Proposed New Jersey Bill Would Grant Benefits to Corrections Officers Injured at Work

Pennsauken, NJ (Law Firm Newswire) August 3, 2017 – New Jersey Governor Chris Christie may sign into law a new bill that would grant generous benefits to corrections officers who are severely injured in the line of duty.

On Thursday, June 24, the state Assembly voted 74 – 0 to approve the bill, which grants full wages to corrections officers who suffer injury due to an assault that produces a significant risk of death, disfigurement, or impairment.

South Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys Petrillo & Goldberg say, “The bill marks a victory for corrections officers across New Jersey who suffer injury during the performance of their duties at work.”

At present, officers who suffer injuries from being attacked while they are on duty receive just workers’ compensation, which is 25 percent less than their full salary. In May, Governor Christie vetoed a bill that would have permitted officers to keep their full salary while they recovered from their illness. The bill would have ensured that corrections officers are on the same level as police officers in the state, who receive comparable benefits.

However, the governor believed the measure was cost-prohibitive. He explained his prior veto of the measure by mentioning concerns regarding “fiscal responsibility.” Additionally, he recommended that the benefits be limited to those who sustain “serious” injury, and that the time period during which they receive such benefits be confined to six months.

By including all the changes the governor sought, the lower house made certain he would sign it into law. According to Assemblyman Declav O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth), the bill’s principal supporter, it is important that when corrections officers are severely injured, they do not also suffer economic harm. Previously, corrections officers would have received just 75 percent of their salary.

Learn more at http://www.petrilloandgoldberg.com/ Petrillo & Goldberg Law 6951 North Park Drive Pennsauken, NJ 08109 1333 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 70 South Broad Street Woodbury, NJ 08096 Phone: 856-486-4343 Fax: 856:486-7979