Police officers and emergency medical technicians are naturally at a higher risk of injuries on the job than other types of workers. When these accidents occur, they are likely to cause significant injuries and losses that may cost far more than the amount of the employee’s workers’ compensation benefits. Our personal injury attorneys are proud to represent these dedicated individuals, helping them get proper compensation when they are injured in the line of duty.
We Assist Police and Emergency Responders in Third-Party Injury Claims
Like any other employee, law enforcement and emergency professionals are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage for their medical expenses and income losses after a work injury. While the provisions of workers’ compensation law prevent employees from suing their employers, it does not prohibit claims against other people whose actions led to the injury. These are called third-party claims, and they can be extremely helpful for police officers and first responders who have suffered debilitating injuries or disability on the job.
Due to the dangerous nature of their employment, emergency responders and police officers may suffer a wide range of third-party injuries, including:
- Car accidents. Car accidents may occur while an officer is on patrol, during the pursuit of a suspect, or even while the patrol car is stopped on the side of the road. A careless driver may collide with an ambulance that is on its way to an emergency or strike first responders who are attending to accident victims.
- Truck accidents. Police cars and ambulances are both at a disadvantage in a collision with a tractor-trailer. A commercial truck’s heavy weight and fast speeds can cause a deadly force of impact, resulting in devastating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or spinal cord damage.
- Animal collisions. A car accident with wandering livestock or even wild animals can force an officer to return to work only for light duty or retire early due to injury complications.
- Dog bites. Police and first responders are often called to dangerous environments while discharging their duties, including private homes where dogs are allowed to run free. If a public servant is attacked or bitten by a dog while attempting to help, he or she could sue the owner for the costs of medical bills and out-of-pocket losses.
- Slips and falls. EMTs may be compelled to enter structures that are falling down, out of compliance with building codes, or improperly lit, leading to physical attacks or slip and fall accidents. Officers are often pushed or shoved as they attempt to break up fights or arrest suspects, and can easily lose their footing as a result.
- Aviation accidents. Police officers may fly for work if they are needed to escort a prisoner, travel to another district, or attend a conference. Our attorneys are uniquely suited to handle injury cases involving airline or pilot negligence.
- Wrongful death. Both first responders and police officers face a high risk of fatal injury on the job. Unfortunately, many grieving family members who are forced to cope with a sudden loss are not aware of their legal rights. While no amount of financial compensation can replace the loved one you lost in the line of duty, our wrongful death attorneys can ensure that you receive your rightful survivor’s benefits, collect payment for your loved one’s contribution to household income, and give you the closure your family will need to move on.
We understand that injury victims are reluctant to take on an additional financial burden after the trauma of an accident. That is why our lawyers provide injury clients with a free initial consultation and represent their interests on a contingent fee basis, meaning we do not collect anything unless we secure a recovery for you. To learn more about your claim, download a free copy of our book, The 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Tennessee Injury Case.
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