Sarasota First Responder Lawyer
First responders, such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders, are often on the frontlines of catastrophes and tragedies. As such, by the very nature of their job, first responders put themselves at great risk of injury, harm, and even death every day that they go into work. At the law office of Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian, we value our first responders, and want you to know that we’re here for you. If you have been injured on the job as a first responder, our Sarasota first responder lawyers can help. Please reach out to us immediately for your consultation.
Workers’ Compensation and First Responders
First responders, like other workers in our state, are covered under workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits offer compensation to workers who are injured as a result of their workplace activities. In addition to coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, Florida law gives first responders additional protections.
Additional Workers’ Compensation Protections for First Responders
First responders who are injured while at work/in the line of duty may be able to recover additional benefits under workers’ compensation insurance. To be sure, Florida law provides enhanced coverage to first responders who suffer tuberculosis, hypertension, or heart disease that results in disability or death. Under Florida Statutes Section 112.18, there will be an automatic presumption that the condition is “accidental and…suffered in the line of duty unless the contrary be shown by competent evidence.” This means that there is a lower burden on proof to connect a disability with a work-related incident for first responders suffering from certain conditions.
In addition, first responders in Florida may also be eligible for compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the state, if a first responder is diagnosed with PTSD, they can seek medical benefits and indemnity benefits.
How Our First Responder Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You
If you are a first responder who has suffered an injury on the job, has developed an occupational illness, or has developed PTSD and your condition is directly related to your job duties, you deserve compensation–including access to enhanced benefits–under the workers’ compensation system. Our lawyers can help you by guiding you through the claims process, gathering evidence to support your claim, negotiating your settlement, representing you in all interactions with the insurance adjuster/your employer, and managing the appeal of your claim should your claim be denied. We are passionate about making sure first responders get the support they need – we appreciate you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
To get the help that you need today, please call our Sarasota first responders attorneys at the law office of Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian for assistance with your workers’ compensation claim. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, and we always offer free consultations. You can reach us today by phone, online, or by visiting our law office in person. We encourage you to call us as soon as possible after learning of your injuries for best results.
