How the Heart & Lung Act Protects You
As a first responder—whether you’re a firefighter, paramedic or EMT—you face unique risks that can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease or lung damage. But did you know that there isn’t actually a separate law called the “Heart & Lung Act”? Instead, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act offers special protections under Section 6(f). This section grants essential benefits for first responders diagnosed with specific conditions due to the nature of their job.
In this blog, we’ll explain what the “Heart & Lung Act” means for you and how you can access the protections and compensation it provides.
What Is Section 6(f) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act recognizes that first responders face extreme physical and environmental stressors. Under Section 6(f), firefighters, EMTs and paramedics with at least five years of service are given special consideration for specific health conditions. These include:
Heart or vascular diseases
Lung or respiratory conditions
Hypertension
Hearing loss
Hernias
Tuberculosis
Cancer
If you develop any of these conditions, they are presumed to be work-related, meaning the burden of proof is much lighter for you. Essentially, you don’t have to provide extensive evidence to link your illness to your job—it’s automatically assumed.
What You Need to Prove
Filing a claim under Section 6(f) is simplified, but there are still steps you need to take. To access compensation and medical treatment, you must:
Prove that you’re a first responder (firefighter, EMT or paramedic).
Show that you’ve worked in this role for at least five years.
Provide documentation of your diagnosis with one of the listed conditions.
Demonstrate that your condition caused some form of disability, whether partial or total.
If you meet these criteria, the law presumes that your illness is tied to your work, so there’s no immediate need for a medical expert to confirm this. However, your employer’s insurance company can challenge your claim by offering their own medical opinion, which is why having a skilled attorney on your side is crucial.
Why Legal Representation Matters
While Section 6(f) provides significant advantages for first responders, it doesn’t mean your claim will automatically be approved without a fight. Insurance companies may attempt to rebut the presumption that your illness is work-related, using expert testimony to challenge your claim.
This is where legal representation becomes essential. At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law, we have decades of experience helping first responders build strong cases. We know how to gather the right evidence, work with healthcare providers and effectively counter any rebuttal from the insurance company.
Additional Benefits You May Be Entitled To
Beyond workers’ compensation, first responders diagnosed with heart, lung or other serious conditions may be entitled to other benefits:
Occupational Disability Pension: If your condition prevents you from performing your regular duties, you may be eligible for this pension under the Illinois Pension Code.
PEDA (Public Employee Disability Act) Benefits: These benefits provide additional compensation for public employees who are injured in the line of duty.
Health Insurance Coverage: Depending on your condition, you may qualify for continued health insurance coverage.
Navigating the legal process to secure all the benefits you’re entitled to can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney who understands the intricate details of both workers’ compensation and disability pension laws.
Protecting the Protectors
First responders like firefighters, EMTs and paramedics risk their health every day to keep our communities safe. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act’s Section 6(f) ensures that those who develop heart, lung and other serious conditions can access the compensation and care they need. At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of first responders.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a heart or lung condition, or any other work-related illness, we are here to help. Contact us today at (815) 967-9000 or fill out our online form for a free consultation and let us guide you through the process of securing the benefits you deserve.