Charlotte Police Officer and Firefighter Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Protecting injured first responders throughout North Carolina
Police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line every single day to protect the public. In many instances, these brave individuals sustain injuries that are the result of their dangerous jobs. Law enforcement is constantly in the presence of life-threatening situations, so serious and fatal injury is a regular part of their line of work. Firefighters serve our nation with courage every day, and we are honored to represent firefighters who have been injured on the job.
Since 1979, Price, Petho & Associates has helped hundreds of clients obtain favorable settlements and outcomes when they are injured in the line of duty. Whatever your situation, our Charlotte workers compensation attorneys will provide informative, attentive, and personal legal assistance every step of the way. Our Charlotte attorneys will make sure that you obtain the proper coverage when injured as a firefighter or police officer.
What would you like to know?
- What types of injuries do police experience on the job?
- What types of injuries do firefighters experience on the job?
- Am I entitled to workers’ compensation as a Charlotte first responder?
- Does workers’ compensation cover PTSD for North Carolina first responders?
- How can your Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys help?
- Is there a police officer and firefighter injury attorney near me?
What types of injuries do police officers experience on the job?
First responders like police face a variety of risks inherent to the job. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the United States has about 687,100 police and sheriff officers working today. Among those:
- 108 were fatally injured on the job
- Fatal injuries occurred at a rate of 13.7 per 100,000 workers, as compared to all other occupations, which is 3.5
- The non-fatal injury and illness rate was 371 per 10,000 workers, as compared to 98.4 for all other occupations
The BLS also reports the most common events and exposure causing police officer injuries. These include:
- Violence and homicide
- Transportation incidents and car accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Gunshot wounds
- Multiple traumatic injuries
- Sprains, strains, and muscle tears
- Various cancers
Law enforcement officials may also suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, certain police officers who lose the ability to work due to an injury or occupational illness sustained while performing work duties are eligible for salary continuation for up to two years, according to the Criminal Justice Training and Standards Act. Although injuries suffered while on active duty are covered, so are injuries sustained while training, performing office duties, maintaining equipment, or fall ill because of working conditions or exposure to illness.
What types of injuries do firefighters experience on the job?
Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day. The nature of their work is dangerous. Moving heavy loads of equipment, operating complex machines, being in close proximity to flames and smoke, and clearing rubble from fires can all cause serious injuries. The U.S. Fire Administration’s 2019 Annual Report of Firefighter Fatalities offers some insight (note that these numbers include both volunteer and career firefighters):
- 62 firefighters lost their lives on the job
- 37 died responding to an emergency
- 33 died from heart attacks
- 5 died during training exercises and activities
The most common firefighter injuries include:
- Stress and overexertion
- Stroke
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Caught or trapped injuries
- Building collapse
- Falls from heights
- Struck by objects
- Various cancers
Firefighters also face a host of other hazards that could result in injuries like severe burns, smoke inhalation, toxic chemical exposure, spinal cord injuries, and broken or fractured bones. They also come into contact with flames, broken glass, shards of wood and metal, and other debris while fighting fires. Third and fourth-degree burns can cause disfigurement, permanent nerve damage, impaired mobility, emotional distress, scarring, and other long-term symptoms. Cancer and lung diseases from inhaling toxic fumes could also lead to permanent symptoms.
Workers’ compensation benefits can provide financial relief for police and firefighters injured on the job.
Google Reviews
"My experience with Price, Petho & Anderson was fantastic. Mr. Anderson was responsive to my needs throughout the entire process. He worked on my workers' compensation case. He did an excellent job representing my needs with my former employer. Additionally, he was instrumental in getting me a generous settlement from the commercial trucking company responsible for the automobile wreck."
- Elaine Carter
HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
Thank You to Margret Ford And Price Petho and associates for all your hard work and dedication. They made the process so easy with No hassels or worries. Thank you again for such prompt service!!
- Carolyn Black
Am I entitled to workers’ compensation as a Charlotte first responder?
Yes. North Carolina requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Workers’ compensation is a program designed to help cover expenses incurred by workers when they suffer injury or illness on the job. You can collect these benefits regardless of who caused your accident or illness, and in return you agree not to sue your employer over your injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Medical expenses for your injury or illness, which includes doctor and hospital visits, follow-up treatments, and prescription medications.
- Disability benefits, for lost wages due to your injury. These are based on your average weekly wage, and can be temporary or permanent, and partial or total, depending on the extent of your injuries.
Families of police officers and firefighters who lose their lives on the job are also entitled to death benefits. The Charlotte attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates can explain all workers’ compensation benefits in more detail, and how they might apply to your specific claim.
Does workers’ compensation cover PTSD for North Carolina first responders?
Although workers’ compensation allows any worker to seek benefits for mental illness and injuries resulting from his or her employment, state legislators made an effort in 2021 to pass H.B. 492, which would make post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a compensable occupational disease for first responders. The bill would remove the burden of proof for first responders to show evidence of the causation between their job and their PTSD. It would also require employers to provide better mental health awareness education and resources to their employees. As of this writing, H.B. 492 has passed in the House of Representatives but stalled there.
How can your Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys help?
Why choose Price, Petho & Associates to help with your workers’ compensation claim?
- We have tried hundreds of cases in front of juries
- We offer free consultations around the clock for your convenience
- There is no fee unless we win your case
- We have secured more than $250 million for our clients
Our legal team has more than a century of collective experience. If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, we work diligently to gather evidence and build your case. Depending on the situation, you may be able to receive benefits for all medical bills, lost wages, disability, and other injury-related expenses.
Is there a police officer and firefighter injury attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates has offices at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte, NC. We also have offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, let us know and we can make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys protecting and serving first responders
At Price, Petho & Associates, we are honored to represent injured firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders throughout the state. We work quickly to build your case, gather evidence, and help you file the necessary documents as you pursue the workers’ compensation to which you’re entitled. From beginning to end, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys will keep you informed, communicate honestly with you, and tenaciously uphold your right to a settlement. To schedule your consultation, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our team. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
"My experience with Price, Petho & Anderson was fantastic. Mr. Anderson was responsive to my needs throughout the entire process. He worked on my workers' compensation case. He did an excellent job representing my needs with my former employer. Additionally, he was instrumental in getting me a generous settlement from the commercial trucking company responsible for the automobile wreck."
- Elaine Carter
HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
Thank You to Margret Ford And Price Petho and associates for all your hard work and dedication. They made the process so easy with No hassels or worries. Thank you again for such prompt service!!
- Carolyn Black