Articles Archive

By Bob Gorsky
Reprinted from “The Shield,” the official publication
of the Dallas Police Association
April 2004

TIME FOR A “LEGAL” CHECKUP

You may recognize this column. About once a year I write it, but I do so because it is so important. You’d be surprised at how many automobile accident cases we handle for police officers who are hit, many while on duty, by individuals (often drunk) who carry little insurance or no insurance at all. The state mandated minimum coverage of $20,000 is just not enough and you need to be prepared for both yourself and your family. This leads me to a survey of some basic things you can do to protect you and your family:

1. Uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage. The premium difference for $100,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage versus a $20,000 policy can be less than $100 per year. It’s worth it and you will appreciate the benefits should you be involved in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
2. Personal Injury Protection (automobile) Coverage. This “no fault” coverage is a must. “PIP” covers all of your medical bills and 80% of your lost wages, including your part-time job(s). The minimum coverage available is $2,500, but you can buy up to $10,000 in coverage.
3. Survey your household items. In the event of a fire or burglary, you have the burden of proving to your homeowners insurance company both the identity and value of damage or stolen items. A written list, or better yet, a videotape of your household items along with as many receipts as possible offers support for your property loss claim. If you think your insurance company will take your word for it, then you must believe that the city is going to take care of you in your old age.
4. Check your disability and health insurance. You have a city health policy of some type, but it doesn’t cover all medical treatment. For example, rehabilitation needs in the event of a disabling injury or medical condition are limited or not considered at all. I can think of at least three cases where officers or their family members were not able to get the rehabilitation care they needed because it wasn’t available under the city health plan.
   As for disability coverage, if you work a part-time job and are hurt (on or off duty), you may lose or be prohibited from working your part-time employment. While you are on sick time, injury time or limited-duty status, a part-time job is not allowed. A policy offered by the DPA through the Texas Police Trust will pay off. Disability insurance is particularly important now that city salary supplementation is limited to 13 weeks.
5. A Will, along with various powers of attorney that allow you to plan ahead so that your business and legal affairs, as well as make important health care decisions, are handled consistent with your wishes. For minimal cost, we can prepare a will and the necessary powers of attorney for you and your spouse.
   These are just a few critical areas that need to be addressed by every police officer. If you have any questions regarding these issues, feel free to contact me.

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Bob Gorsky is a partner at the Dallas lawfirm of Lyon, Gorsky, Haring & Gilbert, L.L.P., 2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 750, Dallas, Texas 75201; (214) 965-0090 or e-mail Bob at: bgorsky@swbell.net.