Florida’s firefighters face many hazards when they clock in each day. Fires are unpredictable and firefighters are often injured when they battle these devastating blazes. Burn injuries are some of the most painful and debilitating of all injuries, and those who take on the task of protecting us from them often suffer the most.
Although Florida’s workers’ compensation laws protect firefighters and other first responders when they are injured on the job, you may still need a Florida firefighter burn injury lawyer to help you get the full compensation you need after a critical injury. The attorneys at Bichler & Longo, PLLC are well-versed in Florida’s workers’ comp laws, and we can give you the additional support you need after a serious work-related injury.
Burn injuries are some of the most painful and disfiguring of all soft-tissue injuries. Although firefighters wear heavy-duty protective gear, the time spent fighting a fire means they are at an increased risk of something going wrong. Common injuries can include:
The majority of firefighter burn injuries involve the hands, face, and neck, which are considered severe burns, regardless of the degree of the burn itself. Victims are at risk of losing their eyesight, mobility, and suffer long-term respiratory effects.
Florida’s workers’ compensation presumes that firefighters and other first responders are entitled benefits for work-related injuries, thanks to the Florida Heart Bill. As with any workers’ comp claim, firefighters should always seek medical care immediately after an injury.
Workers’ compensation covers all “reasonable and necessary medical care,” and about 60% of your pre-injury wages. There is no limit or “cap” on medical care, although there is an annual limit on wages, which may need to be recalculated each year. Disability benefits are not capped.
The Florida workers’ compensation statute (Florida Statute 112.1815) contains a legal presumption for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even without a physical injury. Even when a firefighter does not suffer any visible injuries from a fire or collapse, they may still suffer from emotional trauma. Florida allows you to seek compensation for these injuries without needing to prove they were caused by a job-related injury.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult, especially when you are suffering from critical injuries. Although the state gives you up to two years to file, you need the coverage to begin as soon as possible. At Bichler & Longo, our attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and ensure you get all the assistance you need.
Call us today for a case review and discussion of your legal claim.