Baltimore Firefighters, Paramedics & EMTs Injury Attorney
First responders dedicate their entire livelihoods to saving the lives of others. Countless Americans are saved by firefighters and paramedics/EMTs. Unfortunately, firefighters and paramedics suffer injuries at extremely high rates due to the demanding and dangerous conditions under which they work. If you were injured in your line of work, or have been diagnosed with a chronic illness that you believe was caused by working as a firefighter, paramedic, or EMT, then you have the option to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits that can help you recover, pay for your medical treatment, and ensure that you are financially taken care of while you are out of work. Here at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our Baltimore firefighters, paramedics & EMT injury attorneys can be of service to you in whatever way you need, from filing a claim to appealing a denial.
Common First Responder Injuries
If you were injured on the job, you are entitled to wage replacement compensation, medical coverage, rehabilitation, and vocational training expenses. First responders are victims of all types of traumatic, as well as repetitive strain and overexertion, injuries. Common causes of injuries among firefighters and paramedics include:
- Overexertion or bodily reaction (top cause of injury among emergency workers, according to the CDC);
- Traffic injuries;
- Explosions;
- Fires/burns;
- Assault;
- Smoke inhalation;
- Repetitive strain injuries;
- Falls from height;
- Slip and falls;
- Crushing injuries;
- Hit-by injuries;
- Sprains, fractures, or torn ligaments while reacting to emergency situations;
- Electric shock;
- Heat stroke; and
- Cardiac arrest.
Certain Illnesses Are Covered With Little Proof of Cause
Thanks to Maryland’s robust first responder workers’ compensation laws, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics have an advantage over most people when it comes to being covered by workers’ compensation for certain chronic illnesses. It is well known that firefighters, for instance, face an increased risk of heart disease than Americans in other occupations. In fact, the leading cause of death among firefighters is sudden cardiac arrest, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. As such, illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, and various types of cancer require less proof of cause (for firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics) to qualify for benefits than would be required in other fields of work.
Common Reasons for Denied Claims
Unfortunately, employers and insurance carriers often look for a way out of having to pay benefits. Common excuses for denying or reducing the benefits within a claim include:
- The injury was pre-existing;
- The illness was not caused on the job;
- The injury is being exaggerated;
- The employee was not “on the clock” during the injury; and
- There is not sufficient medical evidence to support the claim.
Regardless of what you have been told, an attorney may likely be able to help you overturn the denial.
Call Our Baltimore Firefighters, Paramedics & EMTs Injury Attorney Today
We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim to receive wage replacement benefits, medical care, ongoing treatment for your injury or illness, and more. Call our Baltimore firefighter, paramedic, and EMT workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today at 800-248-3352 to schedule a free consultation.
