What To Do After a First Responder Injury Caused by Negligence
Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs face many risks while doing their jobs. While being a first responder comes with many known risks, there are instances when someone else’s negligence, such as a reckless driver, a careless property owner, or a contractor ignoring safety regulations, results in an injury that could have been prevented. In New York, the Firefighter’s Rule exception allows first responders to file personal injury claims in such situations.
If you are a first responder who got hurt due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial that you understand the steps to take after suffering an injury due to another party’s negligence. That way, you can protect your health and right to compensation. Below, we discuss the key steps for first responders to take after suffering an injury due to another person’s negligence.
1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Your health should be your priority after suffering an injury due to another person’s negligence as a first responder. Even if you think your injuries are minor, ensure you seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or soft tissue injuries, may not show symptoms right away. However, if left untreated, they may worsen over time.
Seeking prompt medical attention is vital not only for your health and well-being but also for your personal injury claim. By seeking prompt medical attention, you create an official medical record linking your injuries directly to the incident, which serves as vital evidence when proving your personal injury claim. Apart from ensuring you see a doctor immediately after your injury, stick to your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments. Disobeying your doctor’s instructions or not attending appointments can be used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
2. Report the Incident
Report the incident to your supervisor or department as soon as possible. This ensures there is an official record of the incident. While you can make an oral report, it is in your best interest to submit a written report. When reporting the incident, make sure you include details such as the following;
- The date, time, and place of the incident
- The events leading up to the injury
- The involved third party or parties
- Any unsafe conditions or faulty equipment
Reporting your injury without delay can help strengthen your personal injury claim.
3. Gather Evidence
Evidence is vital for demonstrating negligence in your case. So gather as much evidence as possible, starting from the incident scene. This could include pictures of defects, damaged equipment, hazards, and injuries. If your injury prevents you from gathering evidence at the incident scene, you can ask for help from a trusted colleague or an attorney.
Other vital pieces of evidence to collect include;
- Accident or incident reports
- Witness statements
- Video footage
4. Consult a Skilled First Responders Injury Lawyer
Handling a personal injury claim as a first responder can be complex. Often, these cases involve unique legal rules, government employment benefits, and possible liens from workers’ compensation or disability systems. An attorney with experience dealing with first responder personal injury claims can guide you through the complex legal process and help you pursue full compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you are a firefighter, police officer, or EMT injured while on duty because of another party’s negligence, contact our skilled Long Island first responder lawyers at Jacobson Law today for help seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
Source:
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GMU/A10
