Vested Interest January 2021

Illinois Legislative Update:

The following legislation of interest to ITLA members passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly in the final days of the 101st General Assembly and will go to the Governor for his signature.

HB 3360 Prejudgment Interest.
This bill entitles plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases to be awarded prejudgment interest, at a rate of 9%, from the date of injury through the date of judgment. For pending cases, the accrual of prejudgment interest will begin from the date the bill is signed into law. The bill will become effective if it is signed into law by the Governor. If signed, Defendants and insurers will no longer benefit from delaying resolution of our clients’ cases and where they take them to verdict and lose, they will also be liable for prejudgment interest on all elements of damages awarded by the jury.

HB 4276 extends the COVID presumption for Occupational Disease claims and cases to diagnoses through June 30, 2021.
The bill also extends Public Employee Disability (PEDA) benefits for COVID diagnoses through June 30, 2021 and likewise extends the COVID presumption for Chicago police and Chicago firefighters. [read more]