Assault-Related Injuries Growing For Law Enforcement Officers

Law Enforcement Officers

According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, non-fatal work-related injuries are rising among law enforcement officers. This is the first national investigation of non-fatal injuries resulting from assaults, accidental falls, and car wrecks involving police officers.

An ambulance took the police officer who was assaulted to the clinic with the turn signals on. Bad weather outside, rain with wet snow.

More than 600,000 Law Enforcement Officers Treated in Emergency Rooms

The study, conducted between 2003-2014, reports that 669,100 law enforcement officers were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries. The leading leading cause of these injuries were from assault and other violent acts. Assault made up more than one-third of work injuries suffered by law enforcement officials during that period.

Law Enforcement Officers Face Higher Risk of Work Injuries

The NIOSH study also brought to light that law enforcement officials face a higher risk of work injuries. The data states that they are three times more likely to suffer from a work injury when compared with every other line of work. This certainly draws attention to the sacrifice and risk the men and women of law enforcement face each and every day.

What Is Assault?

Per Texas Penal Code Sec. 22.05, assault is an act that intentionally causes fear of harm or other offensive contacts. Assault is somewhat unique because it doesn’t require contact. A person commits an assault offense if the person:

  1. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, including the person’s spouse;
  2. Intentionally or knowingly threatens another with imminent bodily injury, including the person’s spouse; or
  3. Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.

An assault is considered to be “aggravated assault” if:

  1. It results in serious injury, or
  2. A weapon is used in the commission of the assault.

Assault is often charged along with the battery. However, with battery, contact of some kind must be made.

In a release by the FBI for 2016 statistics of assault and death of law enforcement officials, most officials were responding to disturbance calls. Suspects used their hands, fists, and feet in 78% of the incidents. Around 4% used guns. Less than 2% used knives or other weapons capable of cutting.

Police motorcycle

Law Enforcement Officers Don’t Always Get the Help They Need

Often, when a law enforcement official is assaulted, they don’t necessarily receive the help and guidance they need to navigate the workers’ compensation system if the assault resulted in an injury. Workers’ compensation can be slow and it can be difficult to get the benefits that are desperately needed for help with medical bills and time lost from work.

Sometimes, law enforcement officials are outright denied for workers’ compensation if they’re hurt on the job. Sometimes, they just don’t get all the benefits they’re entitled to receive. Sometimes, they’re told to file a personal injury claim against the person who hurt them. The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help law enforcement officers injured on the job explore their options.

Law Enforcement Officers Need Experienced Representation

Law enforcement officers who suffer from a Dallas work injury need experienced representation. Thompson Law has a team of experienced Dallas work injury lawyers that may be able to help law enforcement officials who’ve been hurt on the job.

Our experienced and aggressive legal team can help you determine the type of claim that needs to be filed or if you need to file multiple claims. We can help protect your rights and help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.

Thompson Law is thankful for Dallas law enforcement officials and we’re here to help. If you’re assaulted and injured, you may have the right to workers’ compensation, or be able to file a personal injury claim.

We provide free case consultations, so call us today. The call is free and totally confidential. Call Thompson Law any time.

No Win No Fee for Personal Injury Case

Recent Post

Photo of car accident on road. How to Determine Who is at Fault in a Texas Car Accident. Car Accident Lawyer in Arlington Tx

What to Do After A Car Accident in Texas

After a car accident, it is essential to remain composed and follow certain steps to safeguard your rights. These steps will not only ensure your safety but also help you

Read More

Mallet

How Does the Personal Injury Claims Process Work?

Suppose you or a loved one have been injured by some else’s negligence in an accident like a motor vehicle crash, workplace accident, or slip and fall. You might decide

Read More

Car Wreck Lawyer

When To Get A Car Wreck Lawyer

Following a car accident, you may be asking yourself, “When do I need a car wreck lawyer?” The answer: It is always worth contacting a car accident attorney. Start by

Read More

California Negligence Laws

Understanding California Negligence Laws

One of the most important elements of personal injury cases in California is negligence. Broadly defined, negligence is the principle that people have a minimum obligation (duty of care) to

Read More

Collection Demand Letter in Texas

Demand Letters in Texas: What You Need to Know

When considering legal action in Texas, filing a lawsuit isn't always the most efficient solution to resolve a dispute. Lawsuits typically involve lengthy court proceedings, substantial legal costs, and uncertain

Read More

man signing a contract with a lawyer - Texas Accident Laws

Texas Accident Laws: Reporting, Fault, and Legal Rights

When you’re involved in a car accident in Texas, one of the most important steps you can take is to ensure the accident is reported to the authorities. A police

Read More

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEES unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We have put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements into our clients’ pockets.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.