Long after the initial shock of an injury inducing work accident disappears, the healing and rehabilitation continues for the injured worker. An Erie police officer who was injured while working, one evening, last December knows this all too well. The 41-year-old woman was struck by a SUV as she crossed West 26th Street in Erie. At the time of the incident she was providing backup for some of her coworkers.

The police officer was seriously injured in the collision including brain injuries. Immediately following the accident she was taken to UPMC Hamot. There, surgery was performed to reduce the swelling of her brain. To aid her body in the healing process she was then placed in a medically induced coma.

It wasn't until five weeks after the incident that she first opened her eyes. She did not speak until the last day of February. Though she has been released from the hospital, her journey of healing has just begun. She is currently residing at HealthSouth Harmarville where she is undergoing rigorous rehabilitation sessions. Along with physical therapy, she also undergoes occupational and speech therapy each week.

In addition to being difficult physically and often emotionally, prolonged periods of rehabilitation can be difficult to handle financially as well. Accordingly, many employers in Pennsylvania are required to purchase workers' compensation insurance policies. These policies are designed to make it possible for an injured worker to file a workers' compensation claim to seek compensation for a variety of expenses including lost wages and medical bills. This will hopefully make it easier for the injured person to focus on his or her recovery.

The Erie police officer is making progress. She has made great strides in feeding herself and is again learning how to walk. She appears to have a great support system behind her including her employer.

Source: Erie Times-News, "Injured Erie police officer fighting way back from accident," Tim Hahn, April 8, 2012