Calabasas Firefighter Injury Lawyer

California is notorious for its annual wildfires. News stations scramble to get coverage of the heroic firefighters who risk their lives to stop them. The job is full of risk, and the brave firefighters of California know that and do the job anyway. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect and care for those who keep our state safe from fires year-round. If you are a firefighter who has been injured on the job, hire a Calabasas firefighter injury lawyer to get your settlement.

Hire a Firefighter Injury Lawyer

At Barry Law Group, our firefighter injury attorneys know the unique protections available to injured California firefighters and are ready to assist you through the entire case. From filing your initial claim to appealing a claim denial to negotiating a settlement that suits your specific injury and recovery needs, Barry Law Group is here to help.

Firefighter Injuries in California

Firefighting is a high-risk career anywhere, but in the state of California, it can be especially risky to one’s short-term and long-term health. Firefighters face several hazardous conditions that can require workers’ compensation and other financial support, including:

• Strains and sprains of the back, neck, knees, and wrists make up over half of firefighter-related injuries at 55.3%, according to the National Library of Medicine.
• Minor or severe burns
• Falls or slips
• Smoke inhalation and other respiratory issues
• Heatstroke
• Wounds and cuts from debris and broken glass
• Electrocution from loose wiring
• Trauma to the body resulting in great bodily injury (GBI)
• Behavioral or mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression

While the severity resulting from any of the above can vary from minor to severe, many of these dangers of the job could also result in wrongful death. If you or a firefighter you know has been injured or lost their life on the job, the experienced firefighter injury lawyers in Calabasas, California at Barry Law Group will assist in getting a fair settlement and all benefits offered by law to the injured and their families.

Cases involving workers’ compensation or injuries while on the job are handled through the Department of Industrial Relations. The nearest office is in Los Angeles at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Laws That Protect Injured Calabasas Firefighters

Like all California employees, firefighters are protected under the California Labor Code. Within these laws, there are protections carved out for the significantly higher risk firefighters and other public servants face, including medical presumptions. Presumptions for firefighters assume a list of common illnesses are related to the line of work and thus expedite certain benefits to firefighters with those diagnoses without having to first go through extensive workers’ compensation litigation.

The common illnesses considered under medical presumptions for firefighters include: 

• Certain types of cancer
• Post traumatic stress
• Biochemical exposure
• Certain types of heart, hernia, or pneumonia complications
• Tuberculosis
• Certain blood diseases
• Meningitis

While these and other medical conditions are protected under various labor laws and presumptions, it is always vital to be upfront with your firefighter injury attorney about the nature of your injury and all evidence.

Sometimes, injury claims might be denied for several reasons that could be remedied with an appeal. Save time and file your initial claim with a dedicated Calabasas firefighter injury attorney. At Barry Law Group, your injury lawyer will use the proper language and file the forms correctly to avoid undue stress on you and your recovery.

FAQs

What Happens if You Get Injured as a Firefighter?

In California, if you are injured as a firefighter, you are supported by several legal protections. Injured California firefighters get workers’ compensation benefits that include fully covered medical care, up to one year of tax-free salary, and presumptive coverage, rehabilitation, and death benefits in extreme cases of illness and injury. Volunteer firefighters benefit from these protections as well, considering them California employees due to the risks involved with the job, whether as a volunteer or full-time.

What Is the Average Bodily Injury Settlement in California?

A settlement for bodily injury in California can vary widely depending on the nature of the injury sustained and under what circumstances it was obtained. Bodily injuries can be categorized into four categories, which are minor, moderate, severe, and wrongful death. The category your injury falls into will determine the potential settlement you could seek. Your attorney will review the details of your case and help determine an appropriate amount to seek.

What Is Considered a Great Bodily Injury in California?

In California, great bodily injury (GBI) is considered any substantial physical injury. Common examples of great bodily injury are broken bones, trauma to the head like a concussion, gunshot wounds, wounds that require stitches, organ damage, or loss of motor functions. Mental and emotional damages are not included in this group. While it need not be permanent, injuries must be physical and severe to be considered great bodily injury. Great bodily injury is determined on a case-by-case basis.

What Is the Most Common Injury for Firefighters?

Some of the most common causes of injury for firefighters are muscular, such as sprains and pulls in the back, shoulders, and knees. While firefighters might not face fires every day on the job, heavy lifting, training, and working in and around the firehouse come with their own risks. Other common injuries include cardiovascular and lung issues from inhaling smoke, heat exhaustion, and mild to severe burns. Due to the severity of annual fires in California, these are quite common.

Calabasas Firefighter Injury Lawyer

At Barry Law Group, the skilled and experienced firefighter injury attorneys understand the risks you face every day to keep your fellow Californian residents protected. Let us honor you by representing your case and getting you the settlement and help you need on your road to recovery. Contact your Calabasas firefighter injury lawyer today. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you.