Working in law enforcement is a noble profession that has many rewards but performing the responsibilities that come with the job does come with a higher risk of injury than many other careers. The law enforcement space carries a high risk of work-related illness and injury, so if you’re injured while working in the line of duty, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Common Law Enforcement Injuries
Debilitating injuries can affect a law enforcement officers ability to perform the requirements of their job, which will affect their careers on a short- or long-term basis. A few common law enforcement injuries include:
- Violence by Persons or Animals – This is the leading cause of all non-fatal and fatal injuries law enforcement officers sustain on duty. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, this violence constitutes approximately 27% of non-fatal injuries and over 55% of fatal injuries.
- Transportation Injuries – Injuries related to car accidents or being struck by other motor vehicles while on foot patrol or standing outside of their police car make up the second leading cause of on duty injuries.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls – Law enforcement officers can slip on sidewalks, trip while in a home responding to a call, or suffer a fall when apprehending a suspect who resists arrest.
- Overexertion – Law enforcement often has to push themselves when they respond to calls, especially in emergencies or when deterring criminal activity. This type of activity can often result in muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries, requiring a long recovery period.
- Contact with Objects – Law enforcement officers may be struck by an object and suffer an injury as a result. These injuries can cause painful lacerations, broken bones, and bruising. Many of the injuries can lead to painful conditions, such as sprains, strains, and tears, serious neck or back injuries or traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
Obtaining Workers’ Compensation for Law Enforcement Officers
At EMD Law, our workers’ compensation lawyers know the risks that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can help:
- Walking you through a free consultation so you know what to expect from your workers’ compensation case
- Helping you file for workers’ compensation benefits
- Resolving issues on your behalf
- Gathering evidence to prove that you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits
- Representing you in court
Our workers compensation attorneys have been protecting injured workers in New York for more than 30 years. Our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team has helped so countless injured workers get the help they need to navigate the complex workers’ compensation benefits system. We meticulously work through the details to ensure you get what you need and are entitled to receive. Contact us for a free consultation on your case.
