Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs, serve a vital role in their communities. Often, they deal with people who are in very stressful situations – from a severe injury to an illness. Because of the nature of their jobs, which can involve needing to move, stabilize or carry a person, EMTs often sustain injuries themselves working on the job.
Common Injuries for EMTs
Some of the most common workplace injuries sustained by EMTs include:
- Overexertion or bodily injury due to work-required lifting/movement – because EMTs’ jobs require them to lift and move injured or ill people, proper lifting is extremely important. If an EMT is not properly supporting their back or is lifting more than they can reasonably move, they can easily become injured. Or, too much lifting can lead to the development of back pain or injuries.
- Falls – Another type of injury that can occur due to EMTs’ responsibility to lift and move people in need is falls. From guiding patients in and out of ambulances, to navigating situations in homes or businesses, EMTs need to be aware of the risk for falls, which can lead to injury.
- Exposure to toxins or harmful substances – When an EMT arrives on a scene, they don’t always know what they will encounter. Some could be faced with patients who are on harmful substances or environments that contain toxins. Accidental or environmental exposure for an EMT could cause a workplace injury or illness.
- Motor vehicle accidents – EMTs are always on the go, and need to follow safe driving practices even in stressful situations. But whether it be because of a need to speed for an emergency or another driver not yielding to the ambulance, EMTs are at risk of being in motor vehicle accidents, which can cause injury.
Lawyers for Injured EMTs
Due to the physical nature of an EMT’s job, it’s especially important that they recover properly after a workplace injury if they would like to return to the field. For an EMT who is injured on the job, it’s important for them to consult with a lawyer to understand their rights and their path back to working.
If you are an EMT and you’re looking for a lawyer to represent you in a workers compensation case, you should look for a lawyer who has:
For workers’ compensation cases, those injuries that happen during the course of work duty, lawyers do not take upfront fees. They make money only if you make money.
What to do if you are an EMT hurt on the job
If you or your loved one is an EMT and is hurt while on the job, there are a few important steps you need to take:
- Notify your supervisor or employer – you need to be sure that record of your injury is on file with your employer as soon as possible. This will help your claim.
- See a medical professional – you will need to be examined by a doctor to determine the extent of your injury and its cause.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for a consultation – it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process of filing and pursuing a claim for your injury.
GLS Injury Law firm offers free consultations with our experienced attorneys. Call 717-394-3004 to get started.
