Paramedics/EMTs Injured at Work

In an emergency, seconds count — and that is where the men and women who serve as paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMT) make a difference. As first responders, paramedics and EMT rush to the scene of accidents and other catastrophes, rendering medical aid until they can transport an injured person to a hospital. They provide a vital service to communities throughout Long Island.

Yet working as a paramedic or an EMT is not without its risks. According to a Long Island workplace injury lawyer, it isn’t unusual for these hardworking men and women to suffer sprains and strains from lifting patients, to be assaulted by patients, or to be in accidents. Fortunately, there are two methods by which paramedics and EMTs can recover for their injuries under New York law.

Workers’ Compensation for Workplace Injuries

In New York, injured employees are generally limited to workers’ compensation benefits for injuries or illnesses that they developed or received in the line of duty. This includes paramedics and EMTs. If they are injured at work, they may be limited to workers’ compensation benefits, even if their employer (such as a city or town) negligently caused their injury.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that offers no-fault coverage for injuries and illnesses. Workers who are covered under this system may be entitled to cash benefits, medical benefits, and certain other benefits, depending on the facts of the case. A skilled Long Island workplace injury lawyer can work with you to determine whether you can file a workers’ compensation case against your employer if you are a paramedic or an EMT in New York.

However, there are situations where a New York paramedic or EMT can file a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for his or her injury. If the responsible party is someone other than his or her employer, then it may be possible to bring a lawsuit. Because there are strict deadlines involved with filing both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, consult with a Long Island workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible after suffering an on-the-job injury to protect your right to compensation.

Filing a Lawsuit Against a Third Party

Paramedics and EMTs spend a lot of time on the road, and working with members of the public. This puts them at risk of injury by third parties. In these cases, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.

A common situation occurs when a paramedic or an EMT is involved in a car accident with another driver. If the other driver was at fault, the paramedic or EMT could file a lawsuit against that driver.

In addition, paramedics and EMTs are often in dangerous situations where they could get hurt. For example, if a paramedic responds to a 911 call at a house with rickety, unsafe stairs, and falls down the stairs as a result of their condition, a skilled Long Island workplace injury lawyer could file a lawsuit against the homeowner.

There are other times when an EMT may be injured by doing his or her job. In responding to a car accident, an EMT may be required to perform first aid through the broken window of a car, and suffer a cut to his or her arm as a result. Alternatively, a paramedic may be assaulted by an emotionally disturbed patient, or slip and fall going into a building with poor lighting.

In any of these situations, the negligence or intentional act of a third party may cause a paramedic or an EMT an injury, or even lead to his or her death. The injured worker, or his or her surviving family members, has a right to bring a lawsuit seeking compensation for his or her damages in such a situation. The lawsuit could recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses suffered as a result of the injury.

Work with a Long Island Workplace Injury Lawyer

Paramedics and EMTs often find themselves in dangerous situations while responding to emergencies. At Siler & Ingber, we believe that if paramedics and EMTs are hurt while on the job, they deserve fair compensation for their injuries, whether it is through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit.

Our team of skilled legal professionals is experienced in helping individuals recover for their workplace injuries. We believe that everyone who is hurt at work deserves to be compensated for their losses. We are fierce advocates for our clients, and are dedicated to helping you get the money that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Long Island workplace injury lawyer, contact us today at 1-516-294-2666, or online.