I wanted to share this post from Felix Smith. It rings so true for the men and women we proudly represent—
“I’ve had the privilege of representing peace officers in excess of 50 years in their workers’ compensation and disability retirement cases. Accordingly, I feel compelled to rebut the negativity that they have endured by the media and in an escalating number of Facebook posts recently.
Police officers, deputy sheriffs and correctional officers put their life on the line on a daily basis in their endeavors to protect and serve the communities within their jurisdiction . They are subject to repetitive and cumulative stress and strain that those of us not in law enforcement have never experienced . These traumas statistically have impacted their health far in excess of the general public that they serve.
Peer reviewed studies show the frequency of diagnosed heart trouble is 60 to 70 percent greater in peace officers than that experienced in the overall population . This realization is recognized by the State of California in a presumption of compensability set forth in the Labor Code. That presumption in essence states that heart trouble that develops in police officers, deputy sheriffs, highway patrol traffic officers and correctional officers are presumed to arise out of and occur in the course of employment.
Similar statistics of work caused impairment to the aforementioned safety members involve hypertension and gastrointestinal disabilities. In addition to these internal disabilities peace officers suffer an alarming number of orthopedic disabilities consequential to their job. For example, low back disabilities have been medically shown to frequently occur in police officers and deputy sheriffs because of the requirement to wear “Sam Brown” belts in the course of their duties. These duty belts weigh in excess of 25 pounds and are used for the purpose of holding a gun, handcuffs, baton etc. and account for a measurable percentage of lower back injuries in law enforcement officers. These injuries are also presumed to be work related by statute .
Additionally, the cumulative and specific traumatic injuries to the spine, upper and lower extremities suffered by our peace officers in the course of protecting you and me are extraordinary high and will negatively impact their health and ability to enjoy life following their retirement .
It is appalling to me that instead of providing our peace officers with greater occupational protection for the benefit of our communities, there is a movement to defund our police departments and handicap our officers in their ability to safeguard our communities.
The overwhelming majority of the thousands of officers I represented, perform their duties responsibly and fairly. After an arrest is made and a suspect restrained, the safety of the suspect becomes paramount. This is the mindset of most if not all of my clients over the years. Similarly, the mindset of the correctional officers I represent is to keep the prison population safe.
The negative actions of a few officers who apparently were inadequately trained or who may suffer from some sociopathic problem should not dictate legislative and administrative determinations to the detriment of our law enforcement community and concomitantly to the populace of our nation regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.”
We applaud the Governor’s action , however what about those safety officers and essential workers that were exposed, became ill and last worked before March 19? Where is their protection?
https://calmatters.org/newsletter/california-coronavirus-labor-wins-big-on-covid-workers-comp/
CALMATTERS.ORG
Labor wins big on COVID workers' comp | CalMatters
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Our annual holiday party 2019!
Andrew Smith
Jayme Vassis Smith
The flaws in our system continue to prolong cases and delay needed benefits....
SACBEE.COM
Injured California workers who turn to workers’ comp are waiting months for medical reviews
California Applicants' Attorneys Association
November 20, 2019 at 11:28 PM ·
State Audit exposes failures in the administration of the QME process by the DWC. "Many workers who have requested reviews in recent years have met with months-long delays, according to Auditor Elaine Howle’s report." https://bit.ly/37tqe6b #ProtectInjuredWorkers
California Applicants' Attorneys Association
November 20, 2019 at 11:28 PM ·
State Audit exposes failures in the administration of the QME process by the DWC. "Many workers who have requested reviews in recent years have met with months-long delays, according to Auditor Elaine Howle’s report." https://bit.ly/37tqe6b #ProtectInjuredWorkers
Pomona Police Officers' Association
October 30, 2019 at 2:00 AM ·
Today we honored SWAT Officer Shaun Diamond’s life and sacrifice. It’s been 5 years since his tragic and senseless death.
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We will always remember his strength and sense of humor. His wit and his charm. His professionalism and his compassion.
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This street sign will be placed over Diamond Plaza as a constant reminder of his service. #eow #honorthefallen #thinblueline #pomonapd #bluefamily