Rights of Police Officers When Injured On The Job

Some run away from danger, but others bravely run towards it. Those heroes usually are our police and other first responders. Being a police officer or firefighter in New Jersey is a demanding and dangerous job. Though well-trained in rescue and safety, they are often injured on the job.  But what are their rights?  Simply put, they have the same rights as other workers injured during their employment, however, there are some wrinkles unique to law enforcement and other public servants.

A perfect example of this was on May 15, 2025, on Farview Avenue in Paramus, NJ, when a Paramus Emergency Services Unit police officer was injured in the line of duty.  It was reported that the officer was dispatched to escort a woman giving birth who was on Route 17 in Paramus to a hospital when his vehicle collided with a dump truck.  The dump truck driver was ejected from his vehicle. Both drivers were taken to Hackensack Meridian Hospital, where they were treated and released. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.  However, regardless of who caused the collision, the law enforcement officer has the right to make a workers’ compensation claim.

In New Jersey, when a police officer is injured on the job, the officer must file a workers’ compensation claim for the officer’s medical treatment, wage continuation, and benefits, including a possible permanency settlement for the officer’s permanent injuries. The officer is entitled to these benefits even if they caused their own injury because of a fall or automobile accident.

The officer may also have a right to sue the wrongdoer, but that can be a bit more complicated because police officers, like anyone else, still must prove fault on the part of the wrongdoer.  These cases against a wrongdoer or negligent driver who crashed into a cop car are known as a third-party claim. This allows an officer to recover damages for all the above and future economic losses.  Here are some ways police officers are injured:

• Automobile accidents
• Slips, trips, and falls while running
• Assaults during arrests
• Smoke inhalation and toxic chemical exposures
• Hearing loss due to firearms
• Injuries during rescue efforts
• Injuries during motor vehicle crashes
• Bullet wounds due to shootings
• Burns due to explosions
• Dog and human bites

When injured, it is important that a police officer immediately report their injury to their supervising officer, who will then report the incident to their supervising officers.  The injured police officer should consult with a qualified New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyer, experienced in representing police officers, firefighters, and other public servants, including DPW workers.

The New Jersey law firm of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. has represented public servants for over 40 years.  Our Workers’ Compensation Department is headed by attorney Steven H. Cohen, an expert in New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Claims.  His team will process your claim through the police department’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier and assist you in getting the proper medical care you need to heal from your injuries.  Sadly, too many of these injuries are permanent or career-ending.  Under such circumstances, Mr. Cohen and the Workers’ Compensation Department of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. will assist you in handling your claim for benefits and potentially secure a permanency award for your injuries.  Our Workers’ Compensation Department will also investigate and work with the 25 qualified Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. attorneys to potentially pursue your Third-Party Claim rights.  We have represented police officers in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Union, Essex, and Middlesex Counties, including State Police Officers, Correctional Institutional Officers, Port Authority Police Officers, Local law enforcement, and County and Sheriff’s Officers.

Steven H. Cohen is also the author of a consumer’s guide to New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Claims, which can be downloaded free at Getting the Benefits You Deserve – Workers’ Compensation Claim.

Some of the common injuries suffered by law enforcement officers and firefighters include:

• Injuries to the shoulders, including torn ligaments and rotator cuff tears
• Fractures of legs, arms, wrists, and fingers
• Knee injuries, including torn meniscus, ACL tears, and fractures
• Leg and ankle injuries requiring surgery
• Eye and Ear injuries from firearms
• Lacerations, bruises, and scars from altercations
• Concussions and brain injuries
• Automobile-related injuries from collisions
• Work-related depression, anxiety, and PTSD
• Unfortunately, self-inflicted wounds and death by suicide.

Too often, an injury to a shoulder, elbow, or wrist of a shooting arm will end a police officer’s career. Any injuries could affect their ability to fulfill other duties, affecting their promotion and advancement within the department.

To learn your rights, call Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., and ask to speak to Partner Steven H. Cohen for a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation to understand the law and learn your rights. All consultations are free, and you will not pay anything unless your case is won and settled.  Never settle for less. Call (201) 444-4444 to get started.