Law Enforcement Officer found by Judge to have work-related heart valve disease

A Law Enforcement Officer for a municipality in Polk County contracted a severe infection that settled in his heart, resulting in endocarditis.   This heart disease destroyed his heart valves, and he had to undergo surgery to have them repaired/replaced.  The Employer denied the claim and we proceeded to trial where the Judge found that the endocarditis and valvular heart disease was work-related under the Heart Bill found in Section 112.18(1), Florida Statutes.   The Law Enforcement Officer was compensated for his lost time from work, and provided lifetime medical care, medications, etc.  He is back to work full duty and doing well.