Salisbury Firefighter Injury Lawyer

Salisbury Firefighter Injury Lawyer-image

Salisbury Firefighter Injury Attorney

Firefighters have a difficult job. They put themselves in harm’s way on a regular basis to make sure the rest of us stay safe. When they get injured on the job, they deserve to have access to the money they need to pay for medical bills and get by while they heal. If you’re struggling with a workers’ compensation claim or want to file a personal injury claim, you can contact a Salisbury firefighter injury lawyer for help.

Trust Ayers, Ayers & Dressler

If you’re looking for a Salisbury firefighter injury attorney, look no further than Ayers, Ayers & Dressler. Our firm has been in practice for years. In that time, we’ve helped countless people file workers’ compensation claims through the North Carolina Industrial Commission and personal injury claims through the courts. We know how to move forward with your firefighter injury claim and provide you with ongoing legal advice throughout the process.

Why Hire a Firefighter Injury Lawyer?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that U.S. firefighters respond to one call every 23 seconds. In 2023, 1,389,000 fires led to 89 firefighter deaths. These statistics are alarming when you consider the fact that they do not even take injuries into account. In 2023, 63,175 firefighters sustained injuries while in the line of duty. If you’re one of them, you should know that there are options available for getting compensated.

Your first step should be to hire a firefighter injury lawyer. A dedicated legal professional can explain firefighter injury laws and how they apply to your case. They can determine whether a workers’ compensation, SSDI, or personal injury claim would be the ideal means of securing benefits. Then, they can assist with the collection of evidence to support your case. Your lawyer can also represent you during hearings or, if relevant, in court.

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Common Types of Firefighter Injuries

The dangers firefighters face at work are many. Although most people think of the most obvious risk as being from the fire itself, firefighter injuries are actually quite varied. They include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Hearing loss from explosions
  • Electrocution
  • Head or brain injuries from falling debris
  • Spinal cord injuries from falls from heights
  • Loss of limbs
  • Diseases like lead poisoning, asbestosis, cancer, and COPD due to exposure to burning chemicals

Injuries Covered by North Carolina’s Workers’ Comp System

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation covers three types of injuries:

  1. Traumatic injuries: These occur due to a one-time event. They can include broken bones and head injuries.
  2. Stress injuries: These develop over longer periods and typically result from repetitive motion or prolonged sitting, standing, or driving.
  3. Occupational injuries: These are caused by exposure to hazardous toxins in the workplace. Chemical burns, asbestos-related illnesses, poisonings, and many neurological disorders fall under this category.

Firefighters are subject to all three of these types of injuries. If you’ve sustained one or more injuries or developed a work-related illness, you can get the help you need with your claim from a firefighter injury lawyer in Salisbury.

Salisbury Firefighter Workers Compensation Benefits

North Carolina firefighters, including those with the Salisbury Fire Department, have the right to workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. Workers’ comp should pay for medical expenses and replace a percentage of the worker’s lost income. Workers who cannot return to work may be eligible for permanent disability benefits as well.

The benefits you can obtain from filing a personal injury claim are different. You can get compensation for both economic damages, such as lost wages and medical bills, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. You can only file a claim against your employer if an egregious act of negligence or active malfeasance led to your injury. If a third party contributed to the injury risk, you can always file a claim against them.

FAQs About Salisbury, NC Firefighter Injury Laws

What Rights Do Injured Firefighters Have in North Carolina?

Firefighters have several rights in North Carolina, most of which are similar to those of any worker. They have the right to fair pay and a safe work environment. They are allowed to report unsafe conditions at work without the risk of retaliation. Firefighters also have the right to seek legal recourse if their other rights are being violated.

Can a Firefighter File Both a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Personal Injury Claim in North Carolina?

A firefighter can file both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim in North Carolina if a third party contributed to their injury through negligence or intentional action. The workers’ compensation benefits should pay for medical expenses and include a partial wage replacement. The personal injury claim can get injured firefighters more money to make up for the rest of their lost wages and compensate them for non-economic damages.

What Are the Most Common Types of Firefighter Injuries in North Carolina?

The most common types of firefighter injuries in North Carolina include:

  • Burns
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Fractures
  • Heat exhaustion

These injuries are unsurprising given the physically taxing nature of firefighters’ work and the challenging environment in which they perform it. Fortunately, firefighters are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they get injured on the job.

How Does North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation System Apply to Firefighters?

North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system applies to firefighters, just like it would to any other worker. Firefighters are allowed to seek workers’ comp benefits for any injuries they have sustained at work, including both physical injuries and psychological conditions, like PTSD. This coverage applies to both paid and volunteer firefighters.

Contact Our Salisbury Firefighter Injury Lawyer Today

If you’re a firefighter who has been injured in the line of duty, you deserve to be compensated for your suffering. Hire a Salisbury firefighter injury lawyer who can help you file your claim and make sure it goes smoothly. You can trust Ayers, Ayers & Dressler with your case. Our firm has been in practice for years; in that time, we’ve helped numerous firefighters get access to the benefits they need to heal from job-related injuries. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

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