Jackson First Responder Injury Lawyer
Firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs help save lives. They respond to all sorts of emergency situations, from medical issues to shootings to stabbings to car accidents to falls to suicide attempts. These workers have seen it all, encountering terrifying work-related hazards on a regular basis.
First responders can get exposed to diseases and mental issues during the course of their job. Because of this, Mississippi offers not only workers’ compensation benefits but also special benefits through the Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act.
However, there are still requirements to qualify and the process of obtaining benefits can be complicated. Count on the team at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today. Our Jackson first responder injury lawyer will assess your case and help you understand your options for financial recovery.
Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act
The Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act was enacted in July 2021. This law outlines how occupational diseases are defined for paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and other first responders. When a first responder has completed 10 years of service and is unable to perform his regular duties by reason of an occupational cancer, that cancer shall be classified as an occupational disease. The affected first responder or their survivors shall be entitled to all rights and benefits as granted by state law. In addition, heart and lung disease, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or hearing loss that develops during employment in fire or police service is classified as an occupational disease.
The Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act [provides the following forms of compensation:
- $35,000 for a “serious” cancer diagnosis
- $6,250 for a “lesser” cancer diagnosis
- 60% of the worker’s lost wages or $5,000/month, whichever is less, for up to three years
The diagnosis must come from a board-certified physician. A “serious” cancer diagnosis is one that is either terminal or requires intensive chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. A “lesser” cancer diagnosis is one that is not considered terminal and can be treated via endoscopy or other less invasive methods.
Here are some other rules and requirements for first responders who wish to file a work-related claim:
- Your ailment must involve a cancer or other disease that would be incurred through exposure to heat, smoke, toxins, carcinogens, or other chemicals prevalent in your workplace.
- Stress-related disorders for a paramedic, firefighter, or EMT are covered.
- A qualifying worker who files a claim does not automatically get benefits, but would raise the level of presumption.
- First responders have presumption if they have completed at least 10 years of service and cannot perform job-related tasks.
Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC Today
Being an emergency responder is an important job that comes with many possible hazards. If you have suffered a workplace injury or illness, be sure to seek legal help right away.
Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC can assess your claim and help you understand the laws and rights you have in Mississippi. Contact our Jackson first responder lawyer to learn more. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (601) 488-3975.
