Police Officers Injured at Work

Police officers are here for us in times of crisis, putting their lives and their safety in jeopardy in order to protect and serve the public. As first responders, the job of a police officer is inherently dangerous. That is why New York law allows police officers who are injured at work to seek compensation beyond sick time, workers’ compensation, or disability benefits.

If you are a police officer who has been injured on the job, you have options and rights. A seasoned Long Island workplace injury attorney can work with you to help you pursue a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for your injuries. Learn more about how police officers can seek justice below.

New York Law on Line of Duty Injuries

Police officers who are injured in the line of duty have the right to sue other people or entities who are responsible for their injuries. Under General Municipal Law 205-e, any police officer in the state of New York who is injured or killed in an accident can file a lawsuit for the person or entity responsible for their injury or death. For wrongful death lawsuits, the survivors of the deceased police officer can file a lawsuit on their behalf.

GML 205-e permits police officers or their family members to file a lawsuit against anyone who failed to comply with the requirements of any of the statutes, ordinances, rules, orders and requirements of the federal, state, county, village, town or city governments or of any and all their departments, divisions and bureaus. If that failure resulted, directly or indirectly, in an accident that caused an injury, death, or disease that results in death, an officer can file a lawsuit with the assistance of a skilled Long Island workplace injury attorney.

The laws regarding claims brought by police officers who are injured in the line of duty are different than those brought by civilians. For example, a police officer can file a lawsuit against a suspect who assaulted him or her in the line of duty. An officer can also file a lawsuit against the town or city that employs them, or even a fellow police officer, for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Because these cases are complex, it is vital to consult with a Long Island workplace injury attorney who understands the unique nature of line of duty cases. New York law imposes strict limitations on how and when claims can be made under this law, particularly in cases involving government entities.

Compensation for Police Officers Injured at Work

There are two basic types of compensation that a police officer may be entitled to under New York law. First, a police officer who is injured in the line of duty may be eligible for a specific type of benefits available to municipal employees who are first responders.

These benefits, known as section 207-c benefits, are akin to workers’ compensation. However, this type of compensation is more generous given the heightened risk of the job.

Second, police officers who are injured in the line of duty can file a lawsuit under section 205-e against any person or entity whose statutory violation directly or indirectly caused their injury. Under this law, police officers can recover damages for their injuries just as they would in another civil lawsuit. These damages may include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. A skilled Long Island workplace injury attorney can work with you to determine if you are eligible to file a 205-e lawsuit.

Types of Injuries Suffered by New York Police Officers at Work

In New York, police officers may suffer injuries in a variety of ways. On Long Island, law enforcement officers are often in their patrol vehicles.

This increases the risk of car accidents, both during high speed pursuits and during regular commutes. Because of GML 205-e, New York police officers have several options available to them when it comes to pursuing compensation for a line of duty car accident.

Officers may also suffer injuries while investigating crimes, such as by slipping and falling during a pursuit, being assaulted while breaking up a fight, or falling while going into a building that is not up to code. Officers who work on the water may be subject to specific types of hazards.

Under federal law, any law enforcement officer who spends more than a third of his time on navigable waters is a Jones Act seaman. As such, he or she can sue their employer if they are injured due to negligence or any unsafe condition on a vessel.

How a Long Island Workplace Injury Attorney Can Help

As a police officer, you have dedicated your life to serving the community. It is only fair that if you are hurt in the performance of your duties, you should be appropriately compensated. A Section 205-e lawsuit may allow you to seek justice for a line of duty injury against the person or entity responsible for your loss.

At Siler & Ingber, we are dedicated to helping police officers and other first responders who have suffered injuries while on the job. We believe that our brave law enforcement officers deserve the best representation possible, which is why we work hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today at 1-516-294-2666, or reach out online to schedule an appointment with an experienced Long Island workplace injury attorney.