Substantial evidence that police officer is able to perform the duties of his or her position precludes granting the individual General Municipal Law §207-c benefits
2014 NY Slip Op 01883, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
A municipal police officer was injured while on duty and received General Municipal Law §207-c benefits*for a period of time. Those benefits were discontinued when the officer returned to work in a light-duty capacity. Returning to full duty later in the year, in January 2012, the officer stopped working and sought to resume receiving §207-c benefits.
A hearing was held and the Hearing Officer determined that the police officer could perform the duties of a police officer and denied his application for §207-c benefits.
The appointing authority adopted the Hearing Officer’s findings and determination. The police officer sued, seeking a court order annulling the appointing authority’s determination that he was not entitled to §207-c benefits.
The Appellate Division, finding that the Hearing Officer's determination that the police officer was able to perform his regular duties was supported by substantial evidence, affirmed the employer’s determination and dismissed the officer’s appeal.
* §207-c. of the General Municipal Law provides for the payment of salary, wages, medical and hospital expenses of policemen and others involved in law enforcement suffering an injury or illness incurred in the performance of duties.
The decision is posted on the Internet at:
http://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2014/2014_01883.htm.