Workers’ Compensation for First Responders in Pennsylvania

First responders, encompassing roles such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service (EMS) providers, have some of the most dangerous jobs in the country. They are regularly exposed to job-related risks, including motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents, exposure to illnesses or diseases, fires, shootings, and falls.

Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, all employees in the state may be eligible to recover benefits for work-related injuries that occur within the course and scope of their employment. This includes injuries that first responders sustain during their high-risk jobs.

Common Injuries

First responders experience unique workplace injuries compared to other professions due to the high-risk nature of their job. Police officers are often stationed on busy highways or called to intervene in violent situations. Firefighters are exposed to smoke and hazardous chemicals while frequently working in unstable, dangerous buildings. EMS workers encounter contagious diseases and sometimes violent patients in need of hospital transport. All of these scenarios put first responders at risk of sustaining serious injuries.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

First responders are often called to incidents on highways and other high-traffic areas. While working roadside, they face the danger of being struck by passing vehicles.

Violent Attacks

First responders are frequently called to situations involving distressed individuals. This places them at risk of physical attacks or threats during emergency responses. Despite these dangers, first responders continue to provide the care needed, often at great personal risk.

Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals, Smoke, or Diseases

First responders regularly face hazardous exposure in their line of work. Firefighters may inhale toxic smoke, EMS professionals frequently encounter patients with contagious diseases, and police officers often respond to emergency situations involving airborne chemicals. Repeated exposure can have serious long-term health consequences.

Fires and Explosions

Firefighters and other first responders are called to the scene of every fire and explosion, whether involving a vehicle, building, or industrial site. These situations pose risks of burns, smoke inhalation, chemical exposure, and structural collapse, putting responders in harm’s way.

Overexertion Injuries

First responders have physically demanding jobs that often require heavy lifting, stair climbing, and the use of bulky equipment. These physical demands increase the risk of muscle strains, sprains, and tears due to overexertion.

Stress or Emotional Trauma

First responders routinely work in high-stress, life-threatening situations involving serious injuries and fatalities. This prolonged exposure to trauma can result in long-term emotional and psychological effects, such as PTSD or anxiety disorders.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you are injured on the job as a first responder, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. These benefits include:

1. Wage loss benefits – Injured workers can receive up to 66% of their salary while unable to work.
2. Paid medical expenses – Covers treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and hospital stays.
3. Temporary or permanent disability payments – Provides financial support based on injury severity.
4. Specific loss benefits – Compensation for permanent injuries such as loss of a limb, vision, or hearing.

Heart and Lung Act Benefits

If you are a first responder, you may be entitled to additional benefits under the Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act. This act provides full salary continuation and medical coverage for certain job-related injuries. To qualify, the injury must occur while actively performing job duties. Employees receiving Heart and Lung benefits will continue to receive their full gross salary while recovering.

Workers’ Compensation for Volunteer Firefighters

Volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania are also eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, even though they are unpaid. Injured volunteer firefighters can receive benefits based on at least the statewide average weekly wage, recognizing the dangerous and hazardous nature of their service.

It is crucial to notify your employer as soon as possible. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers have 120 days to report their injury to be eligible for benefits.

Next Steps

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you secure the benefits first responders are entitled to under Pennsylvania law. The team at Stern & Cohen specializes in workers’ compensation claims and can guide you through the legal process. If you have suffered a work-related injury as a first responder, contact us today for a free consultation.