Law enforcement officers are often put in harm’s way as part of their job duties, and that means work-related injuries and illnesses can become common. Fortunately, you have access to workers’ compensation benefits if you get hurt or sick on the job, including a few unique options that are only available to you and your fellow first responders.
However, while it may be easier for you to get benefits for certain job-related conditions, there is still the potential for a denial by the employer or insurance company. By working closely with our Florida lawyers, police officers can get the workers’ compensation they rightly deserve.
In Florida, police officers have the benefit of having certain medical conditions deemed to be work-related automatically. This also applies to firefighters and corrections officers. Under Florida Statutes § 112.18, commonly known as the “Heart Bill,” first responders are generally allowed to assume that heart diseases, hypertension, and tuberculosis which result in partial or total disability all occurred “in the line of duty,” and it can also apply to certain mental health conditions, like formally diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This is important, because in order to get workers’ comp benefits, the injury or illness must be caused directly by your work in some way, or made substantially worse because of your working conditions. The Heart Bill allows you to get benefits without having to prove the connection but there are still some cases where an employer or insurer will try to deny it. Our attorneys stand by Florida police officers as they look to secure workers’ compensation benefits, and fight against any attempts at denying the claim.
Every police officer who is eligible for a workers’ comp claim can seek reimbursement for all reasonably necessary medical expenses. In addition, if your injury or illness leaves you unable to work for a few days or more, you can seek partial wage reimbursement for any work income you miss, usually equal to two-thirds of the average weekly wage or salary you normally receive.
Finally, if you loose a first responder family member there are various survivor benefits available to spouses and children.
Bichler & Longo has years of experience helping other officers and first responders get their needed benefits and clarify how that affects their pensions, Social Security benefits, and other payment systems. Call us today to learn how we can help you in your time of need!