First Responders And Workers’ Comp Benefits

First responders have some of the most dangerous and stressful jobs there are. These include firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other professionals who respond to emergencies of all kinds. However, they’ve too often had to fight to get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve for physical and mental health treatment.

Fortunately, New Jersey workers’ comp law has been updated to recognize that both the physical and emotional stress of the events to which they respond can linger after the call is over and their shift ends.

Why the state’s rebuttable presumption matters

Under current New Jersey law, if a first responder suffers a cardiac event or a stroke within 24 hours of an emergency call, there’s a “rebuttable presumption” that it’s work related. That means the workers’ comp insurer or employer must prove it’s not if they want to challenge the claim.

In the past, first responders or surviving family members had to prove that the delayed medical event resulted from the call. The law was changed after the family of a New Jersey EMT who died of a heart attack hours after an emergency call had to battle to get workers’ comp survivor benefits.

New Jersey workers’ comp benefits also cover volunteer first responders. These volunteers provide help to professional first responders in disasters. They’re particularly crucial in rural and other underserved communities.

While the law has evolved to better serve first responders and their families after a work-related injury, illness or death, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still challenges to getting benefits. Having experienced legal guidance can help New Jersey residents get the benefits to which they’re entitled.