Well, now my City has condemned my house...

Some of you are aware of the problems I've been dealing with after being injured on the job, and having my salary and benefits cut-off for over a year now.

There is something morally wrong with an injured Police Officer having to survive on food-stamps, even if I do say so myself.

The latest blow from my City (employer) occurred yesterday when I discovered that my City cut-off the water to my house for non-payment, and also posted a nice notice on the doors that it is condemned and that anyone entering the premises is subject to arrest.

Gee, I'd bet the City water bill would be paid-in-full if the City had provided me with the means to do so (namely, my disability benefits).

I've been trying to sell the house to get out from under the mortgage before the foreclosure is finalized, and now the realtor can't even show it.

After 20+ years on the job I wouldn't exactly say that I'm naive, yet I do admit that it never occurred to me how far my own City would go to screw me simply because I was injured in-the-line.

So many times have I been disgusted with the tactics they've used and I've said to myself "they've gone as low as they can go...".

I no longer use that term, as everytime I do, it seems they find a new way to sink lower...

The thing I find ironic is that I am still unable to find an attorney willing to go after them civilly. So many attorneys out there have been chomping at the bit to go after me (and my employer) if their client even hints at wrong-doing, yet I can't find a single one willing to sue the City on behalf of a injured cop who's been thrown away like a disposable human being.

Amazing world we live in...

- V

Edit: Any of you young guys trying to get a foot-in-the-door in Law Enforcement, you'd be well advised to stay far away from the City of Binghamton, NY.

[Munlaw]

Lawyer up...

I just read on the NYS Worker's Comp Board website that municipal police officers may be excluded from worker's comp coverage...That's BS...

A system like New Zealand would be nice, if you get into an accident at work, sports, MVC, or even fall down the stairs of your in-law's house, you are covered at %80 of your pay until you can go back to work...Here in Canada we have a watered-down version of the New Zealand system...

[SgtCHP]

Binghamton appears to be a fast developing community with up-to-date assistance. Perhaps you can get tied to one of their programs.........

http://www.cityofbinghamton.com/viewarticle.asp?a=2817

[gbotj]

VV, Im surprised your department hasnt held a benifit for you.
What is the PBA doing about all of this? Cant you use one of their lawyers?

[ten08]

Originally Posted by Munlaw

Lawyer up...

I just read on the NYS Worker's Comp Board website that municipal police officers may be excluded from worker's comp coverage...That's BS...

A system like New Zealand would be nice, if you get into an accident at work, sports, MVC, or even fall down the stairs of your in-law's house, you are covered at %80 of your pay until you can go back to work...Here in Canada we have a watered-down version of the New Zealand system...

OMG that sounds like Socialism, having been in the shoes of the author of this thread I can only wish we had us some. My pay was cut off for 2 1/2 years and in the end I lost my jon and had to settle for just enough to ppay the hundreds of thousand in bills I had accumulated.

[a&mpolice]

That is no good at all, Your department should AT LEAST be stepping up to give you a Benefeit of some sort to help you out, and besides that, That is pretty sorry they are treating a Police Officer of your status the way they are..Absolutely Pitful...If I could help you out, then I would without second thought man!

[ten08]

Originally Posted by vvincelli

Some of you are aware of the problems I've been dealing with after being injured on the job, and having my salary and benefits cut-off for over a year now.

There is something morally wrong with an injured Police Officer having to survive on food-stamps, even if I do say so myself.

The latest blow from my City (employer) occurred yesterday when I discovered that my City cut-off the water to my house for non-payment, and also posted a nice notice on the doors that it is condemned and that anyone entering the premises is subject to arrest.

Gee, I'd bet the City water bill would be paid-in-full if the City had provided me with the means to do so (namely, my disability benefits).

I've been trying to sell the house to get out from under the mortgage before the foreclosure is finalized, and now the realtor can't even show it.

After 20+ years on the job I wouldn't exactly say that I'm naive, yet I do admit that it never occurred to me how far my own City would go to screw me simply because I was injured in-the-line.

So many times have I been disgusted with the tactics they've used and I've said to myself "they've gone as low as they can go...".

I no longer use that term, as everytime I do, it seems they find a new way to sink lower...

The thing I find ironic is that I am still unable to find an attorney willing to go after them civilly. So many attorneys out there have been chomping at the bit to go after me (and my employer) if their client even hints at wrong-doing, yet I can't find a single one willing to sue the City on behalf of a injured cop who's been thrown away like a disposable human being.

Amazing world we live in...

- V

Edit: Any of you young guys trying to get a foot-in-the-door in Law Enforcement, you'd be well advised to stay far away from the City of Binghamton, NY.

I've been in your shoes brother, for 2 1/2 years, if it hadn't been for Carter and hyper inflation running the value of my house up I'd have been out in the street. It's degrading to have to show up at the welfare office to apply for food stamps and heart wrenching to think your co-workers helped bring you to that.

