Common Injuries for Police Officers and First Responders

Police officers and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. As a result, these workers routinely face the threat of serious and sometimes fatal workplace injuries. Emergency responders often have a difficult time accessing the benefits they need to recover after occupational injuries.

Keep reading to learn more about on-the-job injuries sustained by first responders and how Cohen & Dwin, P.A., can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Common Workplace Injuries for Emergency Responders

Emergency responders face a substantial risk of suffering work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Workers like police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and another emergency medical personnel frequently suffer on-the-job injuries, such as:

• Slip, trip, and fall injuries
• Overexertion injuries
• Firearm and stab wounds
• Fire and explosion burns
• Chemical and friction burns
• Fractured bones
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Smoke inhalation injuries
• Violent altercation injuries
• Contagious disease exposure
• Spinal cord injuries
• Equipment-related injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Dangerous Situations Police Officers Encounter in Baltimore

Police officers have wide-ranging responsibilities that can present a variety of potential hazards. Some of the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers encounter here in Baltimore include:

• Acts of violence – Officers can be injured by members of the public when they investigate dangerous locations, intervene in domestic incidents, or arrest suspects.
• Traffic accidents – Motor vehicle accidents that result in serious injuries can occur when police are patrolling local streets or pursuing violators of traffic laws.
• Exposure to disease – Police officers can contract dangerous illnesses if they are exposed to infectious contagions when they respond to medical crises or in the process of making an arrest.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals – In some cases, officers may be unknowingly exposed to harsh or caustic chemicals in the line of duty.
• Overexertion – An officer’s job is often physically demanding, which can easily lead to overexertion injuries, such as muscle strains, slipped discs, and heatstroke.

Options Available for First Responders Injured on the Job

Most employees in Maryland, including first responders, have access to workers’ compensation benefits through their employer. Workers’ comp benefits cover losses associated with job-related injuries such as medical expenses, rehabilitation, and reduced income.

Many first responders are categorized as “public safety employees” under Maryland law, which means they may be entitled to additional benefits. For example, certain conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and specific types of cancer can be automatically classified as work-related for these employees. In other cases, public safety employees may even qualify for higher-value disability benefits.

If a first responder is injured because of the negligent or reckless acts of another, it may also be possible to file a third-party lawsuit for additional compensation. While workers’ comp benefits are available regardless of who is at fault for an injury, first responders are required to prove that another party was responsible for their injury to claim benefits in a third-party lawsuit.

Get Help from a First Responder Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At Cohen & Dwin, P.A., we are committed to helping you pursue the best possible outcome for your claim. Let us apply our considerable experience and deep knowledge of the law as we help you seek the compensation you need.

Contact us today to discuss the details of your case with our Baltimore personal injury lawyers.