Firefighters, Burns Injuries, and Illinois Workers’ Comp Eligibility

 Posted on April 12, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

When people get injured while at work, they can typically make a workers’ compensation claim and receive compensation for whatever damages they have suffered. Some professions pose a particularly high risk of severe injury to employees. For example, firefighters who rush into buildings that are on fire to save people and property face a risk of severe burns as part of their daily work routine. That does not mean they do deserve less protection against potentially devastating financial losses than others. If you are a firefighter who has suffered major burn injuries while doing your job, a skilled Will County, IL workers’ compensation attorney can review your case and advise you on how to proceed.

What Should I Do if I Get Burned at Work?

There are several steps you should take if you get injured at your job and want to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. These include:

• Seek medical treatment: The first thing to do if you have been burned is to seek medical care. Hospitals often have burn units, as burns can require specialized expertise and care. Without treatment, you might never heal, but with a team of skilled professionals, you can have an excellent prognosis for recovery.
• Report the burn incident: Once you have dealt with the immediate danger by seeking medical care, you should report the incident to your manager or supervisor. Try to be as detailed as possible when describing what happened. This, along with any related medical records, can be very important if you file workers’ compensation claims later on.
• File workers’ compensation and injury claims: Speak with your HR representative to ensure that your claim is filed as soon as possible, so you can get coverage for medical care, disability benefits, or compensation for lost wages. There are time limits regarding how long after an incident a claim can be filed, so make sure you do so promptly.
• Consider filing liability claims: If someone else’s negligence led to your injury, for example, if the property owner did not carry out proper maintenance and it led to a more severe incident, you might have grounds to file for liability claims against them. Consult with your chief and the city’s attorney to weigh your options.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have been injured with severe burns while doing your job as a firefighter, let a passionate Joliet, IL workers’ compensation lawyer fight aggressively on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve. Call McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation.