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Workers Compensation

Risk Management and Insurance handles Northwestern's Workers’ Compensation claims. The University conducts reviews of all injuries, and Risk Management and Insurance consistently handles all claims in accordance with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.

Both the employee and the supervisor have a responsibility to assure that complete and accurate information is conveyed to Risk Management and Insurance. Northwestern University employees are advised that if these instructions are not followed, Workers' Compensation claims cannot be reviewed. Employees may not be eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits and can be held responsible for any expenses incurred.

  • In the event of a work-related illness or injury, an employee should immediately notify a supervisor or administrator and seek medical treatment.
    • In the event of an emergency/life-threatening medical situation, please call 911
  • The supervisor is responsible for the prompt completion of the Supervisors’ Injury or Illness Investigation Report and to notify Risk Management of the injury by reporting the incident.
    • Employees must participate in completing of the report. When completing the report, the supervisor should question the employee in person (or via telephone if this is not possible) to get the specific facts of the reported accident and injury.
    • If the supervisor has further information that they believe is pertinent, that information should be communicated by emailing Risk Management and Insurance at wc@northwestern.edu.
  • The employee is responsible for the completion of the Employee Accident Statement Form.
  • Witnesses should complete the Witness Accident Statement Form (as applicable)

All employees receiving either initial or emergency room follow-up treatment will be given a Duty Status Report indicating when they can resume modified or full duties and whether a follow-up visit with the doctor may be requested. Employees are responsible for ensuring the report is emailed to Risk Management and Insurance as soon as possible and that their supervisor is notified.

Please Note: Supervisors are responsible for recording time in workforce, as applicable.