Comments on: Eat Out Tonight and Help Atlanta Officer Injured in Traffic Stop Last Week

By: Aimee

Aimee — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:56:51 +0000

He wasn’t in the scope and course of his employment. He was working the Kirkwood Security Patrol. Therefore, he would not be eligible for WC. He is considered an independent contractor for KSP so no WC there. His health insurance would cover his medical bills and he might be able to make an Uninsured Motorist claim (certain criteria must be met) but there would be no relief for his lost wages except under short/long term disability, if he has it.

By: RScott

RScott — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Fair enough. From what I remember from my time on the gravy train though (as some of my state dept of audits coworkers joked), there are, or were, some massive benefit funds for peace officers hurt or killed in the line – way over funded. POABF I think was one of them. But I can imagine there are hoops to jump through to get a payout. Thanks.

By: Stu

Stu — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:17:19 +0000

Not if we happen to be in CT.

By: Becky

Becky — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:02:36 +0000

i think the Avelino’s link is wrong.

By: Karass

Karass — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:50:54 +0000

And there’s a lot of hidden costs to a serious injury or illness that are never covered by medical insurance whether it be child care, transportation, lodging and meals for caretakers/family members, counseling for family, special clothing or medical aids not covered by insurance, non-prescription medications, leave lost, pay lost if time off exceeds stored sick and annual leave, part-time jobs lost, lawyer fees if needed, etc. etc. etc. We probably cannot even imagine all the hidden costs.

By: MelissaM

MelissaM — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:45:39 +0000

It should be covered by workers’ comp, yes, but until you’ve tried to extract your *actual* expenses from your government employer, you have no idea how much of a trial you’ll go through. As if its not enough to be badly injured in the line of duty. (And yes, I work in government).

By: RScott

RScott — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:11:49 +0000

Of course, helping those in need is fantastic and I applaud the effort. But since he was hurt in the line of duty I guess I assume his care is paid for by the City or is that not correct? I guess my question is “what is the help for”?

By: Tom L

Tom L — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:23:53 +0000

Thanks for clarifying. I had envisioned a new iteration of Kelly’s theater/marching band.