Some career fields are more inherently dangerous than others, and have the potential to place workers in situations that could result in a workplace injury. One of those fields is the police force, and a Pittsburgh police officer was transported to a local hospital recently after he was struck by a vehicle while riding a motorcycle on duty. The workplace injury occurred as the victim and several fellow officers were working along Penn Avenue promoting bicycle safety. A man driving a GMC hit the officer, causing injuries serious enough to warrant hospitalization.

The officer was thankfully listed in stable condition. The person driving the car stayed at the scene of the accident and awaited the arrival of accident investigators. Police in Pittsburgh stepped up area patrols after the deaths of two bicyclists occurred on the same road in one week.

Details surrounding the cause of the accident are limited. Authorities have not stated whether there were any external factors or inclement weather that could have contributed to this workplace injury. Fortunately, it appears the officer will recover.

In certain career fields, the odds of a workplace injury are higher. Police officers place themselves in harm’s way nearly every day and sometimes suffer injuries because of it, many times due to no fault of their own. Although this officer is likely to recover, he is probably facing medical expenses for his treatment at the hospital.

For those who have been injured on the job, workers’ compensation can help cover the cost of hospitalization, future medical bills and the recovery period a person will have as a result of a workplace accident. Speaking to an experienced attorney may help.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Pittsburgh police officer injured in motorcycle crash,” Liz Navratil, Aug. 3, 2012