For over 30 years, Eason & Tambornini has helped injured firefighters and their families through the hardship of fighting for permanent and long-term workers’ compensation benefits. The system is both challenging and slow-moving.
Our team understands presumptive benefits for California’s firefighters, and it’s our job to fight to ensure you and your family receive every penny you are entitled to under the law.
The financial pressure on families of injured firefighters. Our firm supports first responders, including firefighters, and stands up for their rights and financial well-being. You’ve done your job and the workers’ compensation benefits system should fulfill its promises to those who put their lives on the line for the public.
Workers’ Compensation for Firefighters in Sacramento
No Upfront Fees and Free Consultations
Money worries can pile up fast when you’re hurt. Our contingency fee structure means no upfront fees. Additionally, we don’t get paid unless you win. Our free consultation is where you and your spouse can ask questions, explain the situation to us, and not worry about a bill. We provide expert legal help, no matter a family’s financial situation.
Presumptive Benefits for Firefighters in California
In California, firefighters are entitled to presumptive benefits, which means the law automatically presumes specific injuries result from a firefighter’s job. These benefits make a significant difference if you are the main or only source of income for your household.
In simple terms, presumptive benefits make getting workers’ compensation benefits easier because they place the burden of proof on the insurer or employer, not you, the injured firefighters. This can be an enormous relief if you are already dealing with an injury and required medical care.
Presumptive benefits cover many diseases and conditions. Some of the California Labor Code sections pertaining to presumptive benefits include:
- Labor Code Section 3212: heart trouble, hernias, pneumonia, and other conditions
- Labor Code Section 3213.2: the duty-belt presumption for lower back injuries in firefighters
- Labor Code Section 3212.15: PTSD presumptions for firefighters
Other presumptions that affect firefighters in the Sacramento area include infectious diseases such as MRSA and tuberculosis, meningitis, biochemical exposures, and more.
California Firefighters: Injury Data
Firefighters do not have it easy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. when it comes to physical injury. Here are just a few statistics:
- In 2018, firefighters sustained 2,300 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, resulting in at least one day away from work.
- Firefighters are almost four times more likely to suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than other industries, often leading to long-term disabilities.
- Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to increased cancer risk.
Importance of Legal Representation
Legal representation, especially if you have been denied workers’ compensation or you’re getting pushback on what you believe qualifies as a presumptive condition, you need help. Hiring an experienced attorney who has represented other firefighters to secure presumptive benefits can significantly improve your chances of receiving everything you and your family are entitled to.
Protecting Families of Injured Firefighters
If you’re the spouse or family member of a firefighter who’s been hurt, you need a legal team that not only knows the law but also understands what families of fire personnel go through. When a firefighter gets injured, everyone at home feels it. Getting these presumptive benefits can be a lifeline when bills start piling up.
Pursuing Successful Outcomes for Firefighters
Securing the benefits you deserve and are entitled to isn’t just about filling out forms; it means meeting filing deadlines, overcoming red tape, and dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys will fight for maximum compensation for you and do everything we can to keep the process flowing. We’ve handled countless workers’ compensation cases for firefighters and know what it takes to win.
Aggressive Workers’ Compensation Attorneys with No Upfront Fees
If you’re a firefighter who has been denied proper workers’ compensation benefits, or you’re the spouse of a firefighter coping with job-related injuries, the process can move along at a frustratingly slow pace without proper assistance. The sooner you secure legal help, the smoother your claim can proceed.
We invite you to call us today at (916) 438-1819 to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. You can ask questions and receive straightforward answers. If you decide not to proceed with our services, there is still no fee. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are right here, ready to help you navigate this complex system and ensure your compensation is the maximum allowed by law, including all presumptive benefits that the system entitles you to.