Los Angeles Police Work Injury Lawyer

Los Angeles Police Work Injury Attorney

If a police officer is injured or develops an illness as a result of their job duties, they may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. A knowledgeable Los Angeles police work injury lawyer from Wiesner English, P.C., can guide you through the process of obtaining compensation for work injuries.

California Laws and Regulations Affecting Police Work Injuries

California’s workers’ compensation laws provide police officers injured at work with special benefits and protections. These benefits include:

• Medical Treatment: covering the costs of necessary medical care for the work-related injury or illness
• Temporary Disability Benefits: compensating for lost wages if the officer is unable to work while recovering
• Permanent Disability Benefits: providing payments if the injury results in a long-term impairment, calculated based on the severity of the disability
• Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits: assisting with job retraining or education if the officer cannot return to their previous position

There are additional benefits and protections for officers in California, including the following:

• Labor Code Section 4850 Benefits: Police officers and certain public safety employees are entitled to a valuable benefit under this code. If they’re hurt at work and cannot do their job, they can receive their full salary for up to a year. This is different from the typical two-thirds wage replacement in workers’ compensation.
• Presumptive Injuries: California statutes designate certain medical conditions as presumptively work-related for law enforcement officers and other public safety employees. This legal provision streamlines the process for these individuals to claim their benefits. Examples of these conditions include heart conditions, pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancers linked to law enforcement work and exposure to carcinogens, and lower back injuries related to duty belts for officers with 5+ years of service.
• Apportionment: In cases where a work-related injury is presumed, there may be no division of responsibility for a pre-existing condition. Regardless of any pre-existing health issues, the work is considered the exclusive cause of the injury.

Filing a Claim

Before engaging in the legal process to file for workers’ compensation, it is important to understand the steps involved, starting with learning how to file a claim. The steps include:

• Reporting: Injured officers must report their injury to their employer and file a workers’ compensation claim with the insurance carrier.
• Medical Evaluations: If there are disagreements about the claim, officers might need medical evaluation by a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) or Agreed Medical Examiner (AME).
• Appeals: If an officer’s claim is denied, they have the right to appeal the decision. Ensure you understand the procedure and deadlines for initiating the appeal.

It is not always easy to understand all of the laws and regulations that the legal process encompasses. It’s advisable for injured police officers to consult with a work injury attorney in Los Angeles. This ensures you can better understand your rights and work towards obtaining your entitled benefits.

The Importance of a Policy Work Injury Lawyer

Each year, roughly 16,000 police officers are injured after being assaulted while on duty. If you or a loved one in the law enforcement occupation is facing work-related injuries, our legal team is here to help injured workers receive the benefits and compensation they deserve.

A workers’ injury lawyer is essential for an officer facing work-related injuries or illnesses. Although the basic process of workers’ compensation is similar across occupations, police officers face specific challenges and potential denials that a lawyer can help guide them through.

An experienced attorney can help prevent claim denials, working to counter the tactics that insurance companies may use to deny claims or dispute the work-related nature of the injury. Additionally, hiring a skilled lawyer can enable you to focus on your physical and mental recovery, while the legal team strives to negotiate for fair compensation.

Overall, a work injury lawyer acts as your advocate, ensuring you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under the law while navigating the complexities of the process and protecting you from potential pitfalls.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for an Injury on the Job in California?

A: In California, you generally cannot file a claim against your employer for a workplace injury; instead, you pursue a workers’ compensation claim. However, there are exceptions. If your employer deliberately hurt you or does not provide workers’ compensation insurance, then you might have grounds to take legal action against them directly. It is important to consult with a California workers’ compensation attorney to understand your specific rights and options.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File My Police Work Injury Claim?

A: In California, you have up to one year after your injury or when you become aware of your injury to file a police work injury claim. However, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in receiving benefits. An attorney familiar with Los Angeles police work injury laws can help you with your claim.

Q: How Much Does a Work Injury Lawyer Cost in California?

A: In California, work injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee comes from a portion of your settlement or court-awarded compensation. This can vary depending on factors such as how complicated your police work injury case is, the attorney’s level of experience, and how long it takes for your case to reach a resolution.

Q: Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Police Work Injury in California?

A: Typically, you cannot file a personal injury claim for a police work injury, as workers’ compensation is usually the first option for recovery. If a third party caused your injury through misconduct or negligence, you may be able to file a claim against that party in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Police Work Injury Lawyer Today

For help navigating the complex legal system, hire a police work injury lawyer to be your advocate, protect your rights, and maximize your benefits. Because police officers face unique on-the-job risks and their injuries can lead to potential long-term consequences, a lawyer who is familiar with police officer injuries can understand these specific challenges and tailor their representation accordingly.

Contact our team at Wiesner English, P.C. today to have skilled attorneys handle the legal aspects of workers’ compensation and police injury claims, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.