Most people are aware that police officers often place their lives in harm's way to protect those that they were hired to serve. However, many in Pennsylvania are unaware that even when officers perform tasks that seem relatively mundane -- such as assisting a vehicle stopped near the road -- they could face serious harm due to work-related injuries. Reports indicate that an officer in another state suffered serious injuries following a recent crash involving a suspected drunk driver.
The incident that led to the officer's hospitalization happened on a day in mid-January. According to reports, he was on a parked motorcycle near a highway. Unfortunately, another vehicle struck the motorcycle, ultimately causing the officer to become pinned underneath a pickup truck.
Although his radio was thrown in the accident, the officer was able to call 911 on his cellphone, informing dispatchers that he likely had two broken legs. He was was taken from the scene on a stretcher with his legs bound. He has since undergone surgery. The driver who allegedly struck his motorcycle is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.
Unfortunately, police officers in Pennsylvania and across the country are often left wondering how work-related injuries will impact them financially as well as professionally. Medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming while certain injuries could prevent an injured worker from returning to work in the same capacity. Fortunately, those injured at work are often entitled to workers' compensation insurance benefits. Because the process can sometimes be complex, many workers seek help from an experienced professional, allowing them to focus on their overall recovery.
Source: CBS San Francisco, "CHP Officer On Parked Motorcycle Struck By Suspected DUI Driver", Jan. 16, 2018
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