National Insurance to Pay Millions to Security Officer Injured at Gym

The National Insurance Institute will pay millions of shekels to a security officer who was recognized as a work injury victim after sustaining a severe knee injury during a routine workout at his workplace gym. The officer was running on a treadmill as part of his job requirement to maintain high physical fitness when his leg twisted, causing him intense knee pain.

Medical examinations revealed a torn meniscus and cartilage damage. Doctors noted in his medical file that the officer suffered from recurrent knee locking and difficulty with prolonged standing, recommending surgery. After experiencing ongoing pain, the officer, represented by attorneys Natan Zvintzkey and Yulia Hazut, filed a claim with the National Insurance Institute.

The attorneys argued that the gym workout was an integral part of his service requirements. A medical committee subsequently determined the officer has a permanent disability of 20%, entitling him to a one-time grant and a lifelong monthly pension. The total compensation, expected to reach millions of shekels, is considered significant for security personnel.

Legal experts noted that this precedent-setting decision clarifies the expanded definition of a work accident, emphasizing that injuries sustained while maintaining physical fitness as part of one's duties can be recognized as work-related. The officer's representatives stated that this recognition provides him with full financial and medical security despite his significant limitation.