Glendale Police Officer Injury Lawyer

One of the most dangerous professions in California is that of a police officer. Not only are they required to protect others, but they also must confront dangerous criminals and apprehend them under hazardous conditions. Too often, these officers are injured while performing their everyday job duties. If you are a police officer who has been injured on the job, don’t wait to contact a Glendale police officer injury lawyer. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Barry Law Group is a premier workers’ compensation firm in Glendale, California. Collectively, our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured police officers and other first responders who have been injured in the line of duty. We have worked hard to empower injured public safety employees, and we can do the same for you. Our attention to detail and compassion for the families of those we represent is unmatched in Glendale.

Police Officer Workplace Injuries

When an individual decides to become a police officer, they are aware of the inherent dangers they will face in their job duties, yet they still go to work every day as they pursue a career in law enforcement. Though brave, these individuals are not immune to the occupational hazards that they face, and, in far too many instances, they are injured due to the typical job duties they are required to perform.

When police officers experience workplace injuries, they’re usually eligible for workers’ compensation. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by police officers while on the job are listed below.

• Injuries that result from violent crimes and assault – Apprehending dangerous criminals can be very dangerous, depending on the situation, and police officers often incur injuries when confronting these dangerous suspects.
• Musculoskeletal injuries – These types of injuries are sustained from being involved in physically taxing situations, including fighting against suspects who are strong and must be held down to be apprehended. In many cases, these officers suffer broken bones, dislocated joints, torn ligaments and muscles, and tissue damage as a result of these altercations.
• Back injuries – Police officers commonly experience repetitive stress injuries to soft tissues in their backs. Other back issues can cause severe pain and debilitation, such as herniated discs. The equipment that police officers must carry around is extremely heavy, and they are required to act in physically demanding ways with heavy belts, vests, and weapons strapped to their bodies. Many back injuries suffered by police officers are considered presumptive injuries, as they are typical job-related injuries in this field.
• Bloodborne pathogens illnesses – Police officers often come into contact with bodily fluids and blood that is infected with bloodborne pathogens, which often causes police officers to contract various types of diseases and illnesses as a result of their job duties.
• Stabbings and gunshot wounds – All too often, police officers face suspects who are armed and not afraid to shoot them. When these altercations end badly, and law enforcement officers are injured as a result of illicit gun use and other weapon use, there is a long list of potential physical injuries that they can incur due to these types of occupational encounters.

Additional Benefits for Police Officers

Law enforcement officials who have been injured while on duty have some additional benefits that they may be eligible for. California law allows injured police officers to receive up to one year of full pay if they cannot work after 30 days or more. Afterward, they can still be eligible for the standard 2/3s pay that workers’ compensation normally provides, among other standard benefits.

FAQs About Glendale, CA Police Officer Injury Laws

Can You Sue a Local Police Department?

Yes, in certain situations, civilians have the legal right to sue a local police department. However, government agencies in the U.S., including police departments, typically have sovereign immunity against legal claims made against them. However, if it can be definitively proven that willful and unlawful behavior or acts took place within a police department, this protection can be lifted.

Speaking with a qualified attorney can determine the validity of a case against a police department.

How Do I File a Police Report in Glendale, CA?

For emergency reporting, dial 911. If it is a non-emergency report, you can download the MyGlendale app on your smartphone and report to the police from your mobile device. You will need to create an account to submit requests, and this method is better for reporting minor violations, such as parking issues, blocked driveways, and other types of 72-hour violations. If necessary, you may also call the police department to report these and more serious events directly.

What Is Police Misconduct in California?

Police misconduct occurs when there is brutality, excessive force, false arrest, illegal searches, and other bad-intent acts by police on civilians. It is important to report any incidents of police misconduct to a local law enforcement agency, which can initiate an investigation into the allegations. An attorney with experience in police misconduct cases would be able to offer insight into the validity of a legal claim against a police officer or police department.

What Are Examples of Police Abuse of Power?

When police officers abuse power, it is not limited to the way they interact with civilians and suspects. It can also refer to corruption within the department or the use of police authority for personal gain. For instance, corruption within a law enforcement department can take the form of many seemingly nonviolent acts, such as:

• Extortion
• Bribery
• The sale of confiscated drugs
• Stealing or selling evidence
• Receiving stolen goods
• Stealing money that was confiscated after arrests

Police abuse of power is often difficult to prove due to its “inside” nature.

Contact Barry Law Group

If you’re a police officer who has been injured at work and needs compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or other costs that you’ve incurred as a result of your injury, talking to a lawyer can be a life-changing event. A highly qualified Glendale police officer injury lawyer, like those at Barry Law Group, can help you start your case and get you the settlement you deserve. Contact Barry Law Group today and speak with a member of our legal team.