Source: https://koehler-isaacs.com/lawyer/The-Basics-of-Line-of-Duty-Job-Injuries_cp4761.htm
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 12:50:28+00:00

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By: Liam L. Castro, Esq.
In Part I of this multi-part series we explained, generally, that New York General Municipal Law Section 207 c provides the payment of full regular salary or wages and for medical treatment to specific groups of law enforcement and municipal employees who are injured or who are taken ill as a result of the performance of their duties. We also explained that applicants for this benefit must show that there is a direct causal relationship between their job duties and the resulting illness or injury.
Likewise, Part II explained that if a collective bargaining agreement or the employer’s rules explain a time frame that an employee’s application for NY GEN. MUN. L. ' 207 c must be submitted, the employee must comply at the risk of having the application denied. We also explained that a pre-existing, non-work-related injury does not bar an employee’s application for this benefit as long as the injury he or she shows that the job duties are a direct cause of the current disability.
This Part III explains how you can lose your NY GEN. MUN. L. § 207-c benefits after they have been awarded. And, there are quite a few of them.
First, we must add that once you have been awarded NY GEN. MUN. L. § 207-c benefits, as the Court of Appeals in Park v. Kapica held that these benefits are considered to be “a property interest giving rise to procedural due process protection, under the Fourteenth Amendment, before those payments are terminated.” Your right to keep these benefits is like a civil servant’s right to their job; it can’t be taken away without due process.
Under the statute, one way you can lose NY GEN. MUN. L. § 207-c salary and medical benefits is when either “health authorities” or a “physician” certifies that you are “recovered and is physically able to perform his regular duties”. Usually the “health authority” or “physician” is a county or town police surgeon.
A second way for you to lose your NY GEN. MUN. L. § 207-c salary or medical benefits is if you “refuse to accept medical treatment or hospital care” or “refuse to permit” your employer to inspect your current condition. In fact, if you refuse to treat on your injury or permit your employer to inspect your condition, the statute states that you will be considered to have waived your right to the benefits.
A third way for you to lose your NY GEN. MUN. L. § 207-c salary or medical benefits is if you refuse to return to light duty if such an assignment is available and offered to you. In fact, if an employee refuses to return to work for light duty and fails to provide medical documentation that he or she is unable to do so, the section 207-c salary benefits may be discontinued without a hearing. Thus, it is critical for you to provide documentation of your own doctor’s opinion.
You should note that the statute requires that your light duty be consistent with your “status as a policeman”. For example, a county correction officer cannot be ordered to work in the jail’s kitchen as a county cook.
The fourth way for you to lose your NY GEN. MUN. L. § 207-c benefits is if you are awarded a disability pension. For example, if you’re awarded a one-third or three-quarters disability pension, your right to section 207-c benefits ends.
An employer’s decision to cease an employee’s line of duty benefits should always be taken seriously by the employee. The process can be complicated and requires a timely response, and you should consult an attorney and illicit your union’s assistance immediately.
Liam L. Castro, Esq. is an Associate in the Labor & Employment division at Koehler & Isaacs LLP. For more information on this topic you can contact him at 917.551.1333 or at lcastro@koehler-isaacs.com.

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