Gaithersburg Firefighters, Paramedics & EMTs Injury Attorney
Firefighters and paramedics work in a field where they face potentially life-threatening dangers daily. Data indicate that tens of thousands of emergency responders sustain work-related injuries every year throughout the United States. Professionals in these jobs must live with high amounts of work-related stress at levels most Americans rarely experience. Average citizens rely on paramedics, firefighters, and EMTs to come to their aid when facing serious danger and injuries.
Given what we ask of our emergency responders, it is vital that these workers have the support that they need when their jobs cause then harm. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our dedicated Gaithersburg workers’ compensation attorneys understand the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of on-the-job injuries. If you work as a paramedic, firefighter, or EMT and you suffered an injury related to your job, our team of workers’ compensation lawyers is ready to help you recover the benefits that you need. Call us today at 301-670-7030 to speak with one of our experienced Gaithersburg, Maryland, workers’ compensation attorneys.
Common Injuries for Emergency Responders in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Although all employees should receive coverage for work-related injuries, the highly physical nature of work for firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs frequently leads to certain types of harm. Some of the most common injuries suffered within this field include overexertion, sprains, and strains. These workers also are exposed to substances that can cause illness or diseases. There are many chances of responders sustaining injuries when they rushed to the scene of an emergency. Fire Department vehicles were involved in 14,425 crashes in 2018 alone. That same year, car crashes were the fourth leading cause of injury for EMTs.
Gaithersburg, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance designed to protect employees who suffer injuries related to their jobs. As opposed to an independent contractor, anyone considered an employee should qualify for workers’ compensation coverage from their employers. Unfortunately, some people find that insurance companies will deny workers’ compensation benefits after they file an injury claim. It can be difficult in certain cases to prove that an injury is work-related. Although in the event of a traumatic workplace accident, the injured individual can likely show compelling evidence that the injury occurred within that one traumatic event, other injuries are the result of repeated physical exertion on the job. For example, back pain resulting from the frequent lifting of heavy objects can lead to injuries over time. An insurer might suspect that those back injuries are the result of recreational activities or a car accident unrelated to work, and will therefore potentially deny coverage. Even cumulative injuries should qualify for workers’ compensation coverage. If you find that your claim is being denied by the workers’ compensation insurance company, contact a Gaithersburg, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.
Like proving cumulative injuries, workers often find that proving an illness is work-related can be an uphill battle. Fortunately, in the case of certain diseases, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics can have an advantage in obtaining coverage. Because of the known exposure to certain disease-causing substances, lung disease, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer will qualify for coverage for firefighters even when employees in other fields may not be able to link those conditions to their jobs. The stress associated with firefighter’s work is also acknowledged, and diseases such as hypertension can qualify for coverage for first responders.
There are also times where an insurer will deny coverage based on an injury allegedly being preexisting. However, many people have a preexisting or past injury that did not prevent them from working, but that later becomes worse due to work-related endeavors or a work-related traumatic event. In such cases filing a claim might become more challenging. It is important to find an experienced Gaithersburg, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to represent you in your claim and help you make your case that your injury qualifies for coverage.
Workers’ Compensation in Gaithersburg, Maryland is a No-Fault System
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, workers’ compensation benefits apply even if the employee accidentally caused the injuries. Making a mistake does not mean that the insurer can deny benefits because workers’ compensation is a compromise that protects employers from facing costly litigation while covering injured workers even in cases where the employer did not cause the injuries. The payout for a successful personal injury lawsuit is typically higher than the benefits which an injured employee can collect through workers’ compensation. However, many injured workers might not receive any benefits at all if the system required that they prove negligence on the part of their employer.
Gaithersburg Fire Fighters, Paramedics and EMTs, Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP for Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you suffered an on-the-job injury while working as a firefighter, paramedic, or EMT, the dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP are ready to advocate on your behalf to get you the help that you need. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you and your family by covering medical costs and replacing a portion of your lost wages. Call 301-670-7030 to consult with an experienced Gaithersburg, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.
