New Jersey EMT Injury Attorneys

New Jersey Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), also referred to as Emergency Medical Services (EMS), put their lives at risk every day. In putting their health and safety at risk, it exposes them to a wide range of health and mental health consequences.

According to a recent study, 69 percent of EMS professionals have never had time to recoup between events. EMTs do a job that comes with a high level of risk due to the situations they encounter, such as being injured or killed in the line of duty. They have no idea what they may find when they arrive at a call for assistance, what may happen on the way to the call, or what could happen at the scene of an accident.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we understand the complexities that New Jersey EMTs may face and the serious injuries they can sustain. Our New Jersey EMT Injury Attorneys are here to assist you in filing a personal injury claim and worker’s compensation claim, depending on the circumstances of your particular case. For years, we have supported the Morris County 200 Club, which gives back to the community and supports Morris County First Aid Squad members, Firefighters, and the New Jersey State Police. 

Types of On-The-Job Risks New Jersey EMTs May Face

New Jersey EMTs face numerous hazards on the job. More than 80 percent of first responders experience traumatic events on the job. Some include:

• Car accidents
• Upper body sprain, strains
• Injuries sustained while responding to a call at unsafe premises
• Medical injuries such as heart attacks or strokes
• Dealing with individuals under the influence
• Being attacked responding to a domestic dispute
• Dog / animal attacks
• Transportation incidents
• Exposure to extreme conditions
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Risk of injury from various locations attended, such as an explosion, fire, falling objects, unstable surfaces, and unstable structures
• Working near traffic
• Exposure to violent situations
• Exposure to large crowds
• Working near water
• Fatal electrocution from handling emergency equipment not properly grounded
• Mental health issues from the high levels of stress
• Slips, trips, and falls

Common Injuries New Jersey EMTs Can Sustain

While responding to calls, New Jersey EMTs can be injured in the following ways:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Ligament sprains/tears
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Overexertion injuries
• Amputations
• PTSD
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Tendon strains/tears
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Paralysis
• Burn & Inhalation injuries
• Electrocution injury
• Broken & Fractured bones
• Eye injuries

Are New Jersey EMT Workers Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?

You are entitled to workers’ compensation and may also file a third-party personal injury lawsuit depending on the circumstances of the case. Nationwide, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 16,900 first responders sustained injuries in 2020.

It is a fact that emergency responders, including EMTs, have the same rights as other New Jersey residents to file a personal injury claim for damages and/or injuries caused by the careless conduct of others (third parties), including property owners.

New Jersey EMTs hurt on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through their employer. Additionally, there are several situations where an injured EMT may claim compensation against a third party.  They include:

• EMT/Ambulance/Emergency Vehicle Accidents – EMTs can be involved in crashes involving DUI/DWI drivers, negligent drivers, careless or speeding drivers.
• Defective or Dangerous Products – if a New Jersey EMT is hurt by a dangerous or defective product, such as an aerial ladder platform, or breathing apparatus, they may be able to file a third-party lawsuit.
• Dog Bites – When arriving at a house or apartment, EMT workers often encounter dogs and/or other animals. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs and may be held responsible if an EMT worker is bitten.  
• Negligent Property Owners – If a New Jersey EMT is injured responding to a call, they may file a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a third-party claim if the property owner failed to maintain their premises. This may involve unsafe stairs, no lighting, dilapidated flooring, doors, or hallways.

For example: if a New Jersey EMT was injured while on a call and tripped and fell down a flight of stairs because the stairs were rotted, which consequently could not take the weight of the stretcher and the EMT broke their leg, they can file a workers’ compensation claim. They may also potentially be able to sue the property owner (third-party claim) as well for failure to maintain their premises. In this example, the injured New Jersey EMT worker can file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. This can mean greater benefits available for recovery.

Types of Benefits Available to New Jersey EMT Crew Members

In New Jersey, workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If the claimant is determined to be permanently totally disabled, they continue to receive 70% of their average weekly wage. 
• Medical Expenses – For doctor appointments and other reasonable treatments, such as rehabilitation.
• Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) – Receive 70% of their average weekly wages for days missed from work. 
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Payments for a permanent impairment of bodily function, but the New Jersey EMT can still work. Benefits are granted according to the type and degree of impairment or disability.

Speak with a New Jersey EMT Injury Attorney  

Contact the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to speak with one of our New Jersey EMT Injury lawyers who will ensure your rights are protected. Todd Leonard is a Platinum Sponsor, Member, and Trustee of The 200 Club of Morris County, an organization which supports and honors police officers, first aid squad members, firefighters, the New Jersey State Police, and other first responders and their families. We also support many local Police Benevolent Associations (PBA), and Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) throughout the area.  If you or someone you know has been injured on the job as a New Jersey EMT, call our Headquarters at (973) 920-7900 for a FREE and confidential consultation. We also provide Spanish-bilingual services.

We aggressively represent every client we serve, ensuring they recover the benefits they need to move on with their lives after a serious accident while on the job. Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey.  You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.