Two officers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and a local police department were injured after their motorcycles collided as they escorted first lady Michelle Obama's motorcade from Ohio Wesleyan University to Port Columbus. Although their injuries are not considered life-threatening, both officers were hospitalized following the crash. The trooper with the OSHP was expected to be released soon after being admitted, while the other officer suffered several broken ribs and may have also broken his foot. He was in stable condition at last report.
Because the officers were injured on the job, they could potentially qualify forworkers' compensation benefits. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation awards benefits to workers who are hurt while performing their job duties with the goal of compensating them for lost wages caused by the inability to work. However, those who wish to secure such benefits must meet a number of specific requirements in order to be approved.
In some cases, a civil lawsuit may be necessary for these workers to secure the benefits they need to support themselves while they recover from their injuries. Ohio residents who are interested in seeking workers' compensation may wish to contact an attorney to learn more about their available options.
It is unclear whether either of the officers will receive workers' compensation benefits.
A lieutenant with the State Highway Patrol said that the accident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. as the officers were working the first lady's motorcade. One of the officers reduced his speed in order to check on another vehicle that had pulled off the road, causing the other motorcycle to strike his own. The first lady was not hurt, though it is unclear whether the crash affected the motorcade's progress toward Port Columbus.
Source: Columbus Dispatch, "Two officers in first lady's motorcade injured in crash," Randy Ludlow, Oct. 16, 2012