South Carolina Police Training Injury Attorneys

On-the-Job Injury Lawyers for Law Enforcement Training Accidents in South Carolina

Like other first responders, police officers receive both classroom and hands-on training. They receive training at the beginning of their careers and continue to receive training and continuing education throughout their years on the force.

Police must prepare for a plethora of situations, including threats to life, health, or safety. To prepare, police practice in training scenarios meant to simulate dangerous situations. Yet, these training situations can also pose risks.

If you or a loved one was injured during police training, talk to an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer can help you secure workers’ compensation benefits. 

Police Training Requirements in South Carolina

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Act and Regulations set out rules for those entering police training in the state. One of the first steps the Act takes is to create the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, which provides police training. The Act also encourages local police departments to adopt higher employment and training standards than those listed in the Act.

New police officers undergo several months of training with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. These months include a prerequisite course taken online. They also include both classroom and practical training in law enforcement, detention, telecommunications, and other subjects.

In addition to this basic training, police officers may receive training from their local precinct or attend training at other precincts. For example, the police department of North Myrtle Beach offers additional training after police officers have completed their Academy training. The department requires all Class 1 officers to complete 40 hours of continuing education every 3 years. Officers can also participate in annual in-service trainings.

Common Injuries During Police Training

Despite years of awareness and reforms, injuries during police training are once again on the rise, according to one police newsletter.

A 2022 study of 4,340 police academy students’ injuries found an injury rate of 368.63 injuries per 1000 recruits. By comparison, police officers on duty suffer injuries at a rate of approximately 177 injuries per 1000 officers, according to a 2017 study.

The most common injury during police training is damage to ligaments or joints. About 49 percent of injured trainees suffered joint or ligament damage. The knee was the most common joint in which an injury occurred. In 56 percent of cases, the trainee was performing some type of physical activity when the injury occurred.

While injury rates in the 2017 study varied among police departments and groups, both studies revealed that police training comes with a risk of injury similar to that of daily police work. Officers and trainees can be injured on the job and in training. 

Workers’ Compensation for Police Officers Injured During Training

On the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy’s website, a list of the legal requirements for applicants and students is stated. To participate in police training through the Academy, an applicant or student “must be employed with a law enforcement agency/detention facility,” among other qualifications.

In South Carolina, nearly all employees are covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides benefits when a work-related injury or illness causes harm. 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation provides three main types of benefits: Medical benefits, lost wages, and permanent disability. 

Medical benefits cover the cost of your medical treatment. Lost wage benefits replace a portion of your lost wages in some situations. Permanent disability benefits apply when an injury is severe or prevents you from working again. An attorney can explain how these benefits may be used in your situation. 

Starting The Workers’ Compensation Process

A person injured in a work training situation should inform a manager or supervisor immediately. The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission recommends that an injured employee “ask to be seen by the employer’s recommended medical professional for an evaluation and treatment.” If your injury requires emergency care, however, the Workers’ Compensation Commission recommends seeking emergency care first and telling your employer as soon as possible thereafter.

In either case, an injured person must report their injury within 90 days of the injury date. Failing to report your injury within 90 days may prevent you from receiving benefits. 

To be covered by workers’ compensation, an injury or illness must be connected to work. Proving that a training injury is work-related can pose a challenge, in addition to the common reasons workers’ comp insurance companies use to delay or deny coverage. 

Injured During Police Training? Talk to an Experienced South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Police training is demanding. When injuries occur, you may need help navigating workers’ compensation to get the medical treatment and financial assistance you need to recover. 

If you’ve been injured during police training, call our experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys today. The team at the Steinberg Law Firm can help – we offer free consultations and do not collect a fee until we secure compensation for you.