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Firefighter Greg Down was an employee of the City of Champaign as a fire engineer. Firefighter Down sustained an injury while working for the City of Champaign on February 4, 2019. Firefighter Down slipped and fell in the firehouse, injuring his right elbow, hip, back, neck and shoulder. Firefighter Down was diagnosed with neck pain, right shoulder surgery, right total hip replacement, and L5-S1 back fusion. As a result of the work injuries, Firefighter Down filed for line of duty pension disability benefits. Firefighter Down was evaluated by 3 pension doctors and was found to have permanent restrictions and unable to return to work as a firefighter.

After a lengthy trial and the evidence was presented, Firefighter Down was awarded his line of duty disability benefits by the pension board. Firefighter Down received his line of duty benefits dating back to February 4, 2019.

Officer Tim Wight was an employee of the City of Peoria as a police officer. Officer Wight sustained an injury while working for the City of Peoria on July 28, 2017. Officer Wight was chasing a suspect when he fell face first into a driveway, injuring his head and wrist. Officer Wight was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and a wrist surgery. As a result of the work injuries, officer Wight filed for line of duty pension disability benefits. Officer Wight was evaluated by 3 pension doctors and was found to have permanent restrictions and unable to return to work as a police officer.

The City of Peoria intervened in the pension disability hearing process and fully participated in the trial in front of the pension board. After a lengthy trial and an enormous amount of evidence presented, officer Wight was awarded his line of duty disability benefits by the pension board. Officer Wight received his line of duty benefits dating back to July 28, 2017.

A heavy machine operator for M.J. Electric suffered catastrophic injuries while working for M.J. Electric. On November 9, 2014, Stigall was pulled into the air by a rope caught on his right left. He suffered injuries to his right leg, right foot, left leg, back, left shoulder, body as a whole. The nature of Stigall’s injuries were left knee internal derangement with multiple surgeries, including knee replacement, right foot osteoarthrosis and derangement with multiple surgeries, including midfoot fusion and ongoing necrotic tissue and wound closure issues, low back strain, left shoulder distal clavicle fracture with surgery, and thoracic vertebra fracture. Stigall has permanent work restrictions. As a result of the injuries, he is unable to return to work. Stephen P. Kelly was able to settle Stigall’s workers’ compensation case settled for $400,000.00, plus a CMS approved Medicare Set Aside funding of $170,842.00, and $40,694.15 for non-Medicare covered expenses.

A police officer for the City of Jacksonville suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of working for the City of Jacksonville. Officer Vasquez was unable to return to work as a police officer for the City of Jacksonville. An Application for Pension benefits was submitted by Officer Vasquez. With Stephen P. Kelly as his attorney, an all day trial occurred. Officer Vasquez was awarded his “on-line duty benefits” under the Pension Act. Officer Vasquez will also be entitled to his PSEBA benefits as a result of this victory. Officer Vasquez will also expect to receive his benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

A police officer for the City of Peoria suffered catastrophic injuries while working for the City of Peoria. Due to his injuries, Ian McDowell was unable to return to work as a police officer for the City of Peoria. Ian Dowell received a favorable settlement in front of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Following the settlement of his workers’ compensation case, his attorney, Stephen P. Kelly tried the issue as to whether Officer McDowell would be entitled to his “on-line duty” disability benefits under the Pension Act. After trial, Officer McDowell was awarded his benefits under the Pension Act. Additionally, Stephen P. Kelly was able to obtain Officer McDowell’s PSEBA benefits.

Hamm was an electrician/lineman working for Par Electric when he had a terrible fall. He suffered a right shoulder rotator cuff tear with 3 surgeries, permanent restrictions, and loss of occupation. Hamm received a favorable award from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, and Par Electric appealed the award all the way to the Appellate Court. After many hearings, this case settled for a significant award, including:

1. A lifetime award of permanent disability, Par Electric is ordered to pay Hamm benefits $118.60/week for life.
2. Payment of medical expenses
3. Payment of off work benefits

A police officer for the City of Peoria suffered catastrophic injuries while working for the City of Peoria. Due to her injuries, Beckman was unable to return to work as a police officer for the City of Peoria. Her attorney, Stephen P. Kelly tried the issue as to whether Officer Beckman would be entitled to her “on-line duty” disability benefits under the Pension Act. After trial, Officer Beckman was awarded her benefits under the Pension Act. Following the award of pension benefits, Beckman received a favorable settlement in front of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Additionally, Stephen P. Kelly was able to obtain Officer Beckman’s PSEBA benefits.

Stephen Kelly Law proudly supports local firefighters – and now Peoria Firefighters’ Local 50 supports Stephen Kelly Law.

“We truly admire the work that Local 50 and firefighters in Illinois do to keep us safe,” said Stephen Kelly. “From years of experience, we understand the life-threatening circumstances they face every day and work hard to protect their rights.”

Historically, firefighters are at risk of a wide range of occupational hazards and illnesses ranging from lung cancer and mesothelioma to heart/vascular disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).

The members of Local 50 have served the citizens of Peoria since February 7, 1875, when the Peoria Fire Department was first organized as a fully paid fire department.

The firm of Stephen P. Kelly, Attorney At Law, brings 31 years of trial experience to the bar in the areas of workers’ compensation, employment law, police and fire liability and auto liability defense.

A Police officer for the City of Peoria suffered a catastrophic injury while working for the City of Peoria. As a result of her injuries, Officer Taylor was unable to return to work as a police officer for the City of Peoria. As her attorney, Stephen P. Kelly obtained her benefits under the Pension Act and her PSEBA benefits. Subsequent to winning the trail for her pension and PSEBA benefits, Stephen P. Kelly tried Officer Taylor’s case in front of the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. After receiving a very favorable award from the Illinois Worker’s Commission, the City of Peoria appealed the award to the Illinois Appellate Court. The City of Peoria argued, that the Pension benefits awarded to Officer Taylor should be used to reduce her award under the Illinois Workers Compensation act. The Appellate Court rejected the City of Peoria’s argument, and upheld the decision of the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission.