Asheville First Responder Injury Lawyer

First Responder Injury Attorney in Asheville, NC

First responders face extraordinary dangers as part of their jobs, but they weather these dangers to protect and help others. Sometimes, an accident occurs, and they get injured on the job. Injured first responders might be eligible for workers’ compensation or other benefits in Asheville. An Asheville first responder injury lawyer can explain the benefits you might be entitled to.

At The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers, our Asheville first responder injury attorneys have decades of experience with workplace injuries, including those experienced by first responders. From repetitive strain injuries to accidents in the busy River Arts District, we can help you tackle your case.

Common Injuries and Hazards for Asheville First Responders

First responders are exposed to more hazards than many other jobs, and different types of first responders may experience different injuries. For example, the most common EMS injury diagnosis is sprains and strains. Most of these injuries affect the arms or torso. EMS workers are often lifting patients, as well as operating in the back of moving ambulances, making these injuries more likely to occur.

Firefighters are often exposed to a lot of smoke, and although they have powerful protective gear, smoke inhalation is still a big risk and can lead to further health problems. All first responders also face slip and fall hazards, as well as the potential of violence or harmful environments.

Of course, given the high speed with which first responders have to act, vehicle accidents are a risk too. In Asheville, Patton Avenue and Highway 74 are known for being especially risky sections of road. Crashes and collisions can lead to many injuries, including breaks, head injuries, and sprains.

Whatever your injury, getting legal representation can make your case smoother and allow you to focus on the recovery you need.

Vernon Sumwalt

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Compensation for First Responder Injury Claims

When first responders get injured on the job, there are measures in place to help provide them with compensation for their expenses. Sometimes, you might also be able to file a claim for pain and suffering if your injury is the result of workplace negligence.

First responders see many of these injuries, with 53,575 municipal firefighters estimated to have been injured across the country in 2024. When these injuries require medical care, you’re typically eligible to have this covered by your employer’s workers’ comp insurance.

You can also receive benefits for wage replacements, also called indemnity. These benefits are paid based on the severity of your injury and your usual pay rate. Depending on the extent of your injury, you might also be eligible for disability benefits.

In situations where you would benefit from rehabilitation services to help you get back to work, you might also be able to receive those. A medical provider can recommend vocational rehabilitation if it’s right for your case.

Hire a First Responder Injury Lawyer for Your Claim

In 2021, Buncombe County dispatched first responders for 273,111 incidents. That’s more than 700 incidents each day. In such a busy area, it’s important to get legal representation that knows what you’re going through.

We have over 45 combined years of experience working with first responder injury laws in Asheville. The attorneys at The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers have aided in hundreds of cases, advocating for workers and their rights. When you get help from one of our Asheville first responder injury lawyers, you can get help with:

• Gathering evidence for your case
• Understanding the relevant laws and your rights
• Deciding if you should file a personal injury claim
• Having representation in negotiations and hearings
• Filling out any required paperwork

Don’t face your injury case alone. The laws around workers’ comp and injury are complex and tough to navigate. Get the assistance of our experienced team so you can worry less about your case and get the compensation you need.

FAQs

How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in North Carolina?

Pain and suffering do not have a set value in North Carolina. Instead, it depends on the details of your case, including the severity of your injury, your capacity to return to work, and what caused the accident. Many people prefer to hire a first responder injury lawyer to help them figure out how much their claim might be worth.

What Is Considered Serious Bodily Injury in NC?

As defined in the North Carolina General Statutes, serious bodily injury is bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death. It can also include injuries that cause permanent disfigurement, impairment, a coma, and more. These injuries are debilitating, and for this reason, may also be eligible for more compensation.

What Qualifies for a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Personal injury lawyers mostly handle personal injury claims. Unlike workers’ comp in North Carolina, these claims require proving negligence or fault by your employer. If you’ve experienced an injury that’s caused you serious harm, and it was caused by your employer failing to adequately perform their duties or creating an unsafe environment, you might want to consult a personal injury lawyer.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?

There isn’t one specific injury that is the hardest to prove. However, some injuries are often more challenging, such as repetitive strain injuries or other injuries that develop over a longer period. Any case where you need to prove the negligence or fault of another party will also be more difficult. If you’re worried about being able to prove your industry, get help from an attorney who can walk you through the evidence you’d need.

Contact Compassionate Legal Aid

Getting injured on the job can be a life-changing event, and as a first responder, it’s challenging when you aren’t able to get back to your life-saving work. Whatever injury you’ve experienced, it’s worth seeing what kind of compensation you could be eligible for.

The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers have attorneys with experience representing workers in just these kinds of cases. With our help, you can find out what options are available to you and make a plan for approaching your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.