Calabasas Firefighter Injuries  

Protecting the Legal Rights of Those Who Protect Their Community in Bakersfield, San Bernardino, Stockton, & Modesto

Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect society. They don't back down from danger, from burning buildings to traffic accidents and other emergencies. Despite laws that guarantee their workers' compensation coverage when they get injured on the job, employers or insurance providers can still try to deny or reduce their benefits. Thankfully, expert workers' compensation attorneys like Gaines & Gaines have the power to help firefighters fight for their rights, so they can focus on healing and returning to the selfless work that keeps us all safe. Due to the dangerous nature of their work, firefighters are at high risk of sustaining injuries while on the job. These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to serious life-threatening burns, fractures, or traumatic head injuries. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and smoke inhalation are common daily injuries firefighters face. 

Firefighters should seek medical assistance and contact their workers’ compensation representative if they’ve incurred any of the following workplace injuries, including, but not limited to:  

• Sprains and Strains: The most common types of workplace injuries that firefighters experience are strains and sprains. Sprains and strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched beyond its normal range of motion. These injuries can be caused by overexertion or lifting heavy objects such as hoses or ladders. 
• Cuts and Lacerations: Cuts and lacerations are usually sustained when a firefighter uses heavy tools and machinery to access a burning structure or other hazardous environments. 
• Burns: Given the nature of their job, firefighters are very susceptible to burns of every severity level. During fires, firefighters may be exposed to hot smoke and flames which can cause serious burns on their skin and clothing. The intensity of these burns depends on the type of fire they’re exposed to and how long they’re exposed. Burns may affect the outer layers of skin (causing redness and blisters) and deeper tissues (causing permanent scarring). 
• Fractures: When entering unstable structures quickly, firefighters are exposed to a heightened risk of fractures. From an unstable structure that could collapse suddenly or falls from climbing to reach victims, fractures can range from small stress fractures to much more serious compound fractures involving broken bones piercing through skin and tissue. This kind of injury requires immediate medical attention to heal without future complications properly. 
• Head Trauma:  is perhaps one of the most severe types of workplace injury for firefighters due to its high potential for long-term damage. Head trauma can occur due to direct impact with an object (for example, hitting your head against something during an evacuation) or exposure to extreme temperatures (such as heatstroke). Exposure to toxic chemicals during structural fires can also increase the risk of head trauma, such as brain damage or concussion-like symptoms. 

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim 

The California Workers' Compensation system offers medical care, wage replacement, and permanent disability benefits to firefighters injured on the job. California firefighters are entitled to file a claim with the workers' compensation program for any injuries they sustain while performing their duties. To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, firefighters must apply and complete all the required paperwork. The board will review the firefighter’s application and determine if the injury is work-related.   

If you’ve tried applying for workers’ compensation through your local workers’ compensation board but you’ve not made any traction on your case, the experienced Calabasas firefighter injury attorneys at Gaines & Gaines specialize in workers’ compensation law and can help you make progress on your case. Understanding your rights when it comes to filing a workers' compensation claim in case of an on-the-job injury is imperative to ensuring your case moves forward. With proper knowledge and preparation, our attorneys can help ensure you receive all the benefits available to you under California's Workers' Compensation laws. You shouldn’t have to recover from your injuries without the assistance you’ve earned.  

Why Gaines & Gaines? 

At Gaines & Gaines, we understand the importance of protecting firefighters when fighting for compensation after experiencing a workplace injury. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to provide successful legal representation for those injured in the line of duty. We are dedicated to helping firefighters receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to their injuries. As workers’ compensation law experts, we can build a strong case on your behalf. We will review every detail of your injury and ensure you are fully informed about all aspects of the claims process. We will also provide support throughout the process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met. We have over 50 years of experience helping clients just like you. Don't wait another moment – contact Gaines & Gaines today at (866) 400-4450 to schedule a consultation and let us fight for justice on your behalf!