Our public servants often put their safety and health on the line to protect our communities. The sad reality is that, although these individuals are often provided with protective equipment, they often suffer on-the-job injuries. These injuries can knock them out of work for a significant period of time, thereby affecting their ability to earn a living wage, cover their medical expenses, and make ends meet.
To see just how common of a problem this is, just look at statistics pertaining to firefighters who are injured at work. In 2018 alone, this profession saw nearly 60,000 work-related injuries, which was actually a slight decrease from the year before. While some of these individuals suffer injuries related to burns and falls, others develop serious illnesses due to exposure to harmful chemicals and smoke. Some firefighters even develop medical conditions due to their contact with other individuals.
Recovering from a work-related injury can be painful and stressful. The last thing these individuals want to think about is being embroiled in the legal system. Yet, sometimes that’s what it takes to recover the compensation needed to achieve a full recovery while maintaining financial stability. This typically occurs through a workers’ compensation claim, but it might also include a third-party liability claim against another negligent party. Although many people think workers’ compensation claims are relatively straightforward and benefits are easy to obtain, the reality is that claims are often denied for a variety of reasons.
Therefore, if you’ve been injured while protecting our community, then you need to know how to properly approach your workers’ compensation claim so that you can reduce the risk of having your claim denied. If your claim has already been denied, then you might want to work with an attorney who can help you appeal your denial to secure the benefits you need and deserve. Gathering the appropriate evidence is often key in these cases, though, so make sure you’re taking notes, talking to witnesses, and gathering medical and employment records that might support your claim.