What has your Union been doing for you?? Mine (the FOP) stuck with me for two years and when they finally abandoned me it was all over for me. If your water is off, go to the press.

[hiltonheadgolf]

Originally Posted by ten08

I've been in your shoes brother, for 2 1/2 years, if it hadn't been for Carter and hyper inflation running the value of my house up I'd have been out in the street. It's degrading to have to show up at the welfare office to apply for food stamps and heart wrenching to think your co-workers helped bring you to that.

What has your Union been doing for you?? Mine (the FOP) stuck with me for two years and when they finally abandoned me it was all over for me. If your water is off, go to the press.

Agreed. I have never been one for using the press tactic, but in this case the bridge is burned. Go after them with whatever means you have too.

Good Luck !

[Kieth M.]

As ten08 suggested...do you know any media people?

[brn2reign]

Originally Posted by Kieth M.

As ten08 suggested...do you know any media people?

If not, make some new friends

[DeputySC]

Is the house condemned because there is no running water?

Reguardless, nothing suprises me. I see all the time where people are paying $25 a month to live in a nicer place then "I" live in . Yet they have very nice higher end luxery cars in their driveway. I would have had no idea these people were on any type of welfare had they not just told me for whatever reason during a call and then I will ask further in conversation. Usually the problem houses are the ones recieving goverment funded living. . I lived in an apartment complex and my next door neighbor liked to brag that the goverment has paid her rent for the past 15 years while she has a nice job on the military base probabily making more then me. Of course she has a nice newer full size silver lexus. ive seen people who dont deserve assistance get everything in life handed to them and ive seen people who actually need help given the run around and told to screw off. The system def. isnt fool proof.

[rubyrose]

What about the reporters that did the story on the rescue? (Print, tv, etc.)

At least ONE of them is likely to have an interest in the story, I would think.

Most newspapers have a reporter who covers "public safety" as a beat.

[Munlaw]

Originally Posted by gbotj

VV, Im surprised your department hasnt held a benifit for you.
What is the PBA doing about all of this? Cant you use one of their lawyers?

I was going to say something similar...Isn't the PBA in New York State stronger than in most places ?

New York needs to make worker's comp insurance mandatory of all law enforcement like it is here in Ontario...

[DAL]

Originally Posted by Munlaw

New York needs to make worker's comp insurance mandatory of all law enforcement like it is here in Ontario...

I don't think the system for police officers is part of Workers' Compensation in California. They get full pay and benefits.

Reserves who are injured on duty get workers' comp.

[deputy x 2]

Hang in there vvincelli.

This is part of them trying to starve you out. Try asking your Union for help with utilities etc. Our DSA union is really helpful during times of need. More importantly keep your head on your shoulders.

You need to start your paperwork for a service retirement ON TOP of a disability retirement...as both take time. Your dept as with ANY dept will sink to their lowest lows trying to fight you. YOUR job is to fight back. I know it sucks just dealing with your injury but you need to.

Workman's comp is NOT your friend...we know this first hand.

I don't believe your house can be condemned due to lack of utilities. Call the utility company and explain your situation. Remember the old guy that died of exposure during the winter..they shut him off..but he never read the instructions on how to get around it.

Use your resources...keep us informed as we can try to assist you with suggestions. Lastly, take it to the media..what do you have to lose?

Stay strong my brother. Depx2

[rubyrose]

This organization looks like it could be helpful to you:

New York Workers Compensation Alliance

From the "About" section:

The New York State Workers' Compensation Alliance is a coalition of injured workers and other stakeholders committed to protecting the rights of injured workers under the New York State Workers' Compensation Law.

Injured workers in New York are constantly under attack by large corporate and insurance company lobbyists. The so-called workers' compensation "reforms" hastily pushed through by former Governor Eliot Spitzer in 2007 were anti-worker and a boon to strong business interests in Albany. The Workers' Compensation Alliiance, through traditional and internet grass-roots efforts, seeks to level the playing field for the sole benefit of injured workers in New York state.

Prior to 1914, a worker injured on the job could sue his employer for lost wages. This often led to long litigation which benefited neither the injured worker nor the employer. After the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, in which over 100 workers perished, the New York State Legislature forged a historic compromise between injured workers and employers. In return for workers giving up their right to sue their employers for on-the-job injuries, employers were required to furnish quick compensation and medical care to the worker. In many instances, this was done by the employer purchasing a workers' compensation insurance policy. This system has worked well for almost 100 years, despite increasing dangers in the workplace.

However, the workers' compesation system continues to be under assault in New York by both business interests and New York State government. The New York Workers' Compensation Alliance will defend injured workers against all those, be they business or political figures, who would have the audacity to harm some of the most vulnerable among us - injured workers.

