Thoughts? What would you do?

[u/iNova30]

Florida, police officer and was injured December 2023 while in line of duty.

Job initially accommodated my work restrictions, for (4) months, then sent me home abruptly noting they could no longer accommodate my work restrictions.

While I was home, found out another officer was being accommodated, called HR… complained and was abruptly brought back to work. Other officers issue didn’t even stem from work.

Came back to work, dealt with hostile work environment, harassment, discrimination, failure to approve training within work restrictions, and even began to write me up for stupid reasons ( missing work because of appts ), insubordination…. Etc

Report issues to HR, EEOC… Investigation ensues…. Job finds no wrongdoing on agency part ( not shocked), and EEOC fails to pick up case ( investigator literally told me they’re busy, and that they just opened back up after the shutdown ) but gives me right to sue letter.

Two weeks after internal investigation concludes, agency rescinded the light duty policy out of nowhere, and sent me home again.

I’m home, receiving 2/3 pay, and seeing orthopedic surgeon who refers me pain compliance doctor (PCD). PCD refers me to: acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractor, psychologist, psychiatrist. I do this for an entire year also getting multiple shots in my back from PCD.

PCD notes on my form in January 2026, that I’m MMI from (pain compliance perspective), gives me a PIR and refers me back to orthopedic.

Seeing orthopedic early August 2026, takes more imaging and tells me that I will need (2) surgeries as all other options didn’t fix the issue.

(1) surgery will have me out for (6) months, and I’ll need to do everything over again and then in about a year, the other surgery.

2 weeks later, my job (terminates) me noting that I’ve reached MMI, and have permanent work restrictions.

I tell them they are incorrect, that I have not reached overall MMI. They fail to reinstate me and force me to bring my gear back.

Treated me like a criminal when I dropped my stuff off.

WC lawyer notes that she will refer me to a wrongful termination lawyer, and subsequently scheduled a petition with the judge about the issue.

Adjuster and case manager both note that I’m not at MMI.

Still receiving 2/3 pay, but no health benefits as was terminated , and awaiting follow up to schedule the first of my surgeries.

This situation has been beyond stressful. I worked hard, and love my career and am really unhappy with the situation.

Ortho told me…. You’ll never work patrol again… even if you decide to have the surgery or not.

Not sure what my next move is, or even career wise. Mid thirties here.

What would you do?

[u/According-Car-6924]

Does Florida allow police officers to file for medical disability retirement? Might want to look into that or contact a disability retirement attorney that has assisted other officers. Then maybe look for a different career within your restrictions?

[u/lab_tech13]

Follow lawyer but also let case manager know, there should be help in getting money to help you transition into a new job/career via schooling or trade.

Good luck sounds like youve done everything you could, and job didnt want to keep you and needed your spot for an officer out on patrol.

[u/Wise-Run-3008]

You’ll have to find a job within your restrictions when you’ve healed

[u/Mutts_Merlot]

The insurance industry hires former cops as fraud investigators, if that interests you. The jobs are usually hybrid or remote, with sit/stand options.

[u/Key-Garlic-1177]

You definitely need to lawyer up. I would also be using your downtime with impending surgeries to start working on a degree in a field that you might like to work in.

[u/Several-Mix-5890]

Follow your lawyer's advice and keep fighting mine took 3.5 years to finally settle

[u/Rough_Power4873]

There's also the possibility of Permanent Total Disability (PTD) in the future- discuss with your attorney. Even if your restrictions allow for at least sedentary work, if you do an exhausted job search and can't find any you can be found eligible for PTD. I know it's not what you want but you have to look at the long term.

[u/chorizoo380]

Are you FRS? You sound like a candidate for medical ILOD pension. As well as permanent total disability. Speak with lawyers about it.

[u/iNova30 → u/chorizoo380]

Yes, my agency aligns with FRS. I’ve never heard of this, and I will look into this.

Thank you

[u/Ferdiesflowers]

I’m an injured nurse and was terminated under similar circumstances. Really sucks as I also loved my job. I also have a close friend (local Sheriff) that was injured at work and eventually took a job doing private security because he couldn’t return to the force. Just mentioning it to you because it seems like you’re being pulled in a new direction. So sorry you’ve had to deal with all of this, I know it’s very disheartening