Denver EMT Injury Attorney
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are a key part of America’s healthcare system. They are some of the first responders to an emergency scenario, providing life-saving care to tragic injuries while compassionately supporting suffering families.
But even though EMTs are tasked with caring for individuals who are hurt, sometimes they’re the ones who need care as a result of their job duties.
So if you or a loved one are a Denver EMT injured due to a workplace circumstance, the Eley Law Firm is here in your time of need. Request your free EMT injury case review today.
Common Injuries Denver EMTs Receive On The Job
In 2020, emergency medical services (EMS) workers received 16,900 injuries. The most common physical injury resulting from an EMT’s job duties include sprains, strains, contusions, and abrasions, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Most commonly, these injuries were received while transporting patients and giving care.
Some EMTs are also firefighters, so contacting our Denver Firefighter injury lawyers is critical after an accident to ensure you get the maximum settlement.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Denver EMTs
The types of benefits EMT injury victims are entitled to largely depend on what organization is employing them and what type of EMT they are.
- Firefighter EMTs: The city and county of Denver is the employer of firefighter EMTs. Local 858 of IAFF, AFL-CIO is responsible for negotiating benefits like workers’ compensation for Denver firefighter EMTs as specified in the collective bargaining agreement.
- Paramedic/EMS EMTs: The Denver Health Paramedic Division is the employer of EMS EMTs. An EMT employed by Denver Health utilizes the schedule of benefits specified by their employee manuals.
While some standard benefits are offered to all EMTs, as dictated by Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Act, there are differences in the additional benefits offered to each group.
A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer, like those at Eley Law Firm, would be able to skillfully analyze exactly what is owed to you or your loved one resulting from your EMT workplace injury.
Psychological Injury Benefits For Denver EMTs
Throughout employment, Denver EMTs witness some of the most brutal accidents and tragic situations. They are constantly exposed to traumatic experiences, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health. Without proper support and care, an EMT may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In 2020, the Colorado General Assembly enacted Workers’ Compensation for Audible Psychological Trauma Act, SB20-026. This allows employees to seek workers’ compensation benefits after experiencing or witnessing a psychologically traumatic event. This amounts to exposure to or witnessing serious bodily injury or death.
Additionally, as of 2018, there was already a set of specific circumstances for mental claims unrelated to witnessing psychological trauma. There is a clause for employees being able to claim mental event that is “outside of a worker’s usual experience.”
Eley Law Firm Cares About Denver EMTs: Get Your Injury Consultation Today
Workers’ compensation and workplace injury cases can be complex, especially for Denver EMTs and their families dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event. It can be challenging to navigate the legal system and fight for the benefits and compensation owed to them.
Whether you’re dealing with a physical injury or a psychological one, we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free workplace injury consultation and take the first step toward healing and moving forward.