And then there's this:

Injured Workers Bar Association

National Organization of Injured Workers

A guide to workers' compensation in New YOrk

Injured Workers of New YOrk

Hope this helps...

[deputy x 2]

I think I've asked this before but....Do you have long term disability?

To answer some of the questions:

I qualify for Workers Comp. Also have a private attorney fighting the WC battle. We won a decision in November, but then the City appealed (stall tactics). The WC Board kicked it back down to the Judge for further development. Last week, the Judge reaffirmed his decision, but we know the City will appeal it to the Board once again (stalling everything for another 6 to 12 months).

Already applied for disability retirement as I am Totally and Permanently Disabled. It will take some time as it's disability retirement. I don't qualify for service retirement because my 20+ years were not all from NY. Only have around ten years in the NY system.

Our Union (PBA) is atrocious. They care only about the contract and could care less about personal issues which only affect a single member (such as this). It got to the point that I actually had to fire the union attorney for failure to represent because he was actually allowing the City to continue to stall as he really didn't want to have to deal with this case. The private attorney is now handling the 207c benefits (NYS Police Disability Benefits). City is still stalling that process as well, however, at least the private attorney is fighting their stall tactics.

Cutting off my water and condemning my house is only the most recent in a long line of tactics. I have no doubt whatsoever that they've been attempting to starve and discourage me in an effort to make me go away. I try hard to keep my head focused on the fight, but dealing with the additional stress on top of PTSD is extremely difficult.

The story was already run by one of the small TV News outlets. The newspaper (Press & Sun Bulletin) won't touch the story because the senior editor is in love with City Administration (first time in City history that the Mayor and entire City Council are all Democrats). At this point I have no problem going to the media, but the only option at this point is national and I don't have any contacts in the national stream. Tried to develop some, but couldn't get through the layers.

- V

[rubyrose]

Hi V--

I will be sending you through PM a contact I have with Fox national cable news who did a story on me a few years ago. Email addy and all. Gotta check back through old email to find it.

Originally Posted by vvincelli

To answer some of the questions:

I qualify for Workers Comp. Also have a private attorney fighting the WC battle. We won a decision in November, but then the City appealed (stall tactics). The WC Board kicked it back down to the Judge for further development. Last week, the Judge reaffirmed his decision, but we know the City will appeal it to the Board once again (stalling everything for another 6 to 12 months).

Already applied for disability retirement as I am Totally and Permanently Disabled. It will take some time as it's disability retirement. I don't qualify for service retirement because my 20+ years were not all from NY. Only have around ten years in the NY system.

Our Union (PBA) is atrocious. They care only about the contract and could care less about personal issues which only affect a single member (such as this). It got to the point that I actually had to fire the union attorney for failure to represent because he was actually allowing the City to continue to stall as he really didn't want to have to deal with this case. The private attorney is now handling the 207c benefits (NYS Police Disability Benefits). City is still stalling that process as well, however, at least the private attorney is fighting their stall tactics.

Cutting off my water and condemning my house is only the most recent in a long line of tactics. I have no doubt whatsoever that they've been attempting to starve and discourage me in an effort to make me go away. I try hard to keep my head focused on the fight, but dealing with the additional stress on top of PTSD is extremely difficult.

The story was already run by one of the small TV News outlets. The newspaper (Press & Sun Bulletin) won't touch the story because the senior editor is in love with City Administration (first time in City history that the Mayor and entire City Council are all Democrats). At this point I have no problem going to the media, but the only option at this point is national and I don't have any contacts in the national stream. Tried to develop some, but couldn't get through the layers.

- V

[Kieth M.]

Don't forget radio talk-show guys like Mike Gallagher, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage. They say they love the cops and hate it when the government screws over the little guy.

[ten08]

Originally Posted by Kieth M.

As ten08 suggested...do you know any media people?

I'm in Arizona, what good would that do?

[ten08]

Originally Posted by Kieth M.

Don't forget radio talk-show guys like Mike Gallagher, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage. They say they love the cops and hate it when the government screws over the little guy.

It might be interesting to see if they really do. Last thing Hannity advocated was those worthless Gold Certificates "Lord" Stanford was selling

[ten08]

Agreed, at some point they will terminate you. then file for unemployment. They will deny it and you file for a hearing to make them prove you are unable to work. That would put them with them saying you can work at Workmans Comp and you can't work at Unemployment. Contradicting themselves.

WHERE IS YOUR UNION???

[Kieth M.]

Originally Posted by ten08

I'm in Arizona, what good would that do?

The last line of your post (#7) sounds like you're encouraging him to get his story out in the media...I'm supporting your suggestion.

[lawandasan]

Originally Posted by ten08

I'm in Arizona, what good would that do?

write to KFI640.com(john and ken) and (bill handel) the base in CA but the they're good about kicking up enough noise. the station helped to get rid of our former gov and has brought gov arnold to his knees.
usually pro LE, unless its hopeless.

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