Denver Firefighter Injury Attorney

Firefighters are often on the front line, endangering their lives, health, and well-being to protect us. So when firefighters are injured on the job, they face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

That’s where a skilled Denver workers’ compensation lawyer can help. At Eley Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing firefighters in workers’ compensation cases.

Whether you or a loved one have suffered burns, smoke inhalation, or any other type of injury, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Request your free case review and consultation today.

Active Duty Firefighter Injuries

42% of firefighter injuries happen at active fire sites, and 21% occur at non-fire emergencies, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

The most common causes of injury for firefighters are:

• Exposure to Fire Products
• Overexertion
• Falls
• Contact With An Object
• Being Struck With a Falling Object

Often times, firefighters are also emergency medical providers as well, and our dedicated EMT injury attorneys can help.

Understanding The Severity Of Burn Injuries Firefighters Can Experience

As human skin is the largest organ of the body, it has many layers. These layers protect the body and internal organs from damage. Burns are graded on a first to fourth-degree scale, with first-degree burns being the least severe and fourth-degree being the most.

First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the skin, while second-degree burns affect the outer and inner layers and may need medical attention. Third-degree burns are the most severe, and fourth-degree burns extend beyond skin and tissue and can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and bones.

A more severe burn will more likely cause a firefighter to draw more benefits due to needing intense medical treatment and even, potentially, life-long assistance and support.

Denver Firefighter Workplace Injury Benefits

In Denver, Local 858 of IAFF, AFL-CIO manages the collective bargaining between firefighters and the city and county of Denver. The resulting collective bargaining agreement sets the terms and conditions of employment, including wages and benefits for the Denver firefighters.

Death Benefits For Denver Active Duty Firefighter Fatalities

According to the collective bargaining agreement, if a Denver firefighter perishes in the line of duty or from injuries sustained from work:

1. The City of Denver will cover a funeral up to $20,000. Denver will make the payment to the deceased’s estate.
2. Firefighters killed in the line of duty can have their health insurance benefits transferred to a surviving spouse or a surviving child until certain conditions are met.

Firefighter Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The collective bargaining agreement states that the city of Denver manages workplace injury and illness and the workers’ compensation programs using the city’s municipal code, with some exceptions.

One specific exception is if a firefighter with more than five years of experience has cancer of the brain, skin, digestive, hematological, or genitourinary systems. Article 8-41-209 of the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act states that those illnesses are to be covered at full salary for as long as necessary.

Eley Law Firm Fights For Denver Firefighters

If you are a firefighter who has suffered an injury while on the job, you deserve to be fairly compensated for the damages you have experienced. Filing for workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated and overwhelming, which is why having an experienced Denver workplace injury attorney on your side is crucial.

Get in touch to book your free, no-obligation firefighter injury case review and consultation today.