Heart Trouble and the Workers’ Comp Presumption for Public Safety Workers in California
alifornia law gives special protections to public safety officers who suffer from heart conditions. Under Labor Code Section 3212, “heart trouble” is presumed to be work-related for nearly all public safety officers, making it easier to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Who Qualifies for the Heart Trouble Presumption?
This legal presumption applies to a broad range of peace officers and firefighters, including:
City and county police officers
Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs
District attorney investigators
Probation officers and juvenile correctional staff
Firefighters, including those employed by the University of California
School district police officers
Airport law enforcement officers
Note: The presumption does not apply to employees in primarily clerical roles, even if they work within a police or fire department. This includes positions like sonographers, dispatchers, and administrative personnel who are not actively engaged in law enforcement or firefighting duties.
What Counts as “Heart Trouble”?
“Heart trouble” refers to any diagnosable condition or pathology involving the heart or cardiovascular system—including those that may impact other areas of the body. Common examples include:
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Arrhythmia
Coronary artery disease
Cardiomyopathy
Congestive heart failure
However, high blood pressure or hypertension by itself does not always qualify. The courts have made clear that hypertension without evidence of end-organ damage or significant cardiac involvement may not trigger the presumption. That’s why legal representation is essential—knowing how to frame medical findings can make or break your case.
How the Presumption Works
Once a qualifying public safety officer is diagnosed with a heart condition, the burden of proof shifts to the employer. That means your heart trouble is presumed to be caused by your job, and it is very difficult for the insurance company or employer to rebut that presumption.
The California Supreme Court has affirmed that workers covered by a Labor Code §3212 presumption must be given the benefit of the doubt in medical evaluations, and shouldn’t be denied benefits without strong, clear evidence to the contrary.
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Insurance companies fight hard to deny claims, especially those involving expensive heart-related treatment or permanent disability. At Lee Partners Law, we are experts in helping public safety workers navigate the presumption, fight denial tactics, and secure maximum compensation and medical care.
Text Or Call For Free Case Review Today (310)295-0822.