Generally, when a person suffers an injury while on the job, he or she is typically able to access workers’ compensation benefits in order to get the medical and financial support needed going forward. Under certain circumstances, those injured may also pursue third-party legal claims against those individuals responsible for their losses. For example, New York residents who are injured in car accidents while they are on the clock may have the ability to pursue personal injury claims in civil court.
Recently, two of New York’s finest were enroute on an emergency call when their police car was struck by an SUV. This incident occurred a little before noon on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Brooklyn. The officers were traveling east on Ridgewood Avenue when their car was struck by the SUV at the Hemlock Street intersection. Both officers suffered unspecified injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The driver of the SUV — a 62-year-old male — is said to have failed to stop at a stop sign. He, too, was injured in the wreck and transported to a medical facility for care. At this time, law enforcement authorities have not indicated if any charges are pending against this individual. The investigation into this matter is still open.
While workers’ compensation benefits may help these officers as they take time to heal and get back on their feet, such benefits only go so far. These individuals may pursue further compensation for their losses by filing personal injury claims against the driver responsible for the collision. If litigation in a New York civil court is successful, they may be awarded monetary judgments for those losses typically seen following car accidents whether they are economic or non-economic in nature.
Source: pix11.com, “Two police officers injured in Brooklyn car crash“, Yasmin Sara Merchant, Dec. 2, 2017
