Incidents that lead to first responder injuries

Throughout the Central Valley and Central Coast, first responders face countless hazards on the job, including the following:

• Fires — Every time a fire rushes into a blaze, there is the possibility their life will be altered forever by a burn or the effects of smoke inhalation.
• Physical attacks — Police officers and even other emergency service employees sometimes must deal with angry or disoriented individuals, which might result in an assault or even an attack with a weapon.
• Vehicle accidents — Not every car pulls over when ambulances, fire engines and police cars are racing to the scene. This puts first responders in danger of becoming an accident victim themselves.
• Overexertion — Extraordinary physical exertion is frequently required of those we ask to handle emergencies. Intense heat, carrying injured victims or running to stop a criminal could lead to a heart attack or another serious physical problem.
• Falls and structural collapses — When a first responder is chasing a suspect or rescuing people from a burning building, there is no time to check if the floors or walls are in safe condition.
• Exposure to harmful substances — EMS workers, police officers and fire fighters often come into close contact with others, which could put them in danger of contracting a virus or infection. Toxic substances emitted during a chemical fire or another type of emergency might increase the risk of diseases.

Whatever led you to consider filing a workers’ compensation claim, our firm will battle to get you reimbursement for your healthcare expenses and wages lost due to your inability to work.

Medical conditions associated with public safety work

We represent emergency medical personnel, police officers and fire fighters suffering from job-related medical problems such as: 

• Burns
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Heart attacks
• Cancer
• Pulmonary problems
• Broken and fractured bones
• Muscle, tendon and ligament damage
• Hernias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Even heroes can have a tough time getting the benefits they’ve earned through hard, sometimes dangerous, work. No matter the particular medical condition, we gather the supporting evidence required to present the strongest possible case.

Get a free consultation regarding your California first responder injury claim

The Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, A Professional Corporation represents first responders from the Central Valley and Central Coast who have been injured during the course of their duties. Please call 559-486-4070 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation at our Fresno or Grover Beach location.

Making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim is a felony subject to up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.