Call : 704-594-4317
Call : 704-594-4317
For many firefighters, theirs is a job of saving lives and rescuing people from intense danger. Unfortunately for others, it can morph into a disease that develops over a period of years. One of the key things a Kannapolis firefighter cancer lawyer does is explain how prolonged exposure to harmful substances relates to legal aid. Across North Carolina, these cases tell a similar story.
When firefighters suffers a serious injury or develops a disabling condition, they spend a lot of time working with big organizations and dealing with complicated systems. That’s where we come in. Serving North Carolina families since 1983, we understand these systems, so we can use our knowledge and experience to protect your rights.
In Kannapolis, firefighter cancer cases are usually linked to the larger Cabarrus County court system. A hub for local court procedures is the Cabarrus County Courthouse, which is situated at 77 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025. This courthouse has a significant role in the local judicial system, even if many cases are handled administratively. We are a top-rated law firm dedicated to handling each case with care.
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Unlike other injuries or ailments that we may suffer throughout our careers, firefighter cancer claims are almost always the culmination of years of service, dozens if not hundreds of exposures and, too often, years of waiting for a diagnosis.
There may not be a distinct event they can identify. Instead, firefighter cancer cases turn on a series of patterns. Each piece of evidence contributes to a narrative of their gradual, work-related exposure and the subsequent progression of their illness. In addition, they are often facing treatment, working toward recovery, and making significant life changes simultaneously.
When there’s a fire, chemicals burn that can expose a firefighter to toxins. As those toxins burn, they create smoke, which can get into the body through inhalation, absorption through the skin, and even accidental ingestion.
Some chemicals make their way into burning buildings through the materials inside. Older buildings are more likely to contain cancer-causing substances, like asbestos, while modern furnishings and electronics release a variety of dangerous chemicals when they burn, including:
These toxins can also linger on firefighting equipment, make their way through gear and clothing, and remain on skin long after a shift ends. With each call, firefighters are putting their health in danger, as exposure can add up over time.
Cancer affects millions of Americans every year, and each firefighter’s cancer case is unique. However, some cancers show up more frequently in firefighters than others. The most common types of cancer seen in firefighter cancer cases include:
Most firefighter cancer laws recognize these types when defining presumptive cancers.
The burden of proving that a firefighter’s cancer was caused by their profession is somewhat lessened by North Carolina legislation. The Fire Fighters’ Cancer Insurance Program bill, which shields firefighters against occupational cancer, was passed in North Carolina.
N.C. Gen. Stat. §97-53 is a significant law pertaining to firefighter cancer claims. This law defines occupational sickness, which can include cancer, as arising from the nature of their employment and from exposure to hazards associated with the work.
The CDC reports that over 40,000 firefighters have signed up for the National Firefighter Registry. Compared to other occupations, firefighters often have a higher risk of acquiring occupational malignancies. The incidence of some malignancies is higher than that of others. Compared to non-firefighters, firefighters had a 58% increased risk of dying from skin cancer. One study found that the fatality rate from kidney cancer was 40% higher.
Sometimes, knowing when to hire a firefighter cancer lawyer in Kannapolis simply means wanting to add organization to your firefighter cancer claim. Firefighter cancer legislation exists to assist you, but there are steps you’ll still need to take. Filing a claim, answering insurance questions, and more can impact your case.
Kannapolis firefighter cancer claims can mean dealing with several systems at once, like workers’ comp programs and insurance companies. Understanding how each system operates and works with the others can help you feel more in control.
The number one cause of death for firefighters is cancer brought on by the job. Because of firefighters’ repeated exposures to dangerous smoke, chemicals, and carcinogens, cancer deaths now outrank all other causes, including heart-related deaths. Within the last few years, this has become the shared understanding of multiple studies and firefighter organizations. Researchers and firefighter groups estimate that cancer is responsible for most line-of-duty deaths.
Examples of medical disqualifications include:
Requirements vary from department to department, but you must generally be able to perform the strenuous activities associated with the constantly changing and often dangerous firefighting environment.
Although fighting fires directly is extremely hazardous, being exposed to toxic environments for long periods of time may be one of the most dangerous aspects of firefighting. Exposure to dangerous chemicals released from burning buildings and materials is common and sometimes unavoidable.
These exposures can happen during and after the fire, including overhaul and cleanup. Exposure to these toxic environments can cause serious health problems later in life, like respiratory disease and cancer.
Firefighting has many negative long-term effects, even though it is an extremely important job. Constant exposure to smoke and chemicals can cause cancer, along with problems with heart and lung health. Safety gear and equipment have allowed firefighters to greatly reduce their risk of injury or illness. However, since their job consists of many adrenaline rushes and physical trauma, there can be long-term effects.
If you, as a firefighter in Kannapolis, NC, have been diagnosed with a certain type of cancer, Ayers, Ayers & Dressler can see if you are entitled to financial compensation. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with an experienced Kannapolis firefighter cancer attorney.
No one should have to worry about their financial security after a lifetime of contributing to Social
Security because of a disabling injury or condition.
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