Harrisburg Heart & Lung Act Lawyer
Police and firefighters suffer workplace injuries at higher rates than the general public. In fact, police suffer 8.5 injuries per 100 full time workers, and firefighters suffer 7.4 injuries or illnesses per 100 workers, according to research. The average among all jobs is 2.9. The Heart and Lung Act, established in 1935, provides health benefits to police officers, paid firefighters (not volunteers), park guards, and more. Unlike normal workers’ compensation, it allows police and firefighters to receive 100 percent of their lost wages, as opposed to the two-thirds provided under workers’ compensation.
Police, Firefighter & State Correctional Employees
In order to qualify, a first responder must be disabled by an injury or illness to a degree that they can no longer perform their job duties, and the injury must be temporary, not permanent. To learn more about the Heart and Lung Act, and to file a claim to receive benefits, you need to work with an experienced attorney. Here at the law offices of Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., our skilled Harrisburg Heart & Lung Act lawyers can guide you in the right direction, file a claim, and take any potential denials before a judge to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your workplace illness.
Who is Covered Under the Heart and Lung Act?
- State police;
- Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officers;
- Parole agents and enforcement officers;
- Capitol Police officers;
- Correction employees employed by the Department of Corrections;
- Psychiatric security aides employed by the Department
- of Human Services and the Department of Corrections;
- Drug enforcement agents of the Office of Attorney General;
- Special agents of the Office of Attorney General;
- Delaware River Port Authority Police;
- Any policeman, fireman, or park guard;
- Firemen employed by the Commonwealth;
- Sheriff and deputy sheriffs; and
- Enforcement officers or investigators of the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Other Eligibility Requirements
The Heart and Lung Act does not just cover injuries or illnesses to the heart or lungs. It covers all temporary injuries. Requirements include all of the following:
- Injury occurred during official duty;
- The injury is temporary;
- The injury prevents the employee from performing any essential duties of their job; and
- The employer is unable to find a temporary assignment to accommodate their injuries.
The Heart and Lung Act only covers temporary injuries/illnesses. Permanent disabilities are covered by workers’ compensation. If you get injured, you should file a workers’ compensation claim to receive workers’ compensation benefits, including medical benefits. You will not receive “double benefits” though. Your employer covers the difference to get you to 100 percent wage replacement.
Reach Out to a Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While police and firefighters are fortunate in the fact that the Heart and Lung Act exists, they are not automatically qualified to receive benefits, and even after filing for benefits many are denied. For help receiving compensation under the Act, you need to work with an attorney. Our Harrisburg Heart and Lung Act attorneys at Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. can help you get started today by 717-238-1657 to schedule a free consultation.
