As a police officer, your job requires you to put yourself in harm’s way every day to protect the citizens of the Lawrence Township, NJ, area. While your bravery and dedication to service are admirable, the risks you face on the job are very real. Police officer injuries can range from sprains and strains to serious, life-altering conditions. If you’ve been injured while serving your community, you need an experienced police officer injury lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation claims and other legal matters.

At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we understand how crucial it is for police officers to get the compensation they deserve after an injury. With over four decades of experience in police workers’ compensation law, our police officer injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

There are no fees for our services unless we deliver a successful result for you. Even then, our payment is restricted to a court-approved share, up to 20 percent, of the amount you are awarded.

If you’re a police officer injured in the line of duty, call us today at (609) 520-0900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help.

How a Lawrence Township Police Officer Injury Lawyer Can Help

Sustaining an injury while on duty can cause immediate pain and long-term consequences. In addition to the physical toll, there are legal and financial burdens to consider, including navigating complex workers’ compensation claims. That’s where a skilled police officer injury attorney comes in. At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, our team of experienced lawyers can assist you in the following ways:

• Free Consultation: Our law firm offers a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and options without any obligation.
• Workers’ Compensation Assistance: We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and ensure that all necessary documents and evidence are submitted.
• Appeals and Disputes: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or disputed, we can help you appeal the decision.
• Third-Party Claims: In some cases, your injury may be the result of the negligence of someone other than your employer.  We can help you pursue a third-party personal injury claim for additional compensation.
• Long-Term Disability and Benefits: We will fight for the long-term benefits you need, including disability payments and medical coverage.

By working with a police officer injury lawyer, you ensure that your rights are protected, and your case is handled with the utmost care. Whether you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim or a complex injury lawsuit, our Lawrence Township workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help.

Common Injuries Sustained by Police Officers

Police officers face various dangers while on duty, leading to a wide range of injuries. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), police officers are significantly more likely to be injured in the line of duty compared to other professions. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 60,000 law enforcement officers were injured while performing their duties, with nearly 20,000 of those injuries requiring time off work. These police officer injuries can range from minor sprains to more severe conditions, often leading to long-term health issues and affecting an officer’s ability to work.

While some injuries are minor, others can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects. Below are common injuries sustained by police officers:

• Sprains and Strains
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Head Injuries and Concussions
• Back Injuries
• Gunshot and Stab Wounds
• Vehicle Accident Injuries
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
• Repetitive Stress Injuries
• Hearing Loss
• Psychological Injuries or Mental Health Conditions

These police officer injuries can affect not only your physical health but also your career and quality of life. Whether your injury is a result of an accident, a violent confrontation, or repeated physical strain, a police officer injury lawyer can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and any potential third-party claims.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Police Officers in New Jersey

Police officers in New Jersey are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they sustain injuries while on duty. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, workers’ compensation claims for police officers can be complex, and it’s important to understand your rights under the law.

Some of the benefits available to injured police officers include:

• Medical Benefits: Coverage for the cost of medical treatment related to the injury.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: Payments to replace a portion of lost wages while you are unable to work.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to ongoing benefits.
• Death Benefits: If a police officer is killed in the line of duty, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.

It’s essential to work with an experienced police officer injury attorney to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under New Jersey’s Police officer workers’ compensation laws.

Proving Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation or Disability Benefits

In order to be eligible for workers’ compensation or disability benefits, you must prove that your injury occurred while on duty. This can sometimes be more challenging for police officers, as their duties often involve high-risk situations that are difficult to document. Your police officer injury lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, including:

• Medical records that document the extent of your injury and treatment.
• Police reports that establish the nature of the incident.
• Witness testimony from colleagues, supervisors, or other individuals who saw the incident occur.
• Job records that demonstrate the demands of your duties and how they may have contributed to your injury.

By working with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your claim is properly filed and supported by strong evidence, giving you the best chance at securing workers’ compensation or disability benefits.

Third-Party Claims for Police Officer Injuries

In some cases, your injury may be caused by the negligence of another party, such as a reckless driver, a dangerous product, or faulty equipment. When this happens, you may be able to file a third-party claim in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. This can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

For example, if you were injured in a vehicle accident while responding to an emergency, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim against the negligent driver. Similarly, if a piece of equipment malfunctions and causes an injury, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit.

A police officer injury attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether pursuing a third-party claim is appropriate.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury as a Police Officer

If you’ve been injured in the line of duty, taking the right steps early on is crucial to ensure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to. The following steps are essential for protecting your eligibility for benefits and helping you navigate the claims process effectively:

1. Report the Injury to Your Supervisor Immediately

As soon as you are injured, notify your supervisor or another workplace authority figure about the incident. Prompt reporting helps ensure your injury is documented and initiates the process for workers’ compensation claims. Failing to report your injury promptly can complicate the process and potentially jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.

2. Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Even if your injury feels minor, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. It establishes a clear record of your injury and treatment, which will be important for your workers’ compensation claim. Ensure that all injuries are properly documented by a medical professional.

3. Obtain the Necessary Paperwork to File a Claim

Once you’ve reported your injury to your employer, request the necessary paperwork to file a workers’ compensation claim. This paperwork is essential for starting the claims process. Your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance provider will then review your claim and determine your eligibility for benefits.

4. Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Contact a police officer injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the filing process, ensure that all required documents are completed accurately, and protect your rights throughout the process. At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we can help you navigate any complexities and advocate on your behalf.

5. If Your Employer Fails to Report Your Injury

If your employer neglects to report your injury to their insurance provider, it’s important to act quickly. Your police officer injury attorney at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman will take steps to notify the insurer or file a claim directly with the Division of Workers’ Compensation on your behalf. This ensures that your claim is not delayed, and you can begin receiving the benefits you deserve.

By following these steps and working with an experienced police officer injury lawyer, you can protect your eligibility for New Jersey workers’ compensation disability benefits and ensure that you receive the medical care and financial compensation you’re entitled to after an on-duty injury.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

One of the biggest concerns injured workers have is the cost of hiring an attorney. Fortunately, workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This ensures that you can access legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.

At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options. If we take your case, we won’t charge you unless we secure compensation on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman

If you are a police officer in the Lawrence Township, NJ, area who has been injured while on duty, you need a police officer injury lawyer who will fight for your rights. The experienced attorneys at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman are here to help you navigate the complex process of workers’ compensation claims, third-party lawsuits, and long-term disability benefits.

Call (609) 520-0900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.