When a person is harmed or endangered in Pennsylvania and other areas of the country, police officers are often the first ones who rush to help. This often requires them to go into unknown situations, often putting their own lives in danger due to possible work-related injuries. Unfortunately, one police officer in another state was recently killed while he responded to a car accident.
The incident that resulted in the loss of the man's life occurred on a day in late July. Reports indicate that the man -- who had approximately 20 years of police experience -- was responding to a report of an accident in which the occupants of a car were believed to be trapped. However, reports indicate that a 28-year-old man inside the car opened fire on the officer, striking him several times.
Other officers at the scene returned fire, striking one of the occupants in the car. The injured officer was transported to the hospital, but he passed away as a result of his injuries. The alleged shooter has since been arrested and faces a murder charge. The motive for the shooting or the identify of the person in the vehicle who was shot was not immediately clear.
The families of police officers often worry about whether their loved ones will return home to them unharmed as they report to each shift. Unfortunately, the worst fear of this man's family has likely been realized as a result of his death from work-related injuries. While the emotional ramifications of such a loss are obvious to most people, many families in Pennsylvania struggle financially in the aftermath of an unexpected loss. Fortunately, families who lose a loved one as a result of injuries occurring at work may be entitled to workers' compensation insurance benefits. An attorney with experience with these benefits can help them fully understand their rights and help them pursue a fair settlement.
Source: wgntv.com, "Indiana officer shot and killed while helping car crash victims," July 28, 2017
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