Three officers responding to a robbery in progress call in an unmarked police vehicle were seriously injured when their car flipped trying to avoid another vehicle. The injured officers reportedly had a total of 23 years on the police force.
A Chicago police spokesperson related that the officers had picked up a call about a robbery near the 7000 block of South Stony Island Avenue at around 11:30 a.m. on November 29, 2012. After the call escalated to one of shots fired the officers began speeding in route to the scene.
Unfortunately, their unmarked car being driven by a female officer, swerved to avoid another vehicle, striking two utility poles and flipping over.
Following the accident, the officers were transported to various hospitals for treatment. Two of the police officers, Brian McVey, 35, and Jamake Sherrod, 30, were transported to Northwestern Hospital. The other officer, Dwayne McGee, 38, was sent to John H. Stoger Jr. Hospital, formerly the Cook County Hospital. All of the officers were assigned to the Chicago Area Central Gang Enforcement Division.
Chicago Police Superintendent, Garry McCarthy, stated that the most seriously injured officer was Brian McVey. He suffered a fractured hip, as well as injuries to his foot and wrist and said his seat belt probably saved his life.
Being injured on the job for a police officer is no different than being hurt while performing construction work or any other job. These officers were injured in the course and scope of their employment as policemen and policewomen and are entitled to benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
Some of the benefits provided to workers who are injured on the job are medical benefits and weekly compensation benefits. All reasonable and necessary medical bills will be paid. The injured workers are entitled to receive temporary total disability benefits during the time the doctor says they are unable to work. These benefits are two thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly wage. Finally, injured workers are entitled to a possible settlement after being discharged by the physician. This settlement is based upon permanent partial disability and will be determined by the extent and duration of their injury.
If you, a family member or someone you know has suffered an injury on their job it is very important that you seek the advice of an Illinois experienced in handling workers’ compensation cases.