Public Safety Law

Spending a great deal of time meeting with members of individual public safety officers’ associations from across the Southland has enabled the attorneys at Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP (GEK) to gain a thorough understanding of  their legal needs when it comes to Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury issues.

Video Answers to Frequently Asked Questions What are presumptions? Where can presumptions be found in the law? What types of injuries are covered by the presumptions? Do presumptions apply to all peace officers and firefighters? Can my employer deny a claim covered under a presumption? If I'm injured on the job, when should I file my claim?

We take particular pride in being able to protect the rights of those who put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety, and are committed to empowering and representing public safety officers through our educational and legal services.

Because we have long held that knowledge is power we have created the following Educational Materials for Public Safety Officers:

• California Supreme Court Denies Petition for Review—Bad News for Public Safety Officers
• Winning… Despite the Odds
• Workers' Compensation Legislate Update
• Choosing New Medical QME Panel
• Victory from California Supreme Court for Injured Workers
• Protect Your Rights by Pre-Designating Your Doctor
• Personal Injury—Frequently Asked Questions
• Special Labor Code Sections: Presumptive Industrial Injuries
• Disability Retirement for Public Safety Officers 
• Shift Work Can Be Hazardous to Your Health 
• Firefighters Can File—and Win—a Civil Lawsuit for a Work-Related Injury
• Police Officers Can File—and Win—a Civil Lawsuit for a Work-Related Injury
• Turning Denial Into Victory for a Sheriff’s  Deputy
• Utilization Review: What is It and What Do Public Safety Officers Need to Know About It?
• Why Do I Need An Attorney to Handle My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Our experience has taught us the legal, medical, social and psychological ramifications of any case. And, because we understand there is a ripple effect to serious injuries, we are dedicated to helping public safety officers and their families when the need arises.

Our goal is to provide each client with the most responsive service and best resolution of his or her case.

GEK is a Proud Sponsor of the 2013 Police Unity Tour Southern California Chapter VII

From First-Hand Experience

“I had the pleasure to ride in the 2011 Police Unity Tour (PUT). On May 28, 2010, I was wounded in a shootout with an armed suspect who wanted me dead.  I had heard about the PUT the year before but I was unable to ride. 

I am a pleasure cyclist, and riding the 250 miles sounded like a fun challenge.  In 2010, in the state of California, 11 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty.   If the suspect had succeeded in killing me, there would have been 12 officers killed and I would have been number three that year.  I did the ride both as a survivor and I road in memory of Officer Ryan Bonaminio, a 27-year-old Iraq War Vet and officer for the Riverside Police Department who was killed under similar circumstances as my shooting. 

The ride was a very emotional and almost spiritual experience.  I met and talked to law enforcement officers from all over the world and we all have one thing in common: we do not want people to forget about those who died protecting life and property.  I will never forget walking the memorial and seeing the thousands of names, some of who I knew, and feeling extreme sadness and pain.  I was not able to ride this year due to the fact that the trial of the suspect that shot me was in progress.  But I assure you I will ride in 2013. I will make the pilgrimage to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice."

Rick George