Bell v. Illinois Workers Compensation Commisssion

Clerical worker filed workers' compensation claim for injuries in slip and fall in employer's parking lot. Prior to arbitration hearing, claimant died of caused unrelated to work accident. Claimant's estate may seek and obtain permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits that had accrued and were payable, due, and owing to claimant prior to her death. Benefits that accrue before injured employee's death are payable to estate regardless of dependency. PPD benefits are compensation for diminishment of employee's earning capacity caused by work-related injury. (HOFFMAN, HUDSON, HARRIS, and STEWART, concurring.)