Israeli Court Recognizes Policeman’s Home Injury as Work Accident

A 34-year-old Israeli police officer who injured himself after falling at his home has been officially recognized as a work-related injury by the Tel Aviv Labor Court. The officer, who has served for about ten years as a field patrol and traffic enforcement officer, was on duty in February 2024 when he realized he had forgotten his operational keyring at home. This keyring was essential for accessing his patrol car, office, and handcuffs.

He returned home using a high-clearance police vehicle to retrieve the keys. Upon exiting the vehicle, he lost his balance and fell, sustaining injuries to his head, back, and ankle. Initially, he continued his day, but the pain worsened the following morning, severely limiting his mobility and daily functioning.

In July 2024, the National Insurance Institute rejected his claim to recognize the injury as work-related, arguing the accident occurred after his workday ended and on private property. The officer contested this decision in March, asserting that returning home to retrieve the keys was part of his work duties and that the unique conditions of the police vehicle contributed to his fall.

Judge Osnat Rubovitz-Barkash ruled in favor of the officer, stating that the accident did constitute a work accident since he returned home specifically for work purposes. The court noted that the fall happened while exiting the elevated police vehicle, which involved a step and unusual conditions not typical of private vehicles. The judge ordered a medical expert to assess the causal link to finalize the recognition of the injury by the National Insurance Institute.