In this article, our Cook County labor attorneys explain the difference between employment agreements and independent contractor agreements. We discuss the factors that courts consider when determining whether an agent is an employee or independent contractor, including the employer's control over the work performed, the method of payment, and the level of skill required for the work.  We also discuss differences in vicarious liability for the actions of employees versus independent contractors.

In this video, our Cook County employment attorneys discuss Illinois employee and employers’ rights during the coronavirus pandemic and attempt to answer the following questions:

• How does sick pay work under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?
• Which employers qualify for the provisions under the FFCRA?
• What reasons qualify an employee for paid sick leave under the FFCRA?
• What are the different durations of leave and pay calculations afforded under the FFCRA?
• What is the current coronavirus hazard pay situation for essential workers in Illinois?
• How has the furlough process for Illinois employers changed due to coronavirus?

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In this article, our Cook County labor lawyers explain workers' compensation law in Cook County.  We explain Illinois workers' compensation law. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305, et al.) provides relief to employees who are injured in the course of their work. Injured employees can file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (“IWCC”), which is the organization in charge of overseeing all workers’ compensation claims. Benefits received through a workers’ compensation claim are a portion of the employees’ wages for the period they are off work due to the injuries. The portion of wages received by the injured employee is typically determined by the extent and permanency of the injury