There are few jobs as dangerous as that of a police officer or correctional facility officer. You put your life and health on the line daily in order to keep the peace and ensure that civilians remain safe. If you suffer a serious injury while on the job, then, it only makes sense that the state would provide you with the means necessary to recover from your injury in peace, without having to worry about how you are going to pay for your extensive medical bills or feed your family.
Workers’ compensation benefits
Police officers and other first responders and law enforcement personnel have the same right to file for workers’ compensation benefits as private employees. If your injury occurred while you were performing your work duties, and it has left you unable to work for a time, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your living expenses and medical bills.
Make sure that you comply with Pennsylvania’s strict filing deadlines. If you wait too long to report your injury, you could lose the chance to apply for benefits.
Workers’ compensation is not your only option. There is a special law on the books in Pennsylvania that grants police officers access to additional benefits.
Additional legislation for first responders
The Pennsylvania legislature has also passed a law, called the Enforcement Officer Disability Benefits Law (EODBL), that sets aside funds for the specific benefit of law enforcement officers, prison guards and other state agents who suffer injuries while in the course of their duties. The law provides for the injured officer’s hospital bills, lost salary and other medical expenses that result from the injury.
Injuries sustained in the line of duty can change your life forever – especially when they result in permanent disabilities. That’s why it’s essential that you obtain all of the benefits that you are entitled to, so that you can have the funds necessary to adapt to your new life after your incident and take care of your loved ones.