Frederick Firefighters, Paramedics & EMTs Injury Attorney
Workers’ compensation is designed to protect injured employees regardless of fault. Of course, certain professions lead to greater levels of risk than others. Professionals whose job it is to respond to the scenes of emergencies often face a high level of job-related danger and stress. Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics all face risks daily that most workers rarely, if ever, confront during the course of their jobs. According to statistics, tens of thousands of firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs suffer injuries every year.
The country relies on its emergency responders, so it is incredibly important that these individuals get the help they need when they are injured while trying to help others. The experienced Frederick workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP are proud to represent many brave first responders. We understand how important it is to recover workers’ compensation benefits following a work-related accident. Benefits are designed to cover the medical care and lost income that you need to recover and get back to performing vital services to your community. Call us today at 301-668-2100 to speak with one of our dedicated Frederick workers’ compensation attorneys.
What Injuries Commonly Impact Emergency Responders in Frederick, Maryland
Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics must respond to emergencies, which often means driving in stressful scenarios. Data indicate that 14,425 Fire Department vehicles crashed in 2018. Collisions represented the fourth most common cause of injuries to EMT workers as well. Of course, many other workers suffer injuries from sprains, strains, and overexertion. After all, emergency responders perform highly physical jobs. Any of these work-related injuries should qualify an emergency responder for workers’ compensation benefits. Illnesses should also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but in some cases, it is difficult to prove that an illness is related to a person’s job. Firefighters often have less difficulty connecting certain conditions to their work. For instance, lung disease, hypertension, and certain cancers are more common in firefighters, and policies will be more likely to cover these workers’ benefits than for individuals in most other careers. If you are having difficulties recovering for your work-related injuries or illnesses, contact an experienced Frederick, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your claim.
What if Someone Else Caused My Injury?
As mentioned, car accidents are a common cause of work-related injuries for emergency responders. Workers’ compensation claims are different from personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, workers can collect workers’ compensation benefits but cannot file a personal injury lawsuit. However, in some instances, an injured worker who was harmed in the course of a car crash caused by a negligent driver has the possibility of collecting workers’ compensation and also filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver. While your employer will be protected from work-related injury lawsuits, a third party who caused you injury while you were working will not receive the same protections. Contact a Frederick, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to discuss whether you may also be able to file a third-party personal injury claim.
What Does “No-Fault” Mean?
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover injuries, even in the absence of negligence. If you suffered an injury at work, even if you might have been careless, you should still be able to recover benefits. There are exceptions, but in general, if your injury took place in the course of your employment, there is no need to show the harm done was someone else’s fault.
What Can an Injured Responder Collect in Frederick, Maryland?
It is important to understand that in exchange for not having to prove that your employer is at fault, you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit against your employer in most cases. Workers’ compensation benefits do not add up to the same amount as an injured person might collect through a personal injury lawsuit. The benefits are not as high because the worker will not be able to collect damages for pain and suffering through workers’ compensation. With that said, many more workers can recover benefits through workers’ compensation than they could if they had to prove negligence. The available benefits include medical expenses, a percentage of lost wages, death benefits in the event of a fatal injury, and vocational training if the worker is unable to perform his or her previous job because of injuries caused during the course of their employment.
What if My Claim is Denied?
If your claim for workers’ compensation benefits is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. There are many reasons why even legitimate claims might be met with denials. Sometimes, the insurance company suspects that your injury took place outside of work. Other times, there could be a technical error in your claim that led the company to deny your benefits. Hiring a Frederick, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney can help you collect the benefits you need and guide you through the workers’ compensation system and the filing of an effective appeal.
Frederick Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs, Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP for Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim for Benefits
Call the dedicated Frederick, Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today at 301-668-2100 to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.
