Legal Options for Police Officers Injured in the Line of Duty

 Posted on March 08, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Every profession involves some risk of injury. However, some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund reports that nearly 300 police officers died in the year 2020 alone. Police face dangers every day on the job in the form of motor vehicle accidents, altercations with suspects, and countless other incidents. Officers who are hurt on the job may be entitled to financial compensation through workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.

Workers’ Compensation for Law Enforcement Officers in Illinois

In Illinois, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance helps cover injury-related costs when a worker is hurt on the job. Injured police officers may be entitled to compensation for part of their lost income as well as medical bills. Medical expenses related to emergency room care, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitative care may be covered by workers’ compensation. If a police officer suffers an injury that leaves him or her disabled, he or she may also be entitled to benefits through the Illinois Public Employee Disability Act.

Unfortunately, police officers can run into challenges getting the financial compensation they need after a work-related injury. A workers’ compensation lawyer familiar with these challenges can help.

Third-Party Claims for Work Accidents

Injured police officers may be entitled to financial compensation through workers’ comp. If a third party caused an accident in which a police officer was hurt, the officer may be able to seek compensation from that party as well. Unlike workers’ comp, third-party injury claims in Illinois are fault-based. This means that the officer, or the officer’s lawyer, will need to prove that the other party was at fault for the injurious accident. Often, third-party claims are used to pursue compensation for motor vehicle accidents.

Third-party claims may result in greater damages than a workers’ compensation claim. While workers’ compensation only covers medical bills and part of the worker’s lost wages, third-party claims often cover the full lost wages suffered by an injured worker in addition to medical bills and other damages. A third-party claim may allow for the recovery of non-economic damages for pain and suffering, lost qualify of life, and mental anguish as well.

Contact a Champaign Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured on the job, contact the knowledgeable Springfield work injury attorneys at Kanoski Bresney for help. Our team can help you evaluate all of your options for seeking compensation and advocate on your behalf throughout your case.

Call 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://nleomf.org/memorial/facts-figures/officer-fatality-data/deaths-assaults-and-injuries/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430&ChapterID=68

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=115&ChapterID=2