Because being a police officer often requires having a healthy and functioning body, an injury may make it virtually impossible to perform your job duties. Fortunately, if you injure yourself at work, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes police officers have a higher risk of sustaining an on-the-job injury than most other workers in the country. While it is possible to suffer a variety of job-related injuries, repetitive motion ones are common in the law enforcement sector.
Common repetitive motion injuries
Repetitive motion injuries, sometimes called repetitive stress or strain injuries, happen when a person constantly makes the same or similar motions.
Law enforcement officers are vulnerable to repetitive motion injuries, including the following:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, a hand and wrist injury
- Bursitis, a joint injury
- Tendinitis, a tendon injury common in knees and elbows
- Rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries
- Back strains
The recovery process and workers’ compensation benefits
Recovering from a repetitive motion injury may take weeks, months or longer. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may need surgery or another invasive medical procedure. Then, you may be at risk for complications, such as infection or scarring.
Many individuals who have sustained repetitive motion injuries require physical and occupational therapy. Eventually, with hard work and dedication, returning to the force may be possible.
As a police officer in California, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help you through the recovery process. These may include medical treatment, temporary disability, permanent disability or even death benefits.