Workers’ Compensation for Injured Police Officers in Tampa

According to the National Police Foundation, law enforcement officers are about three times more likely to suffer injuries than average workers. This makes sense, as police officers risk their lives every day to keep the community safe. As a result, police officers may file workers’ compensation claims at a much higher rate compared to the rest of the population. How exactly do these claims work, and how should you proceed if you’ve been injured in the line of duty? This is a discussion you might want to have with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa.

Deputy Injured After Crashing into Tanker Truck 

Law enforcement officers suffer serious injuries on a regular basis in the Tampa area. In October of 2024, a deputy in Pinellas County crashed into a tanker truck – causing his vehicle to slip underneath the trailer. These “underriding”  crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries, and images from the scene show the patrol vehicle’s top section completely crushed. First responders stated that although this deputy’s condition eventually stabilized, he suffered “very serious head injuries.”

Can Police Officers File Workers’ Compensation Claims? 

In most cases, police officers can file workers’ compensation claims – just like any other employee in Tampa. Often, this is the only available source of financial compensation for injured officers – and it can help cover medical bills and lost income. In the event of a police fatality, the surviving family members may pursue death benefits through workers’ compensation. These benefits can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they may be crucial for dependents.

That being said, police officers could struggle to pursue workers’ compensation benefits in certain situations. Insurers may argue that the accident was not work-related in certain situations, and this may result in denied claims. For example, one might argue that an off-duty police officer was not engaged in work-related activities if they crashed their vehicle. The distinction between an on-duty officer and an off-duty officer is often vague. For example, an off-duty officer may carry their firearm during civilian life and make arrests if they become aware of a crime.

In some situations, injured police officers may be able to file personal injury lawsuits against negligent parties instead. Florida has abolished the so-called “fireman’s rule,” which previously prevented first responders from suing negligent property owners. The same logic may apply to negligent trucking companies that cause accidents.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tampa Help Police Officers? 

Workers’ compensation lawyers in Tampa may be able to help injured police officers and their families. If your family has lost a police officer who died in the line of duty, a lawyer may also help you pursue death benefits. The most appropriate path forward depends entirely on your unique situation, so why not discuss this further alongside The Franco Law Firm? We have considerable experience with workers’ compensation claims, so book a consultation today to learn more.

Sources: 

tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2024/10/01/pinellas-sheriffs-deputy-seriously-injured-crash-with-tanker-truck-pasco/

policinginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Non-fatal-Injuries-to-LEOs-Research-Summary-2018.pdf