Law enforcement traffic injuries warrant workers’ compensation

Law enforcement officers in Denver and throughout Colorado place themselves in harm’s way as part of their job. They are the ones who go to the site of an accident to help those in need. In some cases, however, they are involved in an accident themselves as they go about their duties. Like any other job, workplace injuries can cause serious problems in an officer’s life. When these accidents happen and an officer is injured on the job, it is important to understand the steps to get workers’ compensation benefits.

The dangers inherent to law enforcement were shown in a 24-hour period when three Colorado State Troopers were injured in auto accidents. One accident involved a trooper in the process of investigating another accident. He was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. In a second accident, a truck spun and crashed into a cruiser. That trooper was also investigating a separate accident.

A third officer was hit while assisting a driver whose vehicle was stuck in the median of a road. With this crash, a sedan and a semi were turning a corner and the trooper’s cruiser was in the left lane. The sedan tried to stop and go to the right when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It ran under the trailer of the semi and hit the cruiser. The trooper was injured.

When people are injured on the job, it can lead to missed time at work, medical expenses and long-term problems. Workers’ compensation benefits can provide income and help with medical care until the person can get back to work. The extent of the injuries and the amount of time a worker is expected to miss is often in dispute. Since law enforcement officers must be in good shape to do their jobs, it is imperative that they are not suffering from injuries that hinder them. Receiving workers’ compensation can be vital for them to make ends meet and get the care they need.

After being injured on the job, having legal advice can make all the difference. Whether the injuries are initially believed to be minor or not, they can worsen over time and make it impossible for the person to do their job. Calling a law firm that helps people who were injured and need workers’ compensation benefits can be essential to a case.

Category:

• WORKERS' COMPENSATION