What changes in an Illinois injury claim when an injury becomes permanent is that the focus shifts from temporary recovery to dealing with long-term disability, diminished earning potential, and future medical treatments and expenses. A long-term injury changes your medical documentation, increases your claim value, and pushes the insurer to employ aggressive defense strategies. Comprehensive medical records categorizing your injuries as permanent, a doctor’s report declaring that you have attained maximum medical improvement (MMI), and post-operative reports are some examples of medical evidence to prove a permanent injury in Illinois.