Los Angeles Firefighter Injury Lawyer

Los Angeles Firefighter Injury Attorney

Wiesner English, P.C. proudly represents the courageous individuals who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. If you are a firefighter who has been injured on the job, our Los Angeles firefighter injury lawyers can advocate for you for the financial compensation you need to recover.

Common Firefighter Injuries in Los Angeles

The County of Los Angeles’s Fire Department responded to over 10,000 fire incidents in 2022. They employed around 649 firefighters during that year through 177 fire stations. The high number of emergency calls, paired with the inherent danger of the job, means the risk of injury is high.

Firefighter injuries can be acute or chronic, minor or life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries Wiesner English, P.C. sees in Los Angeles include:

• Burns. Ranging from first-degree to severe third-degree burns from direct exposure to flames or explosions
• Smoke inhalation. Long-term exposure to toxic fumes can cause respiratory problems and chronic illnesses
• Orthopedic injuries. Sprains, strains, fractures, and torn ligaments from lifting, falling, or collapsing structures
• Head and brain injuries. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries from falls, falling debris, or explosions
• Back and spine injuries. Caused by lifting heavy equipment or victims, and working in awkward positions
• Burns. Certain types of cancer are presumed to be work-related due to exposure to hazardous substances
• Cardiovascular events. Heart attacks and strokes may be work-related due to high-stress environments.

Many of these injuries require serious medical treatment, long recovery times, or even lead to permanent disability. If you are unable to return to work, your financial future could be at risk.

California Presumptive Laws for Firefighter Injuries

California law recognizes that certain injuries and illnesses are common among firefighters. It also assumes these issues are job-related unless proven otherwise. These are known as presumptive injuries and include.

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Pneumonia
• Hernias
• Meningitis
• PTSD
• COVID-19

Our team of Los Angeles firefighter injury lawyers can help prove that your condition is presumptively related to your job. This makes it easier for injured firefighters to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits and can strengthen third-party claims.

Types of Compensation Available in Firefighter Injury Cases

Injured firefighters may be entitled to several types of compensation, but it depends on the facts of the case.

These types of compensation include:

• Workers’ compensation benefits. California law gives firefighters coverage for medical treatment, temporary disability and benefits, such as lost wages, and permanent disability benefits for long-term injuries. You can also receive supplemental job displacement benefits if you are unable to return to the same line of work. Workers’ comp also offers death benefits for dependents of the decedent in a fatal case.
• Third-party liability claims. In some firefighter injury cases, a separate party from your employer may be responsible. Some third parties include equipment managers, property owners, drivers, and utility companies. These cases may necessitate a Los Angeles firefighter injury claim for damages beyond what workers’ comp provides. This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future lost wages.
• Disability retirement or industrial disability retirement. Public safety employees may be entitled to enhanced retirement benefits if their injuries prevent them from returning to duty. Our legal team helps clients navigate the complex Public Employees’ Retirement System and the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension processes.

What to Do After a Firefighting Injury

If you’ve experienced an injury or illness in the line of duty, take the following steps to protect your health and rights. Report the injury immediately to your supervisor and seek immediate medical attention, even for symptoms that seem minor. It is important to follow all treatment plans prescribed by your doctors and keep track of your related expenses.

Be sure to document everything and collect evidence that can support your case, such as injury photos and environmental factors that impacted your injuries.

Consult a Los Angeles firefighter injury attorney before signing anything or giving formal statements. Wiesner English, P.C., can take care of the legal side of things while you focus on healing.

Why Choose Wiesner English, P.C.?

Wiesner English, P.C. offers decades of experience in handling firefighter injury cases across California. We represent injured public safety professionals and focus only on workplace injuries. Our satisfied clients can testify to our success as we have obtained over $67 million in compensation for them. Our attorneys listen and communicate information clearly throughout your case. If necessary, we can confidently take your firefighter injury claim to court to demand justice.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Firefighter Injury Laws

Q: What Are Presumptive Injuries for Firefighters in California?

A: Presumptive injuries for firefighters in California are specific conditions presumed to be job-related for workers’ compensation purposes. These can include cancer, hernias, or certain mental health conditions, such as PTSD. The law assumes these conditions are work-related unless the employer proves otherwise. Presumption exists because of the danger and stress associated with firefighting, along with regular exposure to extreme environments.

Q: How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in California?

A: In California, some personal injury lawyers, like ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they make a percentage of the settlement if you win your case. You may also be responsible for certain case-related expenses, such as court fees, expert witness fees, or medical record retrieval costs. These expenses are often deducted from your final award.

Q: What Happens if You Get Hurt as a Firefighter?

A: If you are injured as a firefighter in California, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical care, temporary or permanent disability payments, and rehabilitation services. Conditions, such as heart problems, may be presumed job-related because of presumptive injury laws. You may also be able to receive temporary disability payments if you are unable to work for a period of time, or permanent disability if you are unable to return to work.

Hire a Firefighter Injury Lawyer

Delaying action after being injured on the job can cost you valuable compensation and limit your legal rights. When you hire a seasoned firefighter injury lawyer from Wiesner English, P.C., you are getting a legal advocate with a firm committed to protecting those who protect us. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.