Have you recently been injured on the job and are unsure of your rights when it comes to accident disability retirement? The Seelig Law Offices provide expert legal representation for individuals seeking accident disability retirement benefits. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the intricate laws surrounding these cases, we have successfully helped numerous clients secure the compensation they deserve.

What is Police Accident Disability Retirement?

Police Accident Disability Retirement (PADR) is a specialized benefit designed for law enforcement officers who are unable to continue their duties due to a disability resulting from a job-related accident. Unlike regular disability retirement, PADR is tailored specifically for police officers and provides them with financial support if their disability is a direct consequence of their duties while on the job.

To qualify for PADR, an officer must prove that their disability occurred as a result of an accident sustained during their law enforcement activities. This might include injuries from physical altercations, accidents during high-speed chases, or other incidents that occur in the line of duty. The key distinction between PADR and other disability benefits is the requirement that the injury must be directly related to the performance of police work. Those eligible may be awarded an early retirement which equals 75% of his or her final average salary.

How an ADR Attorney Can Help

At The Seelig Law Offices, we understand that navigating the complexities of Accident Disability Retirement (ADR) can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a disability that impacts your daily life and career. Our experienced ADR attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you receive the benefits you deserve with the least amount of stress and confusion.

1. Expert Guidance Through the Application Process

Applying for ADR benefits involves a detailed and often complex application process. Our attorneys provide expert guidance to help you understand the requirements and prepare a strong application. We assist in gathering the necessary medical documentation, detailing the circumstances of your disability, and ensuring that all forms are accurately completed and submitted.

2. Representation in Hearings and Appeals

If your initial application is denied or if you encounter any disputes, our ADR attorneys will represent you in hearings and appeals. We are skilled at presenting your case effectively and advocating for your rights. Our goal is to resolve any issues that arise and to help you achieve a favorable outcome.

3. Negotiation with Pension Boards

Dealing with pension boards and other administrative bodies can be daunting. Our attorneys are adept at negotiating with these entities on your behalf. We work to ensure that your case is reviewed fairly and that you receive the maximum benefits possible. Our negotiation skills and understanding of the ADR system are crucial in securing the best possible outcome for you.

4. Personalized Legal Advice

Every ADR case is unique, and our attorneys provide personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation. We take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and develop a strategy that addresses your concerns. Whether it’s understanding your rights or exploring additional options, we are here to support you.

5. Compassionate Support

Dealing with a disability can be emotionally and physically challenging. Our team at The Seelig Law Offices offers compassionate support throughout the entire process. We are committed to being there for you, offering not only legal expertise but also a supportive and empathetic approach.

By partnering with an ADR attorney from The Seelig Law Offices, you gain a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to ensure that your ADR application is handled with the utmost care and attention. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

The ADR Application Process

Applying for an Accident Disability Retirement (ADR) can be a detailed and challenging process. At The Seelig Law Offices, we are committed to guiding you through every step to ensure a smooth application. Here’s an overview of the application process:

1. Filing Your Application: You and the New York City Police Department have the option to file an application for an ADR. If you are ambulatory, you must file your application at the LeFrak Building. It is essential to include all required documentation, such as Line of Duty Injury records, and comprehensive medical tests and treatment records related to your injury. This documentation is crucial as it forms the basis of your application.
2. Submitting Your Medical and Injury Documentation: Once you submit your application, it is critical to ensure that your Line of Duty Injury documentation and all pertinent medical records are provided to the Police Pension Fund. This includes detailed reports of your injury, medical evaluations, and treatment history. Proper and complete documentation is vital for the review process and for supporting your claim.
3. Medical Board Review: After the submission of your medical and injury records, the Police Pension Fund’s Medical Board (MB) will review your case. They will schedule an appointment where you will be required to appear for an examination and an interview. During this review, the MB will assess your injury, symptoms, and functional limitations based on the provided documentation and their own evaluation.
4. Medical Board Recommendation: Following their review, the Medical Board will make a recommendation regarding your disability pension. They may:
   • Deny your disability claim,
   • Defer their decision to a later date,
   • Award a lesser Ordinary Disability Retirement (ODR),
   • Or recommend approval for ADR.
5. Board of Trustees Review: The Medical Board’s recommendation is then forwarded to the Board of Trustees (BOT), which includes representatives from the city and police unions. The BOT will review the recommendation and may:
   • Adopt the MB’s recommendation,
   • Return it to the MB for further consideration,
   • Upgrade or downgrade the recommendation.

Throughout this process, having an experienced ADR attorney from The Seelig Law Offices can make a significant difference. We will help you gather and organize the necessary documentation, represent you during the Medical Board’s examination, and ensure that your case is presented effectively to the Board of Trustees. Our goal is to support you at every stage and help you achieve the benefits you are entitled to.

Our Client’s Testimonial

At The Seelig Law Offices, we are proud to have helped numerous clients successfully navigate the ADR application process and secure the disability benefits they deserve. Here is a testimonial from one of our satisfied clients:

I suffered a career-ending orthopedic injury. I applied for an Accident Disability Retirement and was instead awarded the lesser ordinary disability. I contacted Seelig Law Group and retained their firm to assist me in winning my deserved pension. Seelig Law Group fought to upgrade the Medical Board’s unfair determination. The firm even went to court to have the smaller pension increased to 3/4 pay. Seelig Law won my case and forced the Police Pension Fund to pay me all my retroactive money and adjust my pension to reflect the greater benefit. The amount of financial security I now have is a result of their never giving up on my case, and providing professional guidance and expertise. Now I am assured to retire without worry of how to pay my bills. – Officer Morales

Seelig Law Offices is Here to Help Every Step of the Way

Navigating the ADR application process can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with a disability claim. That’s where The Seelig Law Offices comes in. Our team of experienced ADR attorneys is dedicated to helping you every step of the way.

From gathering and organizing the necessary documentation to representing you during the Medical Board’s examination and advocating on your behalf before the Board of Trustees, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your disability claim is presented effectively and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Don’t navigate this process alone. Contact The Seelig Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you secure the disability benefits you deserve. Our team is here to support you through every step of the ADR application process and fight for the benefits you are entitled to. Don’t wait – contact us today and let us help you achieve the financial security and peace of mind you deserve.