First responders put their lives on the line every day, and when you’re hurt on duty, you deserve full benefits. Our North Carolina first responders attorneys know the special workers’ compensation rules for police, firefighters, and EMTs—and we make sure you get what you’re owed.
First responders to an injury or crime scene often face safety hazards and risk emotional trauma not faced by workers in other fields. There are numerous court cases detailing the circumstances when a first responder may be entitled to additional medical or psychological treatment or benefits as a result of unique trauma experienced on the job.
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As a rule, workers’ compensation covers only employees. But North Carolina law makes an exception for certain first responders:
Hospitals
Law Enforcement
(Handles crash reports and police records)
(Request accident reports and body cam footage)
Legal Resources
510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701
(Civil, personal injury cases filed in Durham County)
832 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(Handles superior and district court civil cases)
430 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27603
(Administers and hears workers’ compensation claims statewide)
These volunteer first responders may collect benefits when they are injured or killed performing their duties. Their benefits are calculated as a percentage of the pay they were receiving from their primary employment at the time of injury, subject to an upper limit of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the maximum weekly benefit allowed under workers’ compensation.
One issue facing first responders in North Carolina is funding. Because of budget cuts, the fund established specifically to pay volunteer claims has been financially unstable.
Areas Served
Another difficult issue for first responders in North Carolina is whether they can be compensated for illnesses – respiratory disease, coronary conditions, certain cancers – associated with prolonged exposure to smoke and hazardous materials. Because workers’ compensation does not cover “ordinary diseases of life to which the general public is equally exposed,” claims for these illnesses are frequently denied.
Schedule your FREE Consultation Now
If you are a first responder with a work-associated injury or illness, you likely need legal help. Our experienced first responder workers compensation lawyers can advise you of your rights. Contact us for a workers compensation claim consultation.
We represent clients statewide, with offices in Durham and Charlotte. Whether you’ve been injured at work or hurt in a crash, we’ll meet you where you are.
