Baltimore Riots Result in Injuries and Property Destruction

For many, the sad events of the last few days have resulted in loss of property, including businesses, homes, and cars. These things are mostly replaceable, but for 15 police officers, it’s not just a matter of property losses. They have now lost their livelihood due to injuries sustained in the course of duty. Two of the policemen remained in the hospital Monday evening, one with head trauma and another with severe injuries to the kneecap, according to Baltimore Police Commissioner, Anthony Batts.

While all of the officers are expected to recover, their injuries make working difficult. They also will have medical bills associated with the costs of treatment. In the case of severe trauma, like the injuries to a kneecap, physical therapy and possible disability are in the police officer’s future. While being a police officer is sometimes dangerous, workers’ compensation can help you reclaim some of the resources you are deprived of due to injuries.

How does Workers’ Compensation Apply to Police Officers

Just as in any profession, workers’ compensation is set up to help cover the costs associated with injuries acquired during the fulfillment of occupational duties. This can include medical bills, the cost of any therapies–including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or vocational rehabilitation, and portions of any wages lost due to the injury.

Injuries for police officers are often very evident, as is the case in riots here in Baltimore, but they also include mental injuries. Ailments such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression that result from the course of duty are also possible claims for worker’s compensation. Especially in the case of extremely dangerous or stressful situations, like those of the riots, these mental health injuries can be just as debilitating as a physical injury.

What Do I Need to Know if I was Injured as a Police Officer in the Riots

Workers’ compensation has strict deadlines for filing a worker’s compensation claim. There are three different deadlines, depending on the circumstances of the injury.
• In the case of accidental death, the deadline is within ten days of the notice of death.
• In the case of accidental physical injury, the deadline is within 10 days of the date of injury.
• In the case of “occupation disease” (anxiety, PTSD, depression), the deadline is immediately upon diagnosis.
That means that police officers injured in the riots have 10 days to file a claim.

To file a claim, the employer must be aware of the injury. The appropriate forms must be filled out and submitted within the time limit. Upon filing the claim, you should receive notice that your claim has been received. Medical records, as well as statements from healthcare professionals may need to be submitted. Within 21 days, you should receive a statement regarding the status of any payments or denials of your claim.

There are different outcomes for workers’ compensation, just as there are different outcomes for your injuries. The coverage and reimbursement offered to you should match the final outcome of all the treatments you receive. If you are totally or partially disabled, your compensation should reflect that.

How We Can Help You

Ingerman and Horowitz are the preeminent firm in handling workers’ compensation claims for public servants. We are well-versed in the laws regarding the process of filing claims, appealing denials, and helping you get the compensation you deserve. We can also help you with any civil suits you may want to pursue related to your injuries.

If you were injured during the riots, don’t put off filing a workers’ compensation claim. Let us help you to have peace of mind regarding your workers’ compensation case so that you can focus on healing.