Jessica Bell
Jessica is prepared and practical, taking a common-sense approach to the law with confidence, thoroughness, and a fighting spirit.
- Extensive Workers' Compensation defense experience
- Summer Law Clerk Program Mentor
- Emerging Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠, 2018 – 2023
Jessica Bell
Attorney in Peoria, IL
Heyl Royster Partner Jessica Bell joined the firm in 2015 with extensive Workers' Compensation defense experience, having appeared before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission representing employers and insurance companies across the state. Focusing her practice on the defense of insurance clients and employers in Workers' Compensation matters, Jessica speaks with businesses directly to help them understand the Workers' Compensation system and handling claims within their industry.
Jessica likes to be proactive; she understands that just because her clients are on the defense and initially only responding to something the other side does, this doesn't mean that is our role for the duration of the case. She finds significant advantages in anticipating the other side's arguments and takes action on behalf of her clients instead of always waiting and responding. By being more proactive, Jessica can flip the script and put the ball in her client's court to move the case the way they want.
A mother of three, Jessica and her husband, Andrew, find themselves in the throes of running kids to and from sporting events and activities. Jessica enjoys baking and cooking when she gets a moment to herself, but her favorite "me time" hobby is reading thrillers, suspense, or crime fiction.
Practices
Credentials
Education
J.D., St. Louis University School of Law
B.A., Duquesne University, Psychology, magna cum laude
Licensure(s) and Admission(s)
State Courts of Illinois
Professional Affiliations
Illinois Defense Counsel
Illinois State Bar Association
Peoria County Bar Association, Case Law Review (2021-2022)
Tazewell County Bar Association
Vice President (2011 – 2012)
Treasurer (2010 – 2011)
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association
Presentations/Publications
Presentations
“Case Law Update,” Peoria County Bar Association (2020)
“Vocational Rehabilitation and Return To Work In The COVID-19 Age,” Heyl Royster WC Webinar Series (2020)
“COVID-19 Employment Issues,” Illinois Association of County Board Members (2020)
“Case Law Update,” Heyl Royster’s 33rd Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2018)
“Logistics of Surveillance,” Greater Peoria Claims Association (2017)
“Getting Back in the Game: Vocational Rehabilitation,” Heyl Royster's 32nd Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2017)
“Defending Your Company Before and After a Lawsuit or Claim is Filed,” Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show (2017)
“Temporary Transitional Employment,” Heyl Royster's 31st Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2016)
“Illinois Workers’ Compensation – Back to Basics,” Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show, Peoria (2016)
Publications
“Bonuses and Calculation of Average Weekly Wage,” Below the Red Line - Heyl Royster Workers' Compensation Newsletter (2022)
“The Traveling Employee—Is the ‘Reasonable and Foreseeable’ Standard Eroding?,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2018)
“A Primer on Credits,” Below the Red Line - Heyl Royster Workers' Compensation Newsletter (2017)
"It's No Accident: The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act's Exclusivity Provisions Can Bar Civil Intentional Act Tort Claim Where Workers' Compensation Benefits Are Awarded," Heyl Royster Workers' Compensation E-Clip (2016)
"Temporary Transitional Employment - A New Trend on the Horizon," Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2015)
Awards/Recognition
- Emerging Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠, 2018 – 2023
Updates
Events
- 34th Annual Claims Handling Seminar - "We're Putting The Band Back Together" at St. Louis - June 22, 2023, 1:00 PM-5:30 PM (US Central)
- 34th Annual Claims Handling Seminar - "We're Putting The Band Back Together" at Bloomington/Normal - June 15, 2023, 1:00 PM-5:30 PM (US Central)
- 34th Annual Claims Handling Seminar - "We're Putting The Band Back Together" at Chicago - June 8, 2023, 1:00 PM-5:30 PM (US Central)
- Bell and Scott Presenters at Central Illinois Chapter - Society for Human Resource Management - July 19, 2022
- Bell and Scott Presenters at Quincy's SHRM Seminar - March 8, 2022
Public Profile
Heyl Royster Partner Jessica Bell joined the firm in 2015 with extensive Workers' Compensation defense experience, having appeared before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission representing employers and insurance companies across the state. Focusing her practice on the defense of insurance clients and employers in Workers' Compensation matters, Jessica speaks with businesses directly to help them understand the Workers' Compensation system and handling claims within their industry.
Jessica likes to be proactive; she understands that just because her clients are on the defense and initially only responding to something the other side does, this doesn't mean that is our role for the duration of the case. She finds significant advantages in anticipating the other side's arguments and takes action on behalf of her clients instead of always waiting and responding. By being more proactive, Jessica can flip the script and put the ball in her client's court to move the case the way they want.
A mother of three, Jessica and her husband, Andrew, find themselves in the throes of running kids to and from sporting events and activities. Jessica enjoys baking and cooking when she gets a moment to herself, but her favorite "me time" hobby is reading thrillers, suspense, or crime fiction.
