Common Injuries Covered by the Firefighter’s and Police Officer’s Rule Exception
Firefighters and police officers do vital but risky work. The risks of these jobs are very well known. Because of this, police officers and firefighters were barred from filing lawsuits for injuries suffered in the line of duty. Thankfully, over the years, the law evolved. Today, exceptions allow law enforcement officers and firefighters to pursue compensation for certain injuries sustained in the line of duty. Understanding what injuries these exceptions cover is vital for protecting your legal rights as a first responder.
How the Exceptions Work
Long ago, New York law barred first responders from filing lawsuits and seeking compensation for injuries sustained in the line of duty. The reasoning behind this outdated rule was that the public should not be held liable for injuries sustained by professionals who willingly took on the risks associated with their work.
Thankfully, things changed. Today, exceptions exist that allow police officers and firefighters to bring personal injury lawsuits if a third party’s negligent conduct goes beyond the typical risks of the job. This means that some injuries may be compensable in a personal injury lawsuit, even if sustained in the line of duty.
Common Injuries Covered by the Firefighter’s and Police Officer’s Rule Exception
Police officers and firefighters can file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party after sustaining several types of injuries, including the following;
- Fall and Crush Injuries
Responders face several risks when on other people’s property, including collapsing roofs, broken staircases, or poorly maintained floors that can cause injuries. When such hazards arise from the property owner’s negligence or a breach of building codes and cause harm to a police officer or firefighter, they may be eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
- Smoke Inhalation
Smoke exposure is an expected occupational hazard of firefighting. However, if smoke inhalation occurs due to the negligence of another party, a firefighter may file a personal injury lawsuit. For instance, injuries resulting from the unlawful storage of dangerous materials or failure to adhere to fire codes may be covered under the firefighter’s rule exception.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving police officers and firefighters are common in New York. If a negligent motorist causes a collision with a firetruck or patrol car, the injured first responder may file a personal injury claim and seek compensation.
- Exposure To Hazardous Substances
Firefighters and police officers sometimes come across hazardous substances like asbestos and flammable materials due to a property owner’s code violations or carelessness. If you sustain chemical burns, lung damage, or another injury or illness because of a third party’s negligence, your injury may be covered by the firefighter’s and police officer’s rule exception.
- Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can be caused by flames, faulty wiring, improperly stored chemicals, and unsafe equipment. If you sustain burn injuries due to the negligence of another party, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Injuries From Electrical Code Violations
When a building owner does not comply with electrical safety standards, they put first responders at risk of injuries, such as shock injuries and burns. Such owners may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you are a firefighter or police officer injured on duty, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our experienced Long Island first responder lawyers at Jacobson Law can evaluate your case, determine if an exception applies, and help you pursue your deserved compensation.