Cary police chief files for workers' compensation for injury
Cary Police Chief Ron Delelio has been out of work and healing from multiple injuries that he says occurred in January when he fell down a flight of stairs at the police station.
But to ensure he gets paid for all of the time he's not working, Delelio on March 7 filed a claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, records show.
The matter is scheduled for an initial status hearing on Wednesday.
Village attorney Mike Coppedge, who is not representing the chief, says that according to documents, Delelio, 46, was attempting to descend a flight of about a dozen stairs on Jan. 15 when he lost his balance and fell.
He has been off the job since late February and it is not known when he'll return, Coppedge said.
The claim says Delelio sustained multiple injuries in the fall, but did not specify where, or the nature of the wounds.
Delelio's attorney Barry Ketter could not be reached for comment, but Coppedge says the chief of nearly eight years continues to see a doctor at home.
Deputy Chief Ed Fetzer confirms he is overseeing the police department in Delelio's place.
If the village agrees the chief was injured on the job, Delelio will be entitled to roughly 56 percent of his annual salary, said Susan Piha, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.
In his claim, Delelio said he makes $2,100 a week and could expect to get the state maximum of $1,178.48 a week, Piha said.
The chief could also attempt to recoup medical costs associated with this incident or other compensation if he suffers permanent damage, Piha said.
Should the case result in a trial, Arbitrator George Andros would decide whether the chief is entitled to compensation, Piha said.
"Filing a case protects the worker's rights and the employer and employee will often work things out between them," she said. "In the majority of cases, the employer and employee come to an agreement."
On average, it takes two years to reach a settlement and three years to realize an award, Piha said.