First responders are essential and have saved countless lives. They’re the first to show up in a crisis, and take on a great deal of responsibility when calmly and rationally responding to an emergency. However, in doing so, they are also at an increased risk for a work-related injury or illness.
Does this come with the job territory, or are employers responsible for the safety of their employees from apparent or known hazards? If so, can first responders sue for getting hurt on the job? Keep reading to find out.
Start with Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a temporary type of insurance designed to provide immediate benefit payments for medical care and lost wages to employees who were hurt or became ill on the job. You should report your work injury or illness to your employer and file your workers’ comp claim as soon as possible after you are injured or diagnosed with an illness you believe to be job-related.
Determine If Your Employer Violated Their Safety Obligations to Employees
To find out if you may be eligible for a personal injury settlement, you need to determine if your employer neglected their duty to keep employees safe from known hazards or hazards they should have reasonably known about. If they did, and this neglect directly caused your illness or injury, you may have a case.
Gather Medical Records & Other Evidence
Your medical records are key to proving your case. Make sure you get multiple copies of all medical records related to your illness or injury as soon as possible and put them in a safe place.
Attempt to Negotiate a Settlement or Litigate
Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with one or more responsible parties. If you receive a settlement offer, the first one is likely to be much lower than what you deserve. You and your lawyer can continue to negotiate, or if the responsible party does not offer a settlement or offers too low of a settlement, you may need to proceed to litigation. This is where a judge will decide if the party is, in fact, responsible for your injury or illness and if so, what settlement you will receive.
Have Questions? Contact Hubert Criminal Defense and Injury Law
If you or a loved one are a first responder and were injured on the job, you may be able to collect compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call Hubert Criminal Defense and Injury Law today at 856-384-6553.