Claim of Koerner v. Orangetown Police Department
This case involves an appeal from an amended decision by the Workers’ Compensation Board, which awarded benefits for the fatal shooting of a policeman. The decedent, an off-duty officer, was killed when his wife accidentally discharged his .38-caliber Colt revolver at their home. The Board determined that the employer's requirement for the decedent to carry a firearm off-duty constituted a hazard of employment, leading to his death arising out of and in the course of employment. The employer and its insurance carrier contended the injury did not occur in the course of employment as the decedent was off-duty, at home, and asleep. The court affirmed the Board's decision, finding that the unique obligation to carry a firearm at all times created a sufficient nexus between the accident and his employment duties.