Every job comes with different risks and benefits. Some people find themselves drawn to the public service sector. They may choose to work in law enforcement. Police officers, corrections officers and other professionals help keep the community safe.
However, they do so at significant risk to themselves. Police officers and other law enforcement professionals can end up seriously hurt in the line of duty. When that happens, they may require workers’ compensation benefits.
Job hazards may inspire a need to file a claim
Obviously, those working in law enforcement have more of a risk of violent encounters than those working in less volatile professions. Interpersonal violence is far from the only job hazard faced by law enforcement professionals.
Those out on patrol also have the risk of an on-the-job car crash. Motor vehicle collisions can cause all kinds of serious injuries. Additionally, police officers could be at risk of issues in their hips, backs or knees because of the heavy belts they have to wear while on duty. They may all be at increased risk of certain long-term medical issues because of a largely sedentary job combined with high levels of stress.
When police officers end up hurt on the job or diagnosed with a work-acquired medical condition, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Special claims rules apply to law enforcement claims
Law enforcement professionals hoping to secure workers’ compensation benefits may have an easier time than other workers in certain circumstances. For example, there is a presumption enshrined in state law that certain medical conditions directly relate to a career in law enforcement. A police officer diagnosed with hypertension, heart disease or tuberculosis is typically eligible for benefits because their career is likely the underlying cause of their medical issue.
There is also a streamlined process in place for helping law enforcement professionals secure workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Experiencing interpersonal violence or witnessing a traumatic incident could lead to long-lasting mental health challenges that render a police officer or other law enforcement professional unable to continue working. They may require mental health support and disability benefits until they address their symptoms.
When law enforcement professionals need to file workers’ compensation claims, they may require help with necessary paperwork, and that’s okay. Getting the right assistance can make it easier for injured law enforcement professionals to focus on their medical recovery instead of on the claims process.