Workers' Compensation

Injured Police Officers | Injured First Responders

Our respect for law enforcement and first responders goes deep. For more than 25 years, the attorneys at Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices have fought for the rights of injured law enforcement officers, first responders and their families. We recognize that as first responders protecting the public, you deserve dedicated advocates committed to protecting you after you suffer serious injuries in the line of duty. We understand the unique impact these injuries have on your ability to return to work. Our experienced legal team will help you like we have successfully helped thousands throughout the state of Illinois.

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, it must be establish that the injury occurred in the course of and arising out of employment. Notice must be provided and the claim filed in a timely manner. Our attorneys are experienced in handling workers’ comp claims involving injured police officers and first responders. We handle workers compensation claims for all types of Illinois union workers, including the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.

With a track record of success and dedication, we handle a variety of cases involving workplace injury on behalf of officers and first responders including but not limited to:

Slip and fall injuries
On the job traffic related injuries
Firearm injury
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injury and spinal injury
Burn or fire injuries
Repetitive motion injuries

Recent Success Stories

Our law firm has represented first responders throughout the state of Illinois. Some of our recent success stories include outstanding settlement, verdicts, and awards on behalf of:

A central Illinois sheriff injured while subduing a detainee;
A west suburban police officer seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident;
A fire lieutenant who suffered hearing loss as a result of a career-long exposure to excessive noise;
A central Illinois police officer struck by a drunk driver;
An EMT who suffered injuries when his defective stretcher malfunctioned;
A southern Illinois police officer who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after coming under sniper fire;
A City of Chicago detention aide who suffered permanent disfigurement after being bitten by a detainee;
An Illinois Department of Corrections officer injured in an altercation with an inmate; and
An Illinois State trooper struck by a drunk driver while issuing a citation on the tollway.

Our office is proud to have recently expanded Illinois law to provide benefits available to first responders for accidents that previously were not compensable under the Workers’ Compensation Act. A west suburban police officer suffered a herniated disc in his back while lifting his duty bag at home. Although the department argued that the injury was not compensable because it occurred at home, we successfully argued that lifting the duty bag, even off premises, was a necessity of the job. The department appealed, but the Illinois courts agreed it was a compensable accident, and the case now stands as law. These are only a few of our successes representing police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and other first responders who often sacrifice their safety in the name of protecting ours. Each case is unique. Call today for a free consultation regarding your case.