California Deputies Hurt in Las Vegas Massacre Are Denied Workers' Comp

[TexasTowelie]

A group of Southern California law enforcement officers who rushed to save lives during a gunman's deadly rampage in Las Vegas returned home wounded but alive.

Yet, while they were hailed for their heroic efforts, there is one benefit they won't be afforded as they recover physically and psychologically from the Oct. 1 attack: workers' compensation.

Officials in Orange County on Monday denied compensation claims to four off-duty sheriff's deputies who were attending the outdoor music festival when it turned into a killing field.

The reason for the denial hinges on a state labor code, which says benefits can only be given to officers acting in "protection or preservation of life or property" specifically within the state of California.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/las-vegas-shooting/california-deputies-hurt-las-vegas-massacre-denied-workers-comp-n814376

[ghostsinthemachine]

1. Tough technicality

Too bad. I am sure there will be a happier resolution in the future.

[chillfactor]

2. Unbelievable!

Hopefully Governor Brown can correct this error in judgment by Orange County officials. These men risked their lives..only to be denied compensation by a bunch bureaucratic fools!

[mr_lebowski]

3. That's very unfortunate ... but Workers Compensation is for people hurt on the job ...

Not to sound unappreciative of their sacrifice and heroism, regardless of the State in which this occurred, "Off-Duty Police Officers" tells you all you need to know ... if you understand how 'Workers Comp' ... works.

Pretty sure that nobody gets that benefit ... EVER ... unless they're hurt while 'on the clock' .. or maybe if injury happened at an unpaid work-related gathering in some rare instances if attendance was mandated even w/o pay.

Sucks, but this is 'how WC works'. For everyone, everywhere.

Hopefully if any are hurt severely they'll be able to get some kind of Disability.

Maybe a GoFundMe could raise some funds to help these brave souls out ...

[TexasTowelie]

5. FWIW, I have a pretty extensive background in WC insurance

since I use to code risk cards when I was with the insurance department and then filed aggregate financial data when I worked in industry. I was able to gain some familiarity with the underwriting and claims process.

I agree that the board didn't have any other choice but to deny the claims since they weren't on the clock and because of the jurisdictional issues. Hopefully the officers decided to opt-in on disability insurance or at least carried sufficient leave time that they still have income.

[Lochloosa]

7. I've never understood people that do not take DI when it's offered.

Saved my ass a few times.

It's usually very inexpensive.

[Brother Buzz]

11. One could make the argument LEO's are always on duty

And that pesky Peace Officer Oath of Office for the State of California affords a little latitude

I, ___________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic.....

[lostnfound]

4. The guy who did it to them will pay for it

All they have to do is sue him, right? That's the recourse for harm that is suffered in our society, right?

No? Okay then, maybe the cops have insurance just for being human. Or for being in Las Vegas?

Who could gave predicted it? Completely unforeseen, unprecedented.

Very sad that no one is held accountable.

Maybe we should start counting these as acts of God.

[keithbvadu2]

6. Trump: "Beginning on January 20th, 2017, safety will be restored."

"I have a message for all of you: the crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon come to an end," he said. "Beginning on January 20th, 2017, safety will be restored."

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/21/politics/republican-convention-highlights-day-four/index.html

[Cicada]

8. California fishermen got workers comp for VD they caught in an Ecuadorian whore house

The ruling was that going to a whore house in Ecuador on a fishing trip is just part of a sailor’s job. Maybe California changed their law after the publicity from the whore house case.

[TexasTowelie]

9. Definitely a work-related injury

for the whore house workers. Not too sure about the fishermen though.

[Nitram]

10. I think there's a song about that...