Serving Illinois First Responders for Over 40 Years
IT’S AN HONOR TO SERVE
THE INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVE ON THE FRONT LINE
Duda Law has extensive experience representing first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics. With decades of focused practice and success, our team has developed a deep understanding of the unique legal challenges first responders face, such as pension disputes, workers’ compensation, and workplace injury claims. We’ve worked directly and closely with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) since our inception to advocate directly for local firefighter unions and individual members.
Throughout Chicagoland and across the entire state of Illinois, first responders count on our legislative experience in addition to our decades worth of winning cases to get them financially back on their feet in short order. We look forward to working with you too. Contact us today or call (847) 577-2470 for a FREE and confidential consultation. We want to hear about your case.
PRACTICE AREAS
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
WE ARE STANDING BY
We will treat you with dignity and respect. We will make the process easy for you and keep you informed every step of the way.
Our team of attorneys are standing by to help you:
- First Responder Expertise – Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics
- Workers’ Compensation
- Illinois Pension Law
- Disability Law
- Collective Bargaining and Grievance Resolution
Plus, other practice areas in which we fight for victims of injury, abuse and malpractice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do presumptive illness laws protect injured firefighters and police officers?
Presumptive illness laws make it easier for first responders to qualify for benefits when they develop conditions strongly linked to their work, such as cancer, heart disease, or infectious diseases.
These laws “presume” the illness is job-related if certain criteria are met, which can remove the burden of proof from the injured worker. Duda Law Firm has extensive experience with Illinois presumptive laws for firefighters and police, helping clients take full advantage of these legal protections.
How long do I have to file a claim for a first responder injury in Illinois?
In Illinois, you typically have 45 days to report a work-related injury to your employer and 3 years to file a workers’ compensation claim. Pension claims should be filed as soon as you become aware that your injury or illness may be career-ending.
Timing is critical. At Duda Law, we ensure that all deadlines are met, your rights are protected, and your case is handled with the urgency it deserves.
What’s the difference between workers’ compensation and a duty disability pension for first responders?
Workers’ compensation provides wage replacement and medical benefits for injuries sustained on the job, while a duty disability pension is a retirement benefit for first responders who are permanently disabled due to a work-related injury.
You may qualify for both in some cases, but each system has different requirements and benefits. Duda Law has deep experience helping injured first responders navigate both workers’ comp and pension systems in Illinois to maximize their recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a first responder injury lawyer?
At Duda Law Firm, we handle first responder injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We believe those who risk their lives to protect others should never have to worry about legal fees when seeking justice.
Our initial consultation is always free, and we’ll explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
What if I was injured during a training exercise or drill—am I still covered?
Absolutely. Training-related injuries are still considered work-related under Illinois law. Whether it’s a burn from a live-fire drill or a twisted knee during a simulation, you are entitled to full workers’ compensation benefits as a firefighter.
Duda Law helps injured firefighters navigate the claims process, even when employers dispute coverage for non-fireground injuries.