Michael Dryden Discusses Court Decision Allowing Widow to Collect Benefits for Medication-Induced Death of Police Officer Spouse

In a recent article in Pennsylvania Law Weekly, Willig, Williams & Davidson partner Michael Dryden discussed a court decision that will allow the widow of police officer Raymond Diaz to collect benefits after her husband died from taking a combination of prescribed medications. Because these medications treated injuries stemming from a work-related motor vehicle accident, a Pennsylvania appeals court has determined that Diaz’s widow is entitled to collect benefits for survivors of officers killed in performance of their duties.

Dryden said the case will have important implications for benefits disputes going forward, as it provides clear guidance on burdens of proof under the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act, known as Act 101.

“These statutes aren’t negligence statutes,” said Dryden, noting that the court’s decision establishes the claimant only needs to demonstrate direct cause. “I think it will become the case that people cite in Act 101 cases going forward.”

Read the full article online: Court Says Widow May Collect Benefits for Medication-Induced Death of Her Police Officer Spouse (Subscription may be required.)