POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS, SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES ARE UNIQUELY KNOWN AS A “SAFETY OFFICER”
In recognition of the unique hazards of their jobs and their inherent importance to society, the legislature has granted an injured safety officer unique benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Laws of the State of California. Unfortunately, these benefits are not automatically available and may be denied if the injured safety officer does not protect his or her Workers’ Compensation rights beginning the moment they are injured or become ill on the job. An injured safety officer should not be lulled into a false sense of security, believing that certain types of injuries or illnesses are automatically covered because of their safety officer status. Labor Code Sections 3212 & 3213 state that hernias, heart trouble, hypertension, pneumonia and certain types of cancers are presumed to have been caused by employment. A safety officer should not blindly rely on these presumptions. All the employer needs to do is to submit evidence to the contrary and the presumption may be rebutted. Unless you have a medical report in support of the presumption, you lose. The message here is simple: Don’t take chances with your rights; know the facts! Call us today for a free comprehensive consultation.
