New Jersey Firefighter Injury Attorneys

New Jersey firefighters remain on call, ready to respond to life-threatening emergency calls. However, firefighters 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 how the fire may progress or rage out of control and threaten them and others. 

Injuries sustained on the job relate to the pace of the work performed and commonly involve high-stress levels and risky calls. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we deal with New Jersey Firefighter’s injuries frequently. We know the issues you face, and our New Jersey Firefighter Injury Attorneys are here to assist you in filing a personal injury and/or a worker’s compensation claim. 

Every day when they report for their shift, firefighters put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Living with that kind of stress puts them at high risk for a wide range of health issues.  

For years, we have supported The Morris County 200 Club, which gives back to the community and honors Morris County First Aid Squad members, Firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, including the New Jersey State Police. As a community member, we not only take these cases personally but will fight to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

How New Jersey Firefighters Face Risks Every Day

New Jersey firefighters deal with numerous hazards daily. More than 80 percent of first responders experience traumatic events on the job. Some include:

• 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.
• Car/rig accidents.
• Working near water.
• Fatal electrocution from handling emergency equipment not properly grounded.
• Upper body sprain, strains
• Being attacked responding to a domestic dispute.
• Dog / animal attacks.
• Injuries sustained while responding to a call at unsafe premises.
• Medical injuries such as heart attacks or strokes.
• Dealing with individuals under the influence.
• Working near traffic.
• Exposure to large crowds.
• Mental health issues from the high levels of stress.
• Slips, trips, and falls.

Common Injuries New Jersey Firefighters May Sustain

While responding to calls, New Jersey firefighters may sustain the following injuries:

• 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

Can an Injured New Jersey Firefighter Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

An injured Firefighter is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, 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. 

Firefighters 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-party), including property owners. 

Firefighters in New Jersey who are hurt are entitled to other benefits, including workers’ compensation, through their employer. There are several situations where an injured Firefighter may claim compensation against a third-party.

Examples of claims involving a third party may include:

• Fire Truck or Other Fire Emergency Vehicle Accidents – Firefighters can be involved in serious motor vehicle crashes involving careless drivers, speeding drivers, or DUI/DWI drivers. It depends on the circumstances of the case and is best discussed with an experienced attorney. 
• Defective or Dangerous Products – if a New Jersey firefighter 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, firefighters often encounter dogs and/or other animals. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs and may be held responsible if a firefighter is bitten.  
• Negligent Property Owners – If a New Jersey firefighter is injured responding to a call, they may file a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a third-party claim against the property owner for failure to maintain their premises. This may involve unsafe stairs, no lighting, dilapidated flooring, doors, or hallways.

For example, if a New Jersey firefighter is injured while responding to an emergency call and trips and falls down a flight of stairs because the stairs were not maintained, resulting in a broken leg, they can file a workers’ compensation claim. They may also potentially be able to sue the property owner as well for failure to maintain their premises. Since each case is unique, it’s best to contact the personal injury attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to discuss the next best steps. 

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits NJ Firefighters Can Obtain 

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

Speak with a New Jersey Firefighter Injury Attorney 

Contact the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to speak with one of our New Jersey Firefighter 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 firefighter, 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.