Liam Daniels Battle for Fair Disability Benefits

Hi, my name is Liam Daniels. I previously served as a police officer with the Anchorage Police Department. I have an amazing wife named Katie and 4 young children. On September 4th, 2021, my family's lives were changed forever.

I was working my patrol duties when, in the course of arresting a suspect in a shooting, I was shot in my right leg as the suspect was able to discharge another officer's patrol rifle while resisting arrest. I was 26 years old at the time.

Since that day, I have lost function of my right leg below the knee due to the nerve damage and muscle atrophy caused by the rifle round. I have undergone over 10 surgeries, 3 years of various physical and occupational therapy, and began the use of medical braces in order to attempt to regain function in my leg. After all of this, my family and I had the unfortunate conversation with my surgeon that I will never regain function of my leg and will be required to walk using a brace and a nerve stimulator.

Due to the injury, I was not able to return to the job I loved, and my family and I were left searching for meaningful employment to support our family.

I was given the amazing opportunity to work with the Alaska State Troopers as a child abuse investigator in western Alaska, which provided some income to keep us moving forward and meaningful employment in the field I love, serving the community and making positive impacts in the lives of Alaskans. It is a perfect fit for me, as I’m not required to do the physical work of a patrol officer, but I am still able to help from behind a desk. I am not required to pass physical fitness standards or perform the extreme physical duties of a patrol officer. This job unfortunately does not offer medical insurance, and I have had to pay out of pocket for insurance for 6 months.

The State of Alaska has an occupational disability system, which provides a monthly payment for injured employees that I intended to use to pay for medical costs. I was recently approved for this benefit but was told I would have to quit my job and look for a new job on my own or I would not be able to receive the disability payments.

The State did not take into account my physical disability or the physical requirements of a patrol officer in their determination. They simply decided they would not provide disability payments because I am required to “keep notes, write reports, work with other organizations, and conduct interviews.” They claim this is the same as a patrol officer.

I have the opportunity to appeal their decision, but I will have to pay for a lawyer out of my own pocket. I have a lawyer that believes this is a case that can be fought and could have a positive outcome not only for me, but for patrol officers coming after me who will face the same struggles. If you are able to help with my legal fees to fight this fight, it would mean a lot to my young family and me. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.