Workers’ Compensation For First Responders
Perhaps no other segment of the Florida workforce is subject to the sorts of job risks encountered by police officers, firefighters, as well as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. These first responders to emergency situations are themselves exposed to catastrophic, and often unexpected and violent hazards.
Our attorneys at Matheson and Horowitz have 70 years of combined experience with workers’ compensation claims in Florida. We assist first responders in receiving the benefits they need to recover their health and their vocational fitness. We can guide you or a family member so that you’re able to access the full set of benefits our state provides to first responders. Our attorneys provide clients with compassionate, personal attention and represent them at administrative proceedings and in the courtroom, with strategic vigor. Our goal is to secure you with the benefits and/or compensation that most closely meet your current and projected future needs.
Injuries Common To Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMTs And Paramedics
While all three categories of first responder positions contain their share of physical stressors, some injuries are more common to a specific role than to others.
Police Officer Injuries
Police officers encounter danger when attempting to intervene during a criminal act or in the process of apprehending suspects. Vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds and assaults can cause life-threatening injuries. Pursuits on foot can lead to falls or overexertion.
Firefighter Injuries
Firefighters may be exposed to toxic chemicals – mostly as liquids or fumes – in their efforts to put out fires. To get close to the source of the flames, they risk burns, exposure to high temperatures and injuries from falling objects. Smoke inhalation and overexertion from carrying hoses and wearing heavy protective gear are common.
EMT/Paramedic Injuries
As with firefighters and police officers, EMTs can also suffer from overexertion, often from lifting and maneuvering patients on their way to the ambulance. The lifting of patients can also lead to musculoskeletal injuries. EMTs and paramedics are at risk of being exposed to blood-borne pathogens carried by the bodily fluids of those for whom they care.
Despite how frequently Florida’s first responders suffer workplace injuries, employers and insurance companies can challenge claims and delay a worker from receiving appropriate treatment. Our attorneys, led by partners Edward G. Matheson and Michael K. Horowitz, fight for the full benefits to which their injured clients are entitled.
How Florida Workers’ Compensation Addresses PTSD And Trauma Issues
Florida’s workers’ compensation benefit law addresses the work conditions that first responders encounter. Florida Statute 112.18, commonly called the “Heart and Lung Bill,” is a long-standing law that creates a rebuttable presumption that certain disabling conditions such as heart disease and hypertension, were suffered in the line of duty for some classes of first responders.
More recently, Florida Statute 440.093, which was passed in 2018, allows first responders to receive workers’ compensation for PTSD, even without an accompanying physical injury, provided the condition is diagnosed by a psychiatrist and is caused by a specific, qualifying event that the first responder directly witnessed, such as seeing the death of a minor or a catastrophic injury to another first responder.
Both of these laws have led to the provision of life-saving care to firefighters, police officers and EMTs.
Why Trust Matheson and Horowitz With Your Workers’ Comp Case?
At our firm, our attorneys can offer you the following advantages when you are filing a workers’ comp claim:
We understand how insurers think: Attorney Matheson began his career defending employers in workers’ comp cases and can predict how they may behave.
We are not afraid to go to court: Many lawyers talk tough on workers’ comp claims, only to push you to accept a settlement. Our legal team is prepared to make a stand for your benefits and compensation in court, when necessary.
We are committed to your well-being: Our attorneys and professional staff are available to answer your questions and listen to you. We’re large enough to be effective but small enough to care.
Request A Free Consultation With A First Responder Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
At Matheson and Horowitz, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Discover how our attorneys can help you with your first responder workers’ comp claim. To schedule an appointment, call our office in Vero Beach at 772-571-4109 or use our online contact form.