Claims Rejected For California Police Injured In Las Vegas Massacre

SANTA ANA, Orange County (AP) -- California police officers who were injured when they sprang into action during the Las Vegas concert massacre are filing workers' compensation claims but it's unclear if state law allows them to collect.

California's labor code says public agencies must pay benefits when off-duty officers try to save lives or property in California. It doesn't mention out-of-state activities.

Orange County officials interpret that as meaning they can't pay for physical or psychological injuries its sheriff's deputies received in Las Vegas. The Orange County Register reports that claims by four deputies were rejected Monday.

The paper says at least a half-dozen other jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, face similar claims and rejections could lead to lawsuits.

Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer says state lawmakers must fix the problem.

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