Firefighters and police officers that are injured in the line of duty deserve the highest quality legal representation. The state of California recognizes that these occupations are inherently dangerous and has lowered the burden that is typically required in a court of law to recover compensation for injuries sustained in the line of duty. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident to protect your rights.
We are ready to represent firefighters, police officers, or other first responders for injuries in the line of duty in situations such as:
- Injuries suffered in Auto Accidents
- Falls in Residential and Commercial Building Fires
- Gunshot Wounds
- Joint and Bone Injuries, including Knee Injuries and Shoulders
- Burn Injuries
Police officers and firefighters face risky and hazardous situations in course of their job duties. When injuries happen, the result can be a long road to recovery made more complicated by medical expenses and the financial challenge of lost wages. Let us work to help you resolve your workers’ compensation issues so that you can focus on your physical recovery.
Handling Third Party Cases
If you are injured in an accident that was caused in whole or in part by someone other than your employer, not only would you be entitled to workers’ compensation from your employer, you may also be entitled to recover substantial damages from the responsible party in what is often called a “third party lawsuit.”
Get Monetary Recovery Beyond Workers’ Compensation
Most California workers are covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, workers’ compensation benefits are limited, which is why workers’ compensation is only the beginning of the benefits available to employees who are injured while on the job. If a third party is partially or totally responsible for the injury, a third-party liability claim may be filed by the injured worker against the negligent party.
Hazardous Situations
Firefighters and police officers are often put into hazardous situations; this hazardous environment can lead to serious injuries. If the injuries sustained are a result of a property owner or individual who has acted in violation of the law they may be held liable under California law. If you are facing mounting financial challenges or time away from work, you should talk to an experienced California firefighter injury attorney.
The most common example of a third party case involving a firefighter, paramedic or police officer, occurs in a vehicle collision with a negligent driver. A third party case may also result if any worker is injured as a result of a defective piece of equipment such as a ladder or power tool. This type of third party case is a referred to as a products liability case, which could be filed against the manufacturer of the defective piece of equipment.
Compensation
As opposed to workers’ compensation claims, a third party case has no statutory limits on the amount of monetary damages an injured worker can receive. In third party cases, a judge or jury determines damages based on the injured worker’s pain and suffering, future loss of earnings, inability to perform non-work activities and the amount of medical expenses. Due to the complex nature of third party cases it is critical that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Having a lawyer who understands how to maximize your benefits will make all the difference in your case.
Police and firefighter injuries include:
- Death
- Brain Trauma
- Burns
- Paralysis
- Loss of Limb
- Spinal Injuries
- Fractures
Damages that may be recovered in California personal injury claims include monetary compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Physical Pain and Mental Anguish
- Lost Wages or Work Time
- Physical Impairment
- Disfigurement
- Exemplary Damages
- Wrongful Death