Police officers put their lives on the line each day to keep communities safe. They have one of the most dangerous jobs in America. According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers have a higher risk of enduring a job-related injury or disease compared with other professions. On average, 115 police officers sustain fatal job-related injuries each year and about 30,990 nonfatal police officer injuries that keep them from their work. However, when police officers are hurt on the job in New Jersey, they are protected by workers’ compensation to recover losses they may experience on the job.
When you are injured in the police or law enforcement field, you might face expensive medical costs while being unable to work or support your family. There could be a plethora of financial and emotional challenges to deal with during your recovery. In these cases, a New Jersey Police Injury Attorney serving Oakhurst, Howell, and Toms River can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and obtain the financial help you need.
Types of Injuries Police Officers Encounter on the Job
The environment and conditions that police officers work in each day expose them to various hazards, which may include:
- Car crashes or being struck by a speeding vehicle
- Physical attacks and assaults
- Sprains and strains due to overexertion
- Emotional and mental stress (PTSD)
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or waste material
Furthermore, these dangerous environments can lead to various personal injuries, which may include a neck, shoulder, or back injury, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, burn or fire injuries, and repetitive stress injuries.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits and New Jersey Police Officers
Whenever a police officer is injured while performing his or her job, the officer is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey. Compensation may be awarded for medical expenses and treatment, lost wages, and income continuation to support themselves and their families.
If a police officer was injured due to the negligence or reckless behavior of a civilian, he or she might be able to file a civil suit against the civilian for negligence. Although workers’ compensation generally keeps you from suing your employer, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against a third party, such as a manufacturing company, real estate owner, or contractor. A New Jersey Police Worker Injury Worker Attorney can explain the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled, as well as help you determine when you are eligible to file a claim against a third party.
Get Legal Help from a Police Worker Injury Attorney Serving All of New Jersey
Police officers risk their lives to save the lives of others. When they are injured on the job and need financial support and medical treatment to save their lives, workers’ compensation is there for them. If you have experienced a work-related injury or disease while working in law enforcement, contact the New Jersey Police Worker Injury Attorneys at Schibell Law. They will fight for you to ensure you obtain the medical attention and financial support you need. Call 732-774-1000 for more information or to set up a free case evaluation.
