When Officers Are Injured in the Line of Duty, Workers’ Comp Often Isn’t Enough

KOCO Online Article – December 16, 2025 – Injured officers workers’ comp

When a law enforcement officer is injured protecting their community, most people assume their medical care and recovery costs will be fully covered. Unfortunately, that is far from reality in many states.

Recent reporting shows that injured officers — even those hurt through no fault of their own — often face huge financial burdens long after the incident. From surgeries to long-term rehabilitation, Workers’ Comp doesn’t always cover everything an officer and their family needs.

At RescueMeds, we serve injured workers every day — including first responders — and we see firsthand how gaps in Workers’ Compensation can create real hardship.

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Why So Many Injured Officers Struggle Financially

According to Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Nelson, Workers’ Comp typically pays the majority of medical and wage-replacement benefits. However, the system has strict limits.

For example:

• Workers’ Comp often pays only a portion of lost wages, such as 70% in Oklahoma.

• Catastrophic injuries — such as amputations, paralysis, or gunshot trauma — may require treatment or long-term support not fully covered.

• Departments usually cannot supplement what Workers’ Comp doesn’t pay.

• Officers may be forced to seek donations or outside financial help just to cover basic expenses.

This is why families and communities frequently step in when injured officers are unable to return to work or face long recoveries.

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Real Cases: Officers Still Needing Community Support

Recent examples show how severe the gap can be:

• Sgt. Justin Hackbarth (Norman PD) — hit by a driver on Highway 9

• Sgt. Joseph Wells (Edmond PD) — injured during a vehicle pursuit

• Deputy Mark Johns (Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office) — shot in 2022

Despite being injured in the line of duty, each officer needed additional fundraising to cover ongoing care.

Nelson explains why:

“Workers’ comp is definitely not everything that we would like it to be.”

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State Laws Make a Big Difference

Workers’ Comp rules vary dramatically from state to state.

Some states:

• Offer more generous medical and wage-replacement benefits

• Allow extended rehabilitation time

• Provide enhanced protections for first responders

Others have stricter limits, leaving officers with significant out-of-pocket costs.

This is why the Fraternal Order of Police continues to lobby for stronger Workers’ Comp protections and expanded benefits for injured officers.

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What Injured Officers Can Do

Officers can always dispute a Workers’ Comp decision through their state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission. Having clear documentation, consistent medical records, and support from healthcare partners can make a major difference.

RescueMeds helps officers by:

• Ensuring fast, no-cost prescription access
• Coordinating with physicians and adjusters
• Reducing delays caused by authorization requirements
• Providing a patient portal for easy access to records and updates

Our mission is to make Workers’ Comp less complicated and more compassionate for those who serve.

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Supporting Those Who Protect Us

Law enforcement officers give everything for their communities. When they’re injured, they deserve a system that fully protects them — not one that forces them into financial distress.

RescueMeds will continue advocating for:

• Better Workers’ Comp policies

• Stronger coverage for first responders

• Faster access to needed medical care

• A system that puts injured workers first

Because healing shouldn’t require fundraising.