Workers’ Compensation for Injured Police Officers

Premier-Quality Legal Representation for Injured Law Enforcement Personnel

Every day, law enforcement officers and safety personnel put their lives at risk in order to fulfill their mission to protect and serve. As a result, these individuals face a relatively high rate of work-related injuries, many of which lead to temporary or permanent disability.

Like any other worker in the state of California, police officers and others employed in various law enforcement agencies are entitled to workers’ compensation when they are injured in the line of duty or while carrying out any activity covered by the scope of their employment. Additionally, police officers are entitled to special benefits under California Labor Code Section 4850. Read on to learn more or contact Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC to speak to one of our Modesto workers’ compensation lawyers during a free initial consultation. We have three offices located throughout the Central Valley.

Submit a free case review form or call (916) 884-6554 to get started.

Police Injury Statistics at a Glance

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• There were 108 fatal injuries to police officers in the United States in 2018 alone. Nearly all fatal work injuries among police officers were attributed to violence or transportation incidents.
• Police officers were fatally injured at a rate of 13.7 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers in 2018. By comparison, the rate for all occupations was 3.5.
• Police officers suffered violent nonfatal injuries and illnesses at a rate of 121.7 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers in 2018. The rate for all occupations was 7.3.

Compensation for Police Officers Injured on Duty

Law enforcement is a dangerous profession that often results in officers being injured or killed on duty. When a police officer is injured and unable to work, they are eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits to cover their medical treatments, temporary disability, or permanent disability. If an officer is tragically killed on duty, their family may receive death benefits under workers' compensation to cover their final expenses.

Workers' compensation covers virtually any injury or illness suffered in the line of duty, including:

• Injuries suffered while attempting to apprehend a suspect
• Car accidents occurring during police pursuits
• Repetitive motion injuries like back injuries from long hours on your feet
• Certain stress-related issues and mental health concerns, including PTSD after disturbing events
• Exposure to toxic chemicals

4850 Benefits for Police Officers

Like employees in certain other industries, such as firefighting, law enforcement officers are entitled to what are known as “4850 benefits” when they are injured in the line of duty. These benefits provide up to one year’s full salary for injured police officers. At the conclusion of the 12 months, if the police officer is still injured and unable to work, he or she can then start receiving typical workers’ compensation disability benefits.

For law enforcement personnel, 4850 benefits apply to:

• City police officers
• Sheriffs
• Harbor police
• Airport officers
• County probation officers
• County juvenile officers
• County group counselors
• Park rangers

Certain other employees of the sheriff’s department and/or probation offices may also be entitled to 4850 benefits. However, these benefits do not apply to anyone whose employment does not involve active law enforcement duties.

Additionally, certain conditions are generally presumed to be work-related for police officers. These include conditions like cancer, meningitis, pneumonia, Lyme disease, blood-borne infectious diseases, hernias, certain heart conditions, tuberculosis, back injuries related to duty belts, and exposure to certain chemical or biological agents.

Death Benefits for the Family Members of Police Officers

Sadly, many law enforcement officials lose their lives in the line of duty. Others succumb to work-related injuries and conditions like heart disease or cancer. In any case, when a police officer dies due to a job-related accident, injury, illness, or condition, his or her family members may be entitled to death benefits through the workers’ compensation system.

Surviving spouses, children, and other dependents may be able to receive the following death benefits:

• Survivors’ benefits up to $320,000
• Funeral/burial compensation up to $10,000
• Health insurance benefits

FAQ: Workers’ Compensation for Injured Police Officers

1. What are my rights if I’m injured while on duty as a police officer?
As a police officer in California, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for injuries sustained in the line of duty. This includes coverage for medical expenses, temporary disability, and permanent disability.

2. What are 4850 benefits, and who qualifies for them?
4850 benefits provide injured police officers with up to one year of full salary when unable to work due to a work-related injury. This applies to various law enforcement personnel, including city police officers, sheriffs, and airport officers.

3. What types of injuries are covered under workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation covers a wide range of injuries, including those from car accidents during pursuits, injuries from apprehending suspects, repetitive motion injuries, and certain stress-related conditions like PTSD.

4. What death benefits are available for the families of fallen police officers?
If a police officer dies due to a job-related incident, their family may receive survivors’ benefits up to $320,000, funeral/burial compensation up to $10,000, and health insurance benefits.

5. How do I file a workers' compensation claim?
To file a claim, report the injury to your supervisor, seek medical treatment, and complete the necessary claim forms. It’s advisable to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

6. What if my claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and work to secure the benefits you deserve.

Contact Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC for a Free Consultation

Are you a police officer who was injured on the job? Did your police officer spouse or parent die due to a work-related incident or injury? We encourage you to reach out to our firm to learn more about your rights and your options regarding recovery. Our Modesto workers’ compensation lawyers assist injured police officers and other law enforcement officials, as well as their families, in navigating the often-complex process of recovering their rightful benefits. With over 30 years of experience and a proven record of success, we are equipped to help you, too.

Call our office today at (916) 884-6554 for a free and confidential consultation. Se habla español.