Jersey City Police & Correction Officer Injury Lawyers

As a police officer or a correction officer, you know that every shift brings uncertainty, and the risks to your personal health and safety are far greater than in most other professions. When an officer is injured in the line of duty, it can impact their career, family, finances, and future all at once. If you’re a police or correction officer who has sustained an injury on the job, our workers’ compensation lawyers stand ready to walk you through the claims process. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.

Police & Correction Officer Injuries

Police and correction officers face unique occupational hazards, from confrontations with suspects or inmates to accidents involving vehicles, slips, or equipment; the range of potential injuries is wide. That said, some of the most common work-related injuries we see are as follows:

• Orthopedic injuries caused by physical altercations, falls, or accidents
• Back and neck injuries from restraining individuals or motor vehicle crashes
• Shoulder and knee injuries from chasing suspects or breaking up fights in correctional facilities
• Traumatic brain injuries from assaults, falls, or being struck by objects
• Hearing loss caused by repeated exposure to loud sirens or firearms
• Stress-related conditions, such as PTSD
• Cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations resulting from contact with sharp objects or broken glass

If You Are Injured in the Line of Duty

The moments after sustaining an injury as a law enforcement officer can feel overwhelming, but it’s imperative that you take the right steps immediately. After an on-the-job injury, try and do the following:

1. Report the injury at once. Notify your supervisor or commanding officer as soon as you can.
2. Seek medical treatment. Your employer and its insurance carrier can choose your treating physician under NJ law, but if it’s an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
3. Document the incident and your injuries.
4. Follow medical advice and attend all appointments and adhere to the prescribed treatment.
5. Contact a Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyer who can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

Do I Have a Valid Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you were injured in the line of duty, you’re likely wondering whether you have a valid workers’ compensation claim. To have a valid claim:

• The injury must occur in the course of employment. For police and correction officers, this generally means while on duty, whether patrolling, supervising inmates, responding to calls, or even performing administrative tasks.
• Causation must be clear. The injury must be directly related to work duties or conditions. For example, while a back injury caused by lifting equipment at the jail would qualify, an injury from a recreational activity outside of work would not.
• You must give timely notice. In New Jersey, you are required to report your injury to your employer within 90 days. That said, it is highly recommended that you report the injury either the day it happened or the very next day.
• A physician’s diagnosis and treatment records must support your claim. Without medical documentation, it’s nearly impossible to prove that your injury is compensable.

It is also important to note that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means you do not need to prove negligence on the part of your employer. Even if your actions contributed to the accident, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits as long as you can prove that you were acting within the scope of your employment.

Contact Our Police Officer & Correction Officer Injury Lawyers Today

Police officers and correctional staff put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. When they are injured, they deserve access to every benefit the law provides. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims can be contested, delayed, or underpaid, which is why you need a seasoned team of police officer and correction officer injury lawyers who can fight for the full benefits to which you are entitled. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.