Former Elgin cop sues city, department over on-duty 2014 injury

A former Elgin police officer who became disabled after he slipped and fell while processing a crime scene in January 2014 has sued the city and police department, arguing the city has not paid him more than $50,000 in benefits available under two state acts for public workers.

Lawrence Dickman, an Elgin resident and former patrol officer, filed suit in early January in Kane County seeking back benefits and attorney fees under the Public Employee Disability Act and the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act.

Dickman, according to the lawsuit, slipped on a patch of ice Jan. 12, 2014, while on duty and processing a crime scene.

His attorney, Daniel Murphy, argues in the suit that the city and department have failed to pay Dickman 52 weeks of benefits under the Public Employee Disability Act and also are obligated to pay his entire health insurance premium, along with those for his wife and any children, under the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act because he suffered a "catastrophic injury" while on duty.

Dickman has not returned to his job, has been terminated from the department and has a pending application for disability before the Elgin Police Pension Board, the lawsuit states.

Reached by phone, Murphy declined to comment on his client's injuries or the suit in general.

Elgin police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton said the department does not comment on lawsuits and said a Freedom of Information Act request was needed for Dickman's employment dates at the city.

The Daily Herald filed a FOIA request for Dickman's employment duration Tuesday. The city has five business days to respond.

The office of William Cogley, the city's corporation counsel, said the city had not yet been served with the suit and therefore had no comment.

The two sides are due in court March 19. Dickman's lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in excess of $50,000.