California Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Public Safety Workers: Understanding Labor Code §4850 Salary Continuation
When a California worker is injured on the job and can’t work, they’re typically entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits—roughly two-thirds of their average weekly wages—under Labor Code §4650.
But if you’re a public safety employee, there’s an important exception: Labor Code §4850 provides full salary continuation for up to one year instead of reduced TTD payments. This is a major benefit unique to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other specified safety personnel.
Who Qualifies for Labor Code §4850 Benefits?
You may be eligible for full salary continuation under Labor Code §§ 4800, 4800.5, 4804.1, 4806, and 4850 if you fall into one of the following categories:
City police officers
Sheriffs and sheriff’s department employees
City, county, or district firefighters
District attorney’s office personnel including inspectors, investigators, and detectives
Probation officers, group counselors, juvenile services officers, and their support staff
Peace officers as defined by the California Penal Code
Airport law enforcement officers
Port police officers
School district police officers
Firefighters employed by the University of California
University of California police officers engaged in law enforcement duties
What Does §4850 Provide?
Under Labor Code §4850, if you’re a qualified public safety employee and:
You are found temporarily totally disabled due to a work-related injury, or
You have work restrictions that your employer cannot accommodate,
You are entitled to up to one year of full salary continuation instead of partial disability payments. This means your regular paycheck continues for up to 12 months while you recover.
Additional Key Points
Per-Injury Benefit: This benefit is per injury, not per employee. If you suffer multiple qualifying injuries during your career, you may receive §4850 benefits multiple times.
Medical Evidence Required: You must have medical documentation showing you're temporarily disabled. This typically comes from your primary treating physician or a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME).
Retirement Considerations: If you’ve retired, you generally can’t collect §4850 benefits. However, there’s a crucial exception: if your retirement was involuntary due to pain or disability from your work injury, you may still qualify. The key factor is whether you were forced to retire because of the injury—not by choice.
Why Legal Representation Matters
These rules are complex—and the stakes are high. Missteps in the process, misclassification of your injury, or inadequate documentation can result in losing your right to full salary continuation.
At Lee Partners Law, we’re former defense attorneys who now fight for injured public safety employees. Attorneys David A. Lee and Michael Lee have extensive experience navigating these cases and know how to maximize your benefits under California’s public safety workers’ compensation laws.
✅ Conclusion: Protect Your Rights, Protect Your Recovery
If you’re a police officer, firefighter, probation officer, or any other qualified public safety worker injured on the job—don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to.
Labor Code §4850 gives you powerful protections. Let the experienced team at Lee Partners Law help you secure full salary continuation and the medical care you need to recover.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win. (310) 295-0822