a good way!); I and the others have really just scratched the surface. Please see a lawyer in your area and get some detailed advice.

This appears to be more of a Workers Compensation question. Consequently I will change the practice area to attract those attorneys who can best answer.

The MOST important consideration must be an analysis of whether your husband may have a 3rd party claim against any entity on that jobsite OTHER than his employer. You need an attorney skilled in Workers' Compensation AND 3rd party claims. The answer to your question is as follows: Under Illinois law, the foot is worth 167 weeks of permanency. Hence 5% of a foot is 8.35 weeks of permanency. A worker's permanency is defined as 60% of his average weekly wage, subject to a maximum of a little more than $700 (depending on the date of accident). If he was injured after 7-1-14, the maximum rate was $735.37, so his maximum recovery on 5% foot is $6,140.33 (8.35 x $735.37). If your husband fractured his heel and injured his achilles tendon, with permanent restrictions, 5% is VERY low. The injury you describe is worth 5%-15% Foot. Please make him consult an experienced Workers Compensation attorney BEFORE he agrees to anything. For Illinois Workers' Compensation claims, you will ALWAYS cheat yourself if your do not hire experienced counsel. You will have someone to guide you through the process AND when it is time to settle, an attorney can add value to your case IN EXCESS of his fee. So, you have fewer headaches AND you get more money. It really is a no-brainer. Here, your husband also need advice on the viability of a 3rd party claim. You can find an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney here on . Attorneys on want to help you but we are not permitted to solicit your business. You must contact us.