Workers’ Comp for First Responders: Special Considerations in Georgia Law
Our emergency responders save lives and protect individuals from harm. Their jobs are among the most dangerous jobs in the country. However, they selflessly work in life-and-death situations at all hours to save lives. First responders injured on the job have legal options for filing claims. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys discuss first responder injury claims in this blog.
What First Responders Should Do After a Work-Related Injury?
If you are a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician (EMT), or other first responder, it is crucial that you take specific steps to protect your rights. Document your injuries by seeking immediate medical treatment. You need medical records to help prove that your injury occurred at work.
Report your injuries to your employer as soon as possible. Workers must report injuries within 30 days, or they could lose their workers’ compensation benefits.
First responders only have one year from the injury date to file a workers’ compensation claim. A workers’ comp attorney can help you prepare and file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits after a workplace injury.
Common Injuries Sustained by Firefighters, Police Officers, and Other First Responders
First responders face hazardous conditions on the job. Common causes of first responder injuries and deaths include:
- Being struck by vehicles
- Serious burns
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Violence and assault
- Overexertion injuries
- Blunt force trauma
- Heat exhaustion
Many of the injuries sustained by first responders are caused by job hazards. However, third parties may negligently cause injuries to first responders.
Workers’ Compensation for First Responders in Georgia
First responders may receive workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries. Examples of workers’ comp benefits for first responders include:
- Medical Benefits – Workers’ compensation pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Weekly Income Benefits – If a first responder cannot work because of a work injury, they may receive temporary disability benefits. Weekly income benefits are based on two-thirds of your average weekly wages.
- Job Training – If a first responder cannot return to their job, they may receive training to obtain a different job when they are ready to return to work.
- Permanent Disability Benefits – When a first responder cannot work because of their injuries, they may receive permanent disability benefits. The benefits are based on your average weekly wages and the exact injury you sustained at work.
- Death Benefits – When first responders die on the job, their family members may receive death benefits.
Unfortunately, first responders may not receive compensation for all injuries. For example, PTSD and other psychological injuries are common among first responders. Workers’ compensation has traditionally not covered these injuries.
However, Georgia first responders may be eligible for supplemental benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder. The governor signed a bill that required municipalities and other employers to provide a one-time cash benefit for responders diagnosed with mental stress disorder. The benefits are provided by local governments instead of workers’ compensation insurance.
An experienced Atlanta and Savannah workers’ compensation lawyer can review your claim to determine what types of benefits you can receive and whether your injuries are covered.
Contact Us to Speak With a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Your Claim
If you are a first responder injured at work, we can help. Call Parsons Law Group to speak with a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney about your legal options. We are here to simplify the workers’ compensation process for first responders and injured workers.
