Public Safety Employees Deserve A Lawyer Who Will Protect Them
First responders/public safety employees have some of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Their lives are at risk every day, and when they are injured at work, we owe it to them to provide the care they need. Unfortunately, getting workers’ compensation benefits can be difficult for them.
Attorney Matthew P. Darby makes Maryland first responders a priority at Darby Law Group, LLC. With over 30 years of experience with these cases, he understands that their jobs have unique challenges. You can rely on him to investigate your injury and to aggressively pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Extensive Experience With Injured Public Safety Employees Makes A Difference
Many workers’ compensation lawyers do not handle first responder cases. However, Matthew P. Darby dedicates a considerable part of his practice to this group of brave men and women, which includes:
- Police officers and other law enforcement agents
- Firefighters
- EMTs and paramedics
- Corrections officers
Due to the hazards they face on the job every day, there are special workers’ comp considerations for Maryland public safety employees. They vary by job but can include:
- Higher compensation rates for injuries
- Designation of high blood pressure and heart disease as occupational diseases
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Lung disease
- Cancer
It takes an experienced attorney to build a strong case for workers’ compensation benefits for public safety employees. Attorney Darby knows what is at stake for you, and he takes a strategic approach to putting together the evidence and medical information the state needs to see to award benefits.
What Dangers Do You Face On The Job?
Depending on your specific job, you may be exposed to dangerous situations on a daily basis, such as:
- Gunshots
- Assault
- Stabbing
- Vehicle accidents
- Exposure to toxins and smoke
- Severe burns
- Falls
- Cumulative trauma injuries
- Constant stress resulting in mental health disorders
With his experience, attorney Darby can demonstrate how a traumatic injury or occupational disease happened and make a case for the type of benefits you need to recover.
In general terms, this may include medical bills, wage replacement of a portion of your salary, job retraining, rehabilitative care and mental health counseling. Your circumstances will dictate which benefits are necessary for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Safety Employee Injury Claims
When you have been injured on the job, it is important to get good information. Here are some of the top questions we hear from our clients:
What workers’ compensation benefits are public safety employees entitled to receive?
Public safety employees – such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correctional officers, and paramedics – are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover injuries, illnesses or disabilities related to their work activities. These benefits include 100% coverage of necessary medical expenses, temporary and permanent wage replacement benefits, and occupational retraining.
If a public safety employee is killed on the job, their surviving dependents may be entitled to lump sum or weekly benefits, funeral and burial expenses for the deceased workers and more. In some cases, injured public safety workers may receive additional compensation for catastrophic injuries and line-of-duty injury pay that covers 100% of their lost wages.
Do public safety employees receive higher rates of compensation after an injury?
Due to the acknowledged hazards of their jobs, public safety employees may be eligible for enhanced workers’ compensation benefits, including higher wage replacement benefits that pay a larger percentage of their average weekly wage than the typical ⅔ provided to other workers and additional compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Can I recover compensation for occupational diseases?
Public safety employees are prone to specific occupational diseases due to both their hazardous work and the psychological stress of their occupations. Maryland workers’ compensation law covers specific conditions such as:
- Hearing loss and tinnitus due to exposure to gunfire, sirens and explosions
- Hypertension and heart disease from chronic stress
- Lung disease related to exposure to chemicals and smoke
- Cancer from exposure to toxic substances
In many cases, “presumption laws” (which are constantly being updated and adapted) make it easier for public safety employees to receive workers’ compensation benefits for certain injuries. This presumption may even apply if the condition develops after the employee’s retirement. In general, these laws shift the burden of proof away from the injured employee to show the connection between their injury and their work activity.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
Don’t wait to contact our firm. Trying to fight for benefits on your own can be a mistake. We are here to guide you through the process and handle the details for you.
Call the Hunt Valley office at 410-220-1108 or fill out our online intake form. Your consultation is free.