Firefighters risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of the community. Firefighting is, simply put, an extremely hazardous job. In a new report, NFPA estimates that Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect society, making firefighting an inherently dangerous profession. According to a recent report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 65,650 nonfatal firefighter injuries occurred in the line of duty in 2022.

In Illinois, firefighters injured while on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, except for those employed by the City of Chicago. These benefits cover medical treatment, temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits. Given the high risks associated with firefighting, the workers’ compensation rules in Illinois are often customized to address the specific needs of firefighters when they are injured.

If you’re a firefighter and develop health issues related to your job, it triggers a “rebuttable presumption” that your condition is work-related. This means the responsibility falls on your employer to prove that your injuries aren’t connected to your work. Even if they hire a doctor to challenge your claim, you can still provide medical evidence in your favor. It’s essential to hire an attorney who specializes in representing firefighters, as you may need to navigate not just the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, but also the Public Employees Disability Act and the Illinois pension code.

Firefighters may seek compensation for various workplace-related injuries and conditions, including but not limited to:

– Lung damage due to smoke inhalation
– Burns
– Fractures
– Cancer
– Heart conditions
– Muscle strains and tears
– Tuberculosis
– Pneumonia
– Death

If you’re a firefighter injured on the job in Illinois, we are here to help. Our experienced attorneys at Krol, Bongiorno & Given are well-versed in resolving the common challenges firefighters face with workers’ compensation claims. Call us at (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or reach out to us online.