[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/blog\/protecting-our-protectors-police-officer-rights-when-injured-on-the-job\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/blog\/protecting-our-protectors-police-officer-rights-when-injured-on-the-job\/","headline":"Protecting our Protectors:  Police Officer Rights when Injured on the Job","name":"Protecting our Protectors:  Police Officer Rights when Injured on the Job","description":"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.\u00a0 But...","datePublished":"2025-05-21","dateModified":"2026-02-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/blog\/author\/dsslaw\/#Person","name":"Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.","url":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/blog\/author\/dsslaw\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/645d493126a7be6f90be911a6e7d4382c0cd63874673097832081394c8bcf8ab?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/645d493126a7be6f90be911a6e7d4382c0cd63874673097832081394c8bcf8ab?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bg-logo.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bg-logo.jpg","width":192,"height":90}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/DSS-Blog-FT-Image-Template-25.png","url":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/DSS-Blog-FT-Image-Template-25.png","height":500,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/www.dsslaw.com\/blog\/protecting-our-protectors-police-officer-rights-when-injured-on-the-job\/","about":["Workplace Injuries"],"wordCount":925,"articleBody":"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.\u00a0 But what are their rights?\u00a0 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. \u00a0It 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 However, regardless of who caused the collision, the law enforcement officer has the right to make a workers\u2019 compensation claim.What Benefits Can Injured Police Officers Receive?In New Jersey, when a police officer is injured on the job, the officer must file a workers’ compensation claim for the officer\u2019s medical treatment, wage continuation, and benefits, including a possible permanency settlement for the officer\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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:Car accidentsSlips, trips, and falls while runningAssaults during arrestsSmoke inhalation and toxic chemical exposuresHearing loss due to firearmsInjuries during rescue effortsInjuries during motor vehicle crashesBullet wounds due to shootingsBurns due to explosionsDog\u00a0bitesPolice Officers: What To Do When Injured On The JobWhen 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.\u00a0 The injured police officer should consult with a qualified New Jersey Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer who is 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.\u00a0 Our Workers\u2019 Compensation Department is headed by attorney Steven H. Cohen, an expert in New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Claims.\u00a0 His team will process your claim through the police department\u2019s workers’ compensation insurance carrier and assist you in getting the proper medical care you need to heal from your injuries.\u00a0 Sadly, too many of these injuries are permanent or career-ending.\u00a0 Under such circumstances, Mr. Cohen and the Workers\u2019 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.\u00a0 Our Workers\u2019 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.\u00a0 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\u2019s Officers.Steven H. Cohen is also the author of a consumer\u2019s guide to New Jersey Workers\u2019 Compensation Claims, which can be downloaded free at Getting the Benefits You Deserve – Workers\u2019 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 tearsFractures of legs, arms, wrists, and fingersKnee injuries, including torn meniscus, ACL tears, and fracturesLeg and ankle injuries requiring surgeryEye and Ear injuries from firearmsLacerations, bruises, and scars from altercationsConcussions and brain injuriesAutomobile-related injuries from collisionsWork-related depression, anxiety, and PTSDUnfortunately, 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\u2019s career.\u00a0Any injuries could affect their ability to fulfill other duties, affecting their promotion and advancement within the department.Contact Our New Jersey Workers\u2019 Comp Attorneys to Learn MoreTo 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.\u00a0 Never settle for less. Call (201) 444-4444 to get started.About the AuthorLatest PostsDavis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.Since 1981, the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon have been delivering results for our deserving clients. We are solely committed to helping injured individuals, never representing corporations.\u00a0No matter how large or small your personal injury case is, you can trust that it is important to us.NYC Construction Accident - The Dangers of Jobsite Falls and Workers' RightsSteven Benvenisti Advocates for HALT Drunk Driving LawDavis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. 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