Concord First Responder Injury Lawyer

First Responder Attorney in Concord, NC

If you are a first responder in Concord, North Carolina, and have suffered an injury while working, you may be able to seek compensation for the damage you’ve sustained. Whether you were working to put out a fire at a home in North Concord or you were injured while driving an ambulance with an injured patient to Atrium Health Cabarrus, an experienced Concord first responder injury lawyer can protect your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.

The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers: It’s Our Turn to Protect You

With over 45 years of combined experience, the team at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers is here for you. When it comes to workers’ compensation, our team has handled more than 300 related hearings and hundreds more cases that do not include hearings. We are here to guide you through the necessary process to secure the benefits you and your loved ones deserve. Let us serve you with compassion and dedication today.

Vernon Sumwalt

Free Consultation Today 704-565-0621

Contact Us

Injuries Commonly Suffered by First Responders in Concord, NC

Every day, brave men and women put their own safety on the line to protect the lives of others. In Concord, our firefighters, police officers, EMS workers, and paramedics put themselves in harm’s way in the name of the greater good. When these selfless individuals suffer injury as a result of their jobs, they deserve someone to protect them. The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers team is here to act as that protection.

First responders face a variety of risks every day, and our team has handled workers’ compensation claims for the following kinds of injuries and accidents related to this line of work:

• Physical assaults. Police officers are at risk of being physically harmed or injured when they are working to seize and detain a suspect.
• Slip and fall injuries. When first responders get to the premises where an emergency has occurred, they often do so at great speed. If they are unable to see where they are going or come up against hazards, there is a higher chance that they can slip or fall, suffering severe injuries.
• Smoke inhalation. In 2024, 53,575 municipal firefighters suffered injury while in the line of duty. One of the most common injuries firefighters sustain is smoke inhalation. This could cause certain respiratory issues or cancers down the road due to the inhalation of smoke and chemicals, or toxins present at a fire.
• Motor vehicle accidents. In 2024, around 225 people were killed in accidents involving emergency vehicles. First responders often travel at high speeds when answering emergency calls. When other drivers are not paying attention, serious and even fatal accidents can occur.
• Burns. First responders and especially firefighters are highly likely to sustain burn injuries due to flames, exposure to heat, or exposure to dangerous chemicals, no matter what protective gear they are wearing.
• Hearing loss. All first responders may be susceptible to sustaining hearing loss due to repeated and consistent exposure to tools, sirens, or explosions.
• Heart attacks. First responders know that their jobs are high-stress. While many of these individuals have the constitution to handle these moments of chaos and emergency, the physical strain and stress can trigger serious and even fatal heart attacks and other cardiac events.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No matter your experience or education, witnessing a particularly traumatic or violent accident can leave you struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional disorders. This is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers is here to assist you during this difficult time.

Paramedicine clinicians, or PCs, respond to around 40 million calls for emergency assistance every year. When attending to these calls, a variety of risks can be present, and many first responders will not be aware of the nature of these risks until they reach the scene of the emergency. The team at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers sees what you have sacrificed for others, and now we are here to serve you.

FAQs

What Kind of Compensation Is Available for First Responders?

As a first responder, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation for any medical bills or future treatments necessary for your work-related injury or illness, and long-term or short-term disability, career rehabilitation or re-training, or, in cases of worker death, funeral and salary benefits for the surviving family members.

Could I File a Third-Party Negligence Claim for First Responder Injuries?

Yes, in certain cases, you may be able to file a claim for third-party negligence in relation to your first responder injuries on top of your workers’ compensation claim. If a third party is at fault for your injuries, such as the driver of another vehicle, a premises owner, or a manufacturer of defective or dangerous equipment, you may be able to file a claim against this party.

When Should I Contact an Attorney Following a Work Injury?

Following a work injury lawyer as a first responder, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as you are able to. When these injuries are suffered, there is a large sum of money, security and stability, and healthcare services that could be at stake. In these cases, timing is everything, and speaking with a lawyer is crucial for the success of your case.

Can I Collect Pain and Suffering Damages as a First Responder?

As a first responder, you may be able to collect pain and suffering damages in a third-party personal injury claim, but not under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. In cases where a negligent third-party, such as another driver, has caused the accident and resulting injuries, you may be able to file a third-party claim against them to seek pain and suffering damages.

Hire a First Responder Injury Lawyer Today

If you are a first responder in Concord and have suffered a work-related injury, The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers can help you. Contact our offices to hire a first responder injury lawyer today and schedule your free consultation.