California firefighters are heroes. Yet, when they suffer on-the-job injuries or develop a serious medical condition due to their work, they aren’t always treated fairly by their employers. In fact, sometimes workers’ compensation benefits, which oftentimes provide these brave men and women with the financial lifeline they need, are denied for various reasons. In other instances, injured firefighters simply think they can tough out their job without need for financial support.
Don’t make the mistake of being complacent or minimizing the damage that’s been caused to you. Instead, be prepared to advocate for the financial resources you deserve after suffering harm on the job.
When can you recover workers’ compensation as an injured firefighter?
There are several circumstances that may warrant workers’ compensation benefits. This includes:
- Respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation.
- Burns to any part of the body.
- Heat-related injuries such as damage caused by heat stroke.
- Muscle, tendon and ligament damage caused by extensive and ongoing physical activity.
- Mental health issues caused by the job, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Lung damage and disease caused by exposure to chemical vapors.
- Injuries caused by slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents.
There are, of course, many other injuries that firefighters may experience that warrant workers’ compensation. So, if you’ve been injured on the job in some fashion, or if you’ve developed a medical condition that you believe is attributable to your work as a firefighter, then now is the time to act to protect your rights.
Seek the financial support you deserve after being injured on the job
The workers’ compensation system exists to ensure that you have financial protection if you suffer work-related harm. You need to take advantage of it. That will require gathering evidence, seeking medical care and navigating the intricacies of the process, but don’t let the stress of it all deter you from seeking the resources you deserve. If you think that’s a process that you need help with, then consider discussing the matter further with your attorney.