Pasadena Firefighter Injury Lawyer

Firefighters have an incredibly important and inherently dangerous job, and every firefighter faces severe risks whenever they respond to an emergency call. If you or a loved one is a firefighter and recently suffered an injury on the job, or if you have developed a serious medical condition from your work, a Pasadena firefighter injury lawyer can help determine your most viable options for recovering the benefits you deserve.

Helping Injured Firefighters in Pasadena, CA

The attorneys at Barry Law Group have years of professional experience handling a wide range of complex workers’ compensation claims in Pasadena, including those filed by emergency responders like firefighters. We know the unique challenges you could face in your efforts to obtain workers’ compensation benefits and how to resolve these issues for you. Your Pasadena firefighter injury lawyer can ensure you receive the full benefits possible for your injury.

While it is technically possible for you to file your claim for workers’ compensation benefits without hiring legal counsel, it would be more challenging than you might expect if you are dealing with a serious injury. Your Pasadena firefighter injury lawyer can handle your legal affairs for you, assisting you in maximizing your recovery as much as possible and helping you determine whether you have any further recovery options beyond workers’ comp.

We take time to listen to each client’s unique story and develop an individualized case strategy on their behalf. We have a solid reputation as a leading choice for legal counsel for workers’ compensation claims in the Pasadena area, and we are ready to put our skills and experience to work for you in your recovery efforts.

It’s always advisable to start the claim filing process as soon as possible, so it’s important to reach out to the legal counsel you need right away. You technically have one year from the date your injury occurred to file your claim, but starting this process as soon as possible after your injury shortens the time it will take for you to receive your benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Firefighters in Pasadena

California law requires almost every employer in the state to have workers’ compensation insurance, and the average employee of a private employer can expect full medical expense coverage after any work-related injury. However, they will only be able to receive about two-thirds of their average weekly pay each week if they are unable to work during recovery. Firefighters have access to more substantial benefits due to the hazardous nature of their work.

Firefighters and other public safety workers are eligible to receive 4850 benefits, which provide a full year of salary after an injury at work, and after this first year, they can transition to receiving total disability benefits. They also have an easier time qualifying for benefits due to the presumptive injury rule for emergency workers. A firefighter will not have as much trouble proving their injury qualifies for benefits as a typical private employee.

Barry Law Group can work closely with you through every stage of your case, from filing the initial claim for benefits to resolving any complications you encounter with the insurance company. Our firm excels at handling complex workers’ compensation claims, and we can also help address any additional avenues of legal recourse that may be available to you after your injury at work.

Pasadena Firefighter Injury FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Injury in Firefighting?

A: The most commonly cited injury among firefighters in Pasadena and throughout the state is burns. Firefighters are exposed to open flames, smoldering structures, and various hot surfaces when they are fighting a fire, and they can easily suffer catastrophic burns even when wearing appropriate safety equipment. Injuries from smoke inhalation, including respiratory complications, are also common.

Q: How Much Can I Receive in Benefits Through Workers’ Comp for Firefighters?

A: Like any other injured worker in Pasadena, an injured firefighter can expect full medical expense coverage for a work-related injury. However, they can receive 4850 benefits instead of standard total disability benefits if they are severely injured. This means they will receive one full year of pay while they recover, after which they will shift to receiving total disability benefits. Your attorney can help ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible.

Q: Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Pay for Pain and Suffering?

A: No, workers’ compensation insurance is not required to compensate a claimant for their pain and suffering. However, if a third party is directly responsible for a claimant’s injury, they may have grounds to pursue a third-party personal injury claim against them. This could enable them to secure compensation for damages that workers’ compensation insurance does not provide, namely their pain and suffering.

Q: Do I Need a Pasadena Firefighter Injury Lawyer to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A: Technically, no, you can file your workers’ compensation claim without hiring an attorney. However, experienced legal counsel on your side can make the claim filing process much easier to manage and more likely to yield the result you hope to see. Your attorney can resolve any problems you encounter with an insurance company, and they can assist you in determining if you have further grounds for legal recourse outside of workers’ compensation insurance.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Pasadena Firefighter Injury Lawyer?

A: It is always vital to verify a potential attorney’s billing policy before you agree to their representation. Barry Law Group uses several billing arrangements to suit our clients’ needs, including contingency fee billing, hourly billing, and a combination of both in certain situations. We can carefully review our billing policy so there are no unwelcome surprises when it comes to the cost of your legal representation.

If you or a family member is struggling with an injury suffered while performing your duties as a firefighter in Pasadena, the attorneys at Barry Law Group are ready to assist you with your recovery efforts. It’s important to file your claim for workers’ compensation benefits as soon as possible after an injury, and the sooner you connect with our team, the more time we have to build your case. Contact Barry Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.