Injuries in the line of work are not just limited to those who work in hazardous environments. They can happen to anyone, at any time. A recent accident in Belle, Missouri is evidence of that. On January 29th, while responding to an injury accident, an ambulance slid off the roadway when it hit icy conditions. The crash, which occurred on Highway 28 near Highway EE, left two ambulance workers hospitalized after the ambulance flipped on its side. For even the most reliable, capable individuals, accidents like this can happen without warning, resulting in injuries that can be significant.

While professions such as construction and trucking often pose higher risks of accidents and injury, the fact is first responders such as ambulance workers, and fire and police personnel are also extremely likely to be injured in the line of duty. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fatality rate as a result of vehicular accidents for emergency responders is 4.8 times higher than the national average. A NHTSA study also found that on average, there are 1,500 ambulance accidents each year in the U.S., resulting in 2,600 injuries. When this happens, it is important that injured workers understand their rights to compensation.

First Responder Injured on the Job and Want to Know Your Rights?

This accident serves as a reminder that any job can pose risk to an employee’s safety and well-being. Especially for emergency responders, who are often required to perform in dangerous situations, workers’ compensation for on-the-job injuries is important not only for those workers but for their families as well. The very nature of their work is such that accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death, can be a very real possibility. This can have a devastating impact on workers and their families, causing emotional distress and financial difficulties for years.

For workers who are injured in the line of duty, workers’ compensation laws provide a safety net when it comes to covering medical expenses and other related costs. Workers’ compensation is available for workers regardless of their occupation or job type. As such, first responders are covered under Missouri’s workers’ compensation law too. However, filing workers’ compensation claims can be a complex and challenging process, with workers often facing rejections or delayed payments. If you are a first responder who has been injured on the job, workers’ compensation is something that should be explored as a means of recovering costs associated with medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages.

An experienced Columbia workers’ compensation attorney can help workers navigate the workers’ compensation process. A lawyer can provide workers with the legal guidance and advice needed to ensure that they receive all of the benefits they are entitled to, while also helping workers fight for their rights if they face any denials or delays in receiving payments from insurance companies or employers. In addition, they will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the accident, interview witnesses, review medical and police reports, and represent your interests in court, if necessary.

Contact Us if You Are Injured on the Job

If you are an injured first responder and need assistance with a workers’ compensation injury case, the Columbia Law Office of Chris Miller can help. We specialize in workers’ compensation cases and understand the complexities that are involved when it comes to obtaining settlements for injured emergency responders. Whether you are a firefighter, police officer, or ambulance worker who has been injured on the job, we can help. If you’ve been injured in the line of duty, contact us today for a free consultation.