Firefighters have one of the most inherently dangerous jobs, and each year, thousands of firefighters suffer life-changing injuries or die in the line of duty. They are also exposed to various toxins, carcinogens, and other health hazards that leave them at high risk of occupational diseases. Firefighter occupational disease risks in North Carolina include various cancers, respiratory illnesses, and other medical complications from toxic exposure.
Firefighter Occupational Disease Risks in North Carolina
Firefighting not only entails the clear risk of injury from exposure to open flames and hot surfaces, but also the risk of illness from performing these dangerous job duties. North Carolina Health News reports that firefighters develop cancer at a 9% higher rate than the general public, and the average firefighter’s risk of dying from cancer is about 14% higher.
While the risk of toxic exposure while fighting fires is clear, another risk that is beginning to receive more attention is turnout gear made with toxic substances. Turnout gear is an essential part of firefighting that keeps firefighters safe from raging flames, but the substances used to make many pieces of turnout gear include per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) compounds. PFAS compounds have been linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also reported that in 2023, 15,025 firefighters were exposed to infectious diseases, and that year, there were also 34,050 reports of exposure to hazardous conditions, such as buildings containing asbestos. Firefighters are also at risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases, coronary heart disease, and various other medical conditions due to the inherent risks of this line of work.
The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal recently announced that state lawmakers have passed a measure to modify the Fire Fighters’ Health Benefits program, which will provide additional benefits to firefighters who develop occupational diseases. The initial lump sum benefit has been increased by $12,000 to $37,000, and for firefighters who experience two occurrences of cancer, the benefit has increased from $50,000 to $74,000.
How Firefighters Can Recover From Occupational Diseases in North Carolina
If you are a firefighter in North Carolina and are diagnosed with any kind of occupational disease, you may have grounds to claim various forms of benefits that can help you recover. Almost all workers in North Carolina are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, and a successful workers’ compensation claim can provide several types of benefits to a worker in this situation.
In North Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits can cover all medical expenses for a work-related illness or injury, and it is also possible for the worker to secure disability benefits when they are unable to work due to their condition. These benefits are paid according to the claimant’s functional capacity, anticipated recovery time, and whether they will be medically able to work again in the future.
You should hire a firefighter injury lawyer right away if you are injured or become ill from working as a firefighter in North Carolina. Your attorney can determine which benefits programs are available to you and guide you through the process of claiming the benefits you need to recover. The team at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler can provide comprehensive legal counsel and will do everything we can to maximize your recovery, so reach out to our firm today.
FAQs
What Qualifies as an Occupational Disease in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, an occupational disease can be any medical condition that results from exposure to toxic substances while working or an illness acquired over time due to your job duties. Some of the greatest occupational disease risks for firefighters in North Carolina include chronic respiratory illness from smoke inhalation, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions, and cancers that can develop from PFAS and other exposures.
What Is the Most Common Fatal Occupational Disease for Firefighters?
The most common fatal occupational disease for firefighters is heart disease. In 2024, the NFPA reported that heart attacks were the leading medical cause of firefighter deaths throughout the United States, accounting for 30 deaths or 48% of all firefighter fatalities that year. Twenty of these deaths occurred while victims were on duty.
How Much Can a Firefighter Claim in Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The amount a firefighter can claim in workers’ compensation benefits will depend on the specific details of their injury or illness. As long as their condition is directly related to their work, it is possible for them to receive compensation for all medical expenses related to their condition, as well as for the income they are unable to earn while they recover. Hire a firefighter injury lawyer so they can help you maximize your benefits.
Can I Sue for Occupational Cancer as a Firefighter?
You may have grounds to sue for occupational cancer as a firefighter, depending on how you developed your cancer. For example, if you are diagnosed with any type of cancer linked with PFAS exposure and you believe your turnout gear contained carcinogenic substances that led to your diagnosis, you may have grounds for legal recourse against the manufacturer. Consult an attorney right away so they can determine your most viable legal options.
Why Should I Hire a Firefighter Injury Lawyer?
You should hire a firefighter injury lawyer to have the greatest possible chance of maximizing your recovery after you have been injured while working or diagnosed with any type of occupational disease. Your attorney can help you identify the cause of your condition, determine your most viable recovery options, and guide you through the process of claiming workers’ compensation benefits and/or filing a personal injury case.
The team at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler can provide compassionate and results-driven legal counsel when you need it most after being diagnosed with an occupational disease. Firefighters perform a crucial and extremely dangerous job, and when they are injured or become ill from performing their duties, our team is proud to provide legal counsel and assist with their recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina firefighter injury attorney.
