What Is the Illinois Public Employee Disability Act (PEDA)?

Depending on the line of work, employees may face certain dangers. For example, police officers and firefighters can be exposed to dangerous conditions when responding to emergency calls on a daily basis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of injuries for public employees compared to workers in private industries is much higher. The Illinois Public Employee Disability Act (PEDA) was passed in 1997 to protect public workers who face hazards while in the line of duty. PEDA is designed to minimize the negative impact of this risk by offering financial relief and benefits to injured public employees. This financial assistance can alleviate the stress an individual faces if he or she suddenly cannot provide for his or her family after suffering an injury in the line of duty.


How Does PEDA Work?

When qualifying public employees are injured on the job and cannot return to work due to the nature of their injuries, PEDA allows them to receive their regular earnings for up to one year. Illinois workers’ compensation typically offers only two-thirds of an employee’s income for temporary total disability (TTD). In addition, injured public workers are also protected from other negative outcomes while they recover from their injuries. They cannot lose accrued sick leave, service credits, vacation, or paid time off (PTO), or compensatory (comp) time.

It is important to note that employees who benefit from PEDA must follow a strict set of guidelines to receive benefits. They are prohibited from working during their disability period, even if they are not paid. Also, they cannot collect pension benefits or other compensation from their employers. They may be required to undergo a medical exam to determine the severity and status of their disability.
PEDA applies to a wide range of workers in the public sector, including those who are in the following occupations:

  • Law enforcement professionals
  • Firefighters
  • Corrections officers
  • Department of Human Services (DHS) employees
  • State-run mental health facilities personnel

In addition, PEDA includes any unit of local government, any state college or university, and any other public entity that employs people according to the law. However, PEDA excludes any employees of the home rule unit with a population of over 1 million, which means law enforcement officers and firefighters who are employed by the City of Chicago are not eligible.


Common Injuries in the Public Sector

There are many accidents and injuries that can occur to those people working in a public or municipal job. For instance, a firefighter can suffer third-degree burns responding to a fire or broken bones from falling off of a ladder. Police officers can be hit by a distracted driver while making a traffic stop on the side of the road, which can lead to serious and even fatal injuries. Highway or tollway workers can also be struck by motorists who are speeding through construction or work zones. Other injuries can include amputation, electrocution, and spinal cord damage or paralysis. In many cases, ailments can be debilitating, requiring surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care.


Contact a McHenry County Local Government Lawyer

Laws are constantly being amended to reflect societal changes and protect citizens’ safety and well-being. Prime Law Group, LLC is dedicated to assisting clients with a wide variety of legal matters, including how PEDA may impact you. We advise local government entities throughout the state of Illinois on various topics, such as statutory compliance. Our qualified and tenacious Woodstock municipal law attorneys have years of experience providing public entity clients with comprehensive representation of their unique legal needs and interests. Call our office today at 815-338-2040 to schedule your confidential consultation.


Sources:
http://www.iml.org/file.cfm?key=4913

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=115&ChapAct=5%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B345%2F&ChapterID=2&ChapterName=GENERAL%2BPROVISIONS&ActName=Public%2BEmployee%2BDisability%2BAct%2E