Police officers protect the public from harm. Their primary responsibility is ensuring that people can go about their days safely by enforcing laws.
However, police officers quickly fall victims to the conditions of their job. They may start to develop medical conditions relating to stress, repetitive motion injuries and ultimately, injuries incurred during the commission of a crime. If you want to know what kind of protection a police officer can expect when suffering from work-related injuries and illnesses, these three facts about workers’ compensation may help.
1. Hypertension is a common work-related illness
Your heart is easily affected by diet, exercise and stress. Since police officers tend to have long periods of stagnancy between calls, such as time in the car or at a desk writing reports, they may not get proper exercise. On top of that, maintaining a healthy diet while on these types of rotating shifts is not always easy. Finally, the stress many officers go through takes a toll. If your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure, you may want to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover the care.
2. Off-duty injuries may qualify as workers’ compensation
When out and about, an officer may come upon a crime in progress and intercede. While it is true the officer was out of uniform and off duty, his or her injuries should qualify under workers’ compensation. Police officers abide by certain standards, and one is helping the public at all costs. Therefore, even out of uniform, performing normal duties may qualify for workers’ compensation protection.
3. Do not sell yourself short
Many law enforcement officers do not want to file workers’ compensation claims because they feel these injuries and conditions come with the territory. Not filing, however, has negative consequences in the short and long run, especially when it comes to the rising cost of medical care. It is always better to file a workers’ compensation claim to protect yourself and your family.
