Stockton Law Enforcement and Police Injuries
Law enforcement and police officers are arguably one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Their occupation requires them to run into harm’s way to protect and serve the people. In addition, Law enforcement jobs are extremely physically demanding and frequently result in officers sustaining an injury at some point throughout their careers. Suppose you’ve been injured due to police work. In that case, you must seek help from Stockton Workers Compensation Attorneys P.C. Our expert workers’ compensation attorneys have over 25 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases on behalf of injured workers. Our attorneys can better understand the common injuries sustained by police officers and provide you with information regarding the workers’ compensation system specific to police officer occupations. If you want a team of qualified experts on your side when you need support, Stockton Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, P.C., should be your first choice. Feel free to give us a call to schedule a FREE no-obligation consultation.
Common Police Officer Injuries
Law enforcement occupations are often highly physically demanding. Due to the unpredictable nature of law enforcement occupations, police officers have a much higher chance of sustaining fatal injuries like gunshot injuries, stabbing wounds, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and burn injuries. Officers have a higher risk of maintaining ligament tears, muscle strains, broken bones, and back pain. Police officers are also at a higher risk of sustaining a severe personal injury or illness than other occupations. These injuries are often the result of assaults, altercations with suspects, the pursuit of criminals via motor vehicle, and more.
Do Police Officers Get Workers’ Compensation?
Yes, police officers are entitled to benefits under the workers’ compensation program. Work-related injuries, even non-fatal ones, can qualify them for workers’ compensation benefits. This benefit applies to even volunteers, apprentices, and part-time police officers. If you were officially on duty when you suffered the injury, you could file for a workers’ compensation claim.
Suppose you’re at work and suffer an injury. You’ll need to report the incident to your manager or superior immediately to be logged into your agency’s reporting system. If you cannot describe the injury, please find someone else to register it.
What are the Benefits for Injured Police Officers?
California’s workers’ compensation program typically covers medical bills, lost wages, and temporary disability benefits. Additionally, police officers have access to exclusive benefits from other industries.
As an example, as a police officer, you can opt-in to receive a whole year of your salary in place of receiving disability benefits.
In addition, if you are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, tuberculosis, pneumonia, hernia, back problems, or exposed to biological or chemical agents, you also receive disability benefits. Regardless if you have a pre-existing medical condition like those listed above, the condition will be presumed as a work-related injury/illness, and you will receive treatment for this ailment.
Benefits for the Surviving Families of Fallen Police Officers.
Families of police officers know the risks involved with the occupation. They understand that the associated risk of damage, injury, and even death is high.
California’s workers’ compensation program protects not only police officers from injury but also their families. The spouse of a fallen police officer may continue to collect health insurance benefits. Additionally, their children will be able to receive health benefits until the age of 21. The children of a fallen police officer are also given scholarships. Lastly, the spouse of the fallen police officer is given the option of continuing to receive health insurance benefits or collecting a lump sum survivor benefit.
