First Responders and Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know
Recognizing these unique dangers, Illinois law provides special protections to safeguard those who protect us. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, Section 6(f), first responders with at least five years of service are granted essential benefits if they develop heart, lung or other serious job-related conditions, including:
- Heart or vascular diseases
- Lung or respiratory conditions
- Hypertension
- Hearing loss
- Hernias
- Tuberculosis
- Cancer
While Section 6(f) provides certain protections for first responders, it doesn’t automatically guarantee that those who develop heart, lung and other serious conditions can access the compensation and care they need. This is where the knowledge of an experienced attorney comes into play.
A skilled attorney can help you gather crucial evidence, coordinate with your healthcare providers and counter any pushback from the insurance company. They’ll also help you navigate the process to ensure you clearly prove your first responder status, document your years of service, verify your qualifying diagnosis and demonstrate how your condition has led to a partial or total disability.
At Black & Jones, we’ve spent decades supporting our first responders and fighting to help them secure the benefits they deserve. If you or a first responder you know has been diagnosed with a heart or lung condition, or other work-related illness, contact us today at (815) 967-9000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.