Fort Worth Officer Faced Medical Claim Delays
A police officer reported systemic obstacles in receiving treatment for on-the-job injuries under a city contract.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Officer Bobbie Sanchez, who sustained injuries in July 2024, faced significant delays and denials from the city's workers' compensation administrator, Sedgwick. Records indicate that first responders in Fort Worth have historically encountered higher rates of claim denials compared to other city personnel.
Why it matters
The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding the efficiency of the city's insurance oversight for injured public safety employees. First responders report that bureaucratic hurdles often force them to seek out-of-network care or pay out of pocket for essential procedures.
Officer Bobbie Sanchez endured a 10-month wait for jaw surgery after being forced to seek out-of-network care. Meanwhile, prescribed steroid injections for her spinal injuries remain pending approval by the claims administrator.
The players
Bobbie Sanchez
She is a Fort Worth police officer who sought medical treatment for spinal and facial injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Sedgwick
It is a claims management company that has held a five-year contract to administer workers' compensation for the city of Fort Worth.
Charles Lauersdorf
He is a Fort Worth City Council member who has publicly questioned the performance of the city's third-party claims administrator.
Texas Municipal Police Association
This professional organization represents police officers across the state and advocates for legislative changes regarding workplace injury benefits.
The details
Officer Sanchez reported injuries to her jaw, neck, and shoulder while on duty, later discovering through medical tests that she suffers from pinched nerves and bulging discs in her upper spine. While authorized physicians have the power to approve treatments, Sanchez and other officers have faced frequent bureaucratic obstacles that necessitate supervisor intervention.
Timeline
The city signed a five-year agreement with Sedgwick in 2020.
Officer Bobbie Sanchez sustained job-related injuries in July 2024.
Council Member Charles Lauersdorf publicly criticized the administrator in January 2026.
The current contract with Sedgwick is scheduled to expire on November 19, 2026.
New contract terms for compensation administration are projected for the start of fiscal year 2027 on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
The delays highlight growing scrutiny of how municipal entities manage liability and employee benefits under Texas workers' compensation statutes. This situation follows a pattern of local government attempts to reform third-party administrative contracts to ensure better compliance with state-level labor protections.
The debate over police compensation and medical care directly affects the operational readiness of the Fort Worth Police Department. Residents may see changes in the quality of support provided to first responders, as officials move to replace the current administrator before the contract expires in November.
The takeaway
The scrutiny of Sedgwick serves as a reminder that administrative oversight is as critical to public safety as the policies themselves. Efficient claims processing remains essential to maintaining a fully staffed and healthy police force capable of serving the local community.
What happens next
The city of Fort Worth is expected to solicit proposals from new workers' compensation administrators later this year, with a new contract intended to take effect in fiscal year 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the local oversight of public safety departments in Fort Worth Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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