The issue of how long injured pro athletes should be allowed to earn worker compensation benefits is being debated in Springfield. The Chicago Bears are leading other Chicago sports franchises in backing a measure that would reduce a former player's ability to tap into workers compensation after a career-ending injury.
They want to cap certain payments to athletes at no older than 35, or five years after their injury. Currently players can claim benefits up to age 67, like other workers.
The Bears say Illinois' law regulating compensation is overly generous. They also argue the existing rules attract players from other states to file claims in Illinois. Neither the teams nor players' advocates will say how much money is at stake.
The change is tucked into a proposed "grand bargain" compromise the Senate is negotiating to break the state's budget standoff. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has pressed for overall worker compensation reform as part of a deal.
Under current law, all Illinois residents can claim benefits for two-thirds of the difference between what they were making when they were injured and what they're able to make thereafter. Maximum damages are capped at the state's average weekly wage of $1,070, meaning no athlete could receive more than $56,000 per year in insurance pay-outs.
The change would not limit athletes whose injuries prevent them from holding any job from claiming benefits.
