Gastonia Firefighter Injury Lawyer

Gastonia Firefighter Injury Attorney

Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe. They deserve to get access to the help they need to heal when those risks lead to personal injuries. If you’re a firefighter struggling with the workers’ compensation system, you should enlist a Gastonia firefighter injury lawyer. They can assist you with your case, from filing your initial claim to appealing the decision if it gets rejected.

Trust Ayers, Ayers & Dressler

Whether you’re just starting the process of filing your firefighter injury claim or you’ve already been rejected by the workers’ compensation board, you can benefit from working with a skilled legal team, like the one here at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler. Our firm has been helping other North Carolinians just like you get access to the benefits they deserve for years. We can help you, too.

Why Hire a Firefighter Injury Lawyer?

A total of 89 firefighters died in the line of duty in 2023, but the risk of death isn’t the only one these brave individuals face on a daily basis. Many firefighters also get injured on the job. One source estimates that 63,175 firefighters sustained injuries in 2023, and those account for only the immediate effects of taking on a firefighting job. Firefighters are also at a 9% higher risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer.

Whether you’re suffering from an acute injury or dealing with a serious, ongoing problem, like cancer or heart disease, you deserve the benefits you need to pay medical bills and make up for lost wages. You can hire a firefighter injury lawyer to access those benefits, even if you’ve already had your application rejected by the workers’ compensation board.

Types of Injuries Sustained by Firefighters

North Carolina covers three categories of injuries under its workers’ compensation program. They are:

1. Physical injuries: Firefighters often sustain physical injuries, such as broken bones and head injuries, while they’re fighting fires.
2. Repetitive motion injuries: Some of the activities required of firefighters involve repetitive movements, which can lead to stress injuries over time.
3. Occupational illnesses: Firefighters are at a greater risk of developing not just cancer but also heart disease and other serious disorders. This is due to their routine exposure to smoke and burning chemical substances.

To claim benefits to address one of these injuries, all you need to do is prove that your injury took place at work. There’s no need to prove fault in a workers’ compensation claim.

Time Limits for Reporting Injuries in Gastonia

You have 30 days from the date of an injury or the day you discovered an illness to report it to your employer. However, you should inform your employer in writing as quickly as possible after you discover your injury. Your benefits could be denied if you wait too long to report it.

There’s also a time limit on how long you have to file your workers’ compensation claim in Gastonia. You have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim through the NC Industrial Commission Claims Administration. If your work injury is a repetitive motion injury that occurred over time or an illness that developed after the fact, you have two years from the date when you first became aware of it to file your claim.

Firefighter Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Gastonia

The workers’ compensation benefits available to firefighters, such as those with the Gastonia Fire Department, include:

• Medical treatment
• Compensation to partially make up for lost wages
• Permanent disability benefits if deemed necessary
• Death benefits if a firefighter dies in the line of duty

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may also be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. You should speak to a Gastonia firefighter injury attorney to determine if that’s the case.

FAQs About Gastonia, NC Firefighter Injury Laws

Are Cancer and Heart Disease Recognized as Occupational Illnesses for Firefighters in North Carolina?

Cancer and heart disease are recognized as occupational illnesses for firefighters in North Carolina. These professionals are exposed to hazardous substances and extreme physical demands on their bodies in the routine course of completing their work. If you’re suffering from either of these serious conditions, reach out to a Gastonia firefighter injury attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Can I File a Claim Against a Third Party If Defective Equipment Caused My Firefighter Injury in Gastonia?

You can file a claim against a third party if defective equipment caused your firefighter injury in Gastonia. The third party could be held liable for any injuries due to the defect, as they had a duty to manufacture safe, effective products. The easiest way to move forward with your claim is to work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with product liability law.

How Long Do I Have to File a Firefighter Injury Claim in North Carolina?

You have two years from the date when the work injury occurred to file a firefighter injury claim in North Carolina. If you don’t file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out, you will lose your right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. It’s also relevant to note that you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident’s occurrence.

What Benefits Can Injured Firefighters Get Through Workers’ Compensation in Gastonia?

Firefighters can get many benefits through workers’ compensation in Gastonia. They include:

• Medical benefits
• Disability benefits
• Volunteer firefighter benefits
• Death benefits
• Cancer presumption benefits

To access this money, you’ll need to file a firefighter injury claim. The easiest way to do that is with the help of a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer.

Contact Our Gastonia Firefighter Injury Lawyer Today

Being injured on the job is stressful enough without having to worry about how you’ll pay for medical bills and make up for lost wages. Let a trusted Gastonia firefighter injury lawyer help you file your workers’ compensation claim so you’re not left waiting. The team here at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler can handle your case. We’re deeply familiar with firefighter injury laws and know how to apply them to get your claim approved as quickly as possible. Contact us today.