Protection for First Responders
Know your rights! Because of your hard work and dedication as a first responder in the state of Illinois, there are several state programs designed to help you and your family if you have a catastrophic injury or are killed in the line of duty.
The Public Safety Employee Benefit Act
- If you are full-time employee of a company and suffer a catastrophic injury or are killed in the line of duty, your employer is required to pay the entire premium of your health insurance plan.
- If you are killed in the line of duty, educational expenses of your children may be waived by the state, up to 120 credit hours.
Injured First Responder Information
Rights
- Medical Expenses
- Off-Work Pay
- Disability Pay
- Medical Care by Doctor of Your Choice
Types of Accidents
- Specific Accident (Altercations, Falls)
- Repetitive (Computer Use)
- Occupational Disease
Action to be Taken after Accident
- Report Accident Within 45 Days to Employer
- Report Accident Orally and in Writing
- Report Accident to Doctor
What to Report
- Date of Accident
- Description of Accident
- Description of Injured Body Part
Warning Signs/Employer Tool
- Company Doctor
- Independent Examination
- Recorded Statement
- Medical Nurse Assigned to Case
- Light Duty
Benefits Available
- IOD – Off Work – 1 Year – PEDA
- Workers’ Compensation – Medical Bills,Disability Benefits
- Pension – Line of Duty Disability
- PSEBA – Health Insurance if Pension Awarded
Time to Report an Accident
- Within 45 Days From Specific Accident
- Repetitive Trauma – Consult an Attorney