EMS Worker Injuries

NYC Injury Attorneys Representing EMS Workers

New York’s workers’ compensation system covers emergency medical service workers. So, if you are injured on the job, you receive medical expenses and partial pay. But if you are unable to work, you will lose a significant portion of your earnings and get nothing for your pain and suffering. Barasch & McGarry wants you to know there may be options, including a third-party personal injury lawsuit. Our firm delivers results, including:

• $2.3 Million jury award for an EMT who suffered a herniated disc in his lower back after slipping on debris in a poorly lit stairway
• $800,000 settlement for an EMT who sustained career-ending injuries falling out of an ambulance because of a faulty handrail

Workers’ compensation prohibits you from suing your employer or a coworker, even if evidence proves they were negligent. But, a third party has no such protection. If someone was acting carelessly, recklessly or deliberately to cause you harm, you can sue to recover full compensation for your pain and suffering and financial losses. Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and determine whether grounds exist for a third-party lawsuit. If a suit is feasible, and you retain our services, we will fight aggressively for the best possible verdict or settlement.

You can trust these people. They did not forget. This firm and their staff worked tirelessly on my case. They kept me updated, were polite, professional and courteous. This firm will go the extra mile for you.

Ivan J.
EMT Responder to 9/11

Risk Of On-the-job Injury To EMS Workers Surpasses Other Occupations

EMS workers are paid far less than police or firefighters, who are asked to confront grave dangers on a regular basis. However, EMS workers also put themselves in harm’s way in the performance of their duties. According to the National Association of State EMS Officials, EMS workers face a heightened risk of on-the-job injury and illness compared to other workers:

• Among EMS workers, the overall rate of injury and illness is six times higher than the national average.
• Their rate of injury from lifting is 21 times the national average.
• The rate of injury during transportation is 30 times higher than the U.S. average.
• The rate of injury from acts of violence is 22 times higher than the national average.

Whether their injuries stem from negligence or deliberate acts of assault, EMS workers who suffer preventable injuries should not have to accept the loss of income they get when they settle for workers’ compensation. You may have additional legal options if your injury was caused by:

• A negligent driver hitting you or your EMS vehicle
• A hazard hidden at a building where you responded
• A bystander who assaulted you
• Defective equipment that malfunctioned while you were using it

If you were injured at the scene of an emergency, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. If so, you could recover for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and additional losses related to your injury.

Help For EMT Responders Suffering From 9/11 Illnesses And Cancers

Our firm has been at the forefront of fighting for compensation for 9/11 first responders who developed illnesses related to the toxic environment at Ground Zero and throughout Lower Manhattan. In the years since the VCF opened, we have helped thousands of first responders, including EMTs, police officers, and firefighters qualify for over $3 billion dollars in medical benefits and monetary awards.

If you are considering filing a claim with the VCF, don’t delay. The VCF has recognized that 68 cancers, including prostate cancer, are linked to the 9/11 toxic dust. To be eligible for compensation, you must register with VCF within certain strict deadlines. It’s important to act quickly. Find more information at our 9/11 Victim Compensation website:

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers To Pursue Full Compensation For Your EMS Injuries

Barasch & McGarry provides aggressive representation for injured EMS workers. If you suffered a serious injury on the job, we can assert your right to full compensation.