Atlanta
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Paramedics in Atlanta

Paramedics and emergency responders are the first to arrive at the scene of some of the most dangerous incidents and accidents across Atlanta. However, when EMTs and paramedics suffer critical work injuries, they have the right to compensation and benefits for their suffering. Workers’ compensation claims for paramedics in Atlanta can be particularly complex.

Fortunately, when you have a reputable workers’ comp attorney at John Foy & Associates working for you, the claims process can be more manageable. Get help holding the insurance company accountable to their financial obligations when you contact our team for a free consultation today.

Workers’ Compensation for First Responders 

First responders, including paramedics and EMTs, provide invaluable assistance to those involved in severe accidents. However, when these parties are involved in on-the-job accidents, they may require the same financial support as other workers.

Fortunately, any employer in Georgia with three or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation coverage that protects their staff. Not only are EMTs and paramedics entitled to workers’ comp, but so are other types of first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement officials, and ambulance drivers.

Common Injuries Suffered by EMTs and Paramedics 

It is common for EMTs and paramedics to suffer a wide range of injuries and illnesses due to their work environments. In fact, first responders often put themselves in jeopardy to offer support to those who need it most. Some of the more common injuries paramedics endure at work include:

• Back injuries caused by heavy lifting, pulling, or twisting
• Burn injuries caused by toxic chemicals or fires
• Illnesses caused by exposure to poisonous chemicals or exhaust fumes
• Broken and fractured bones caused by slip and fall accidents, entrapment, or crushing accidents
• Injuries caused by any type of violence or assault, such as stabbings, lacerations, gunshot wounds, and internal bleeding

If you suffered another type of work injury as an EMT or paramedic we did not include above, that does not mean you do not have grounds for workers’ compensation benefits. As long as your injuries occurred within the scope of your employment, you are entitled to specific types and amounts of workers’ comp payouts.

Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Paramedics and EMTs

When your injuries happen at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits often consist of different categories of losses, including

• Vocational rehabilitation benefits – When your work injuries prevent you from returning to your job as a paramedic or EMT, your employer’s insurance company must cover the cost of job training or education expenses so you can re-enter the workforce.
• Disability benefits – Disability benefits are meant to compensate work injury victims despite having to take time off of work. You can expect to collect approximately two-thirds of your average weekly salary until you can return to work or reach the maximum number of allowable weeks under the state of Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.
• Medical expenses – The insurance company will cover your surgical costs, ambulance bills, ongoing medical care, prescription medications, and any other expenses related to your on-the-job injury.
• Death benefits – Surviving family members of EMTs and paramedics who passed away from work-related accidents may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. This includes coverage of the decedent’s burial and funeral expenses and disability benefits to the decedent’s surviving spouse and children.

Atlanta Workers’ Compensation for Paramedics FAQ

As a paramedic, you may have many unanswered questions about how the workers’ compensation claims process works. For this reason, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding workers’ comp in Atlanta below. If you have additional questions we did not answer here, do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss your specific concerns further.

How Do I Know if I Can File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Atlanta as a Paramedic?

According to Georgia law, you have the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits as long as your work environment caused your injuries. If you become ill with a headache one afternoon, this is not grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you are diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury caused by the work you do every day as a paramedic or EMT, filing a claim for workers’ compensation would be appropriate.

Can I Collect Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits?

It is difficult to say without having reviewed the specific details of your case whether you have met the eligibility requirements to collect vocational rehabilitation benefits. Generally, vocational rehabilitation benefits are only available if your physician determines you are incapable of continuing in your current line of work. You can discuss your opportunity to collect vocational rehabilitation benefits further when you go over your paramedic work injury claim with your attorney.

How Long Do I Have to File a Paramedic Workers’ Compensation Claim in Atlanta?

According to Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, you have as much as one year from the date of the accident you were involved in to file your claim for workers’ comp benefits. 

However, the sooner you get started, the better. Your attorney may need time to gather evidence to support your case. You might also need time to negotiate with the insurance company if your claim is initially denied. 

Waiting until the last minute could negatively impact your ability to file your claim for workers’ compensation benefits and access the benefits you would have otherwise deserved.

Get Help from an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Paramedics 

Workers’ compensation claims for paramedics in Atlanta do not have to be as complicated as expected. When you have the right legal advocate working for you, you can navigate the claims process more easily and ensure the insurance company compensates you fairly for your damages. 

An experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer at John Foy & Associates can help you deal with claim denials and ensure your workers’ comp claim is filed accurately so the insurer can process it without delay. Please fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation today.