First Responder & Public Safety Injuries
Who Is Considered a First Responder And How They Are Put At Risk
A first responder is any medically trained professional who arrives to help in an emergency situation. This most often includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other public workers. The very nature of a first responder’s job places them at risk for injury. The emergencies range from car accidents and building fires to natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
As with any other professional, a first responder may be entitled to workers' compensation for injuries sustained in their service to the public. In fact, California law provides first responders and public safety workers additional benefits that normal employees are not entitled to. Many emergency workers remain unaware of this unless they retain an attorney like Mr. Fisher, who focuses his practice on representing workers.
Why You Should Talk
to Mr. Fisher
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Although the agencies and departments that employ emergency responders carry workers' compensation insurance to aid workers injured on the job, the truth is that there is no guarantee that a claim will be honored. In other cases, the amount paid out in a claim does not truly reflect the injured worker's medical and financial needs.
Attorney Gilbert Fisher understands the complexities of these claims and can help you receive the amount of compensation you truly need. He can also help you file an appeal if a previous claim was denied. If third parties contributed to a first responder's injury, Mr. Fisher can aid you in filing a claim and collecting compensation from the responsible party.
Why Fresno Trusts Mr. Fisher
Mr. Fisher has been helping folks in the Fresno area for over 20 years. During that time, he distinguished himself from other lawyers in a number of key ways.
Personal Passion
For years now, Mr. Fisher has focused his work only on workers' compensation cases. He made this decision due to personal tragedy in his own life. Gilbert's father suffered a devastating work injury that left him paralyzed and later took his life. This experience made Mr. Fisher want to help other workers with their cases. Through successfully handling a host of different workers' compensation cases, he has developed the knowledge and confidence to fight for workers' rights.
Individualized Attention
Mr. Fisher has intentionally kept his law firm on the smaller side so that he can provide each client with individualized attention. When folks from around Fresno get Mr. Fisher on their side, they can trust that he will handle their case personally. Many first responders and public safety workers endure severely debilitating injuries. If that is the case for you or your loved one, Mr. Fisher's team is more than willing to come to you to discuss your case.
No Charge Unless He Wins
When hiring an attorney, many people worry about skyrocketing fees over prolonged cases. Mr. Fisher works on a contingency basis, which means he does not charge you a dime unless he wins your case. This arrangement gives clients peace of mind knowing that he has no interest in racking up billable hours and his only focus is on winning their case.
Attorney Fisher Fights for Fresno
Shirley Hinslea
2017
Attorney Gilbert Fisher is very efficient & has a vast knowled of Workers Compensation law. His response time (as well as staff's) in returning calls or emails is above reproach. Before responding to any questions staff always takes the time to review my file to ensure accuracy (greatly appreciated)! Staff demeanor is always professional and courteous!!
View on GoogleShay Rooters
2019
Mr fisher made everything possible for me , a very good attorney he fights for you and knows what he is doing . If your going through a work injury please come to his firm he will take care of you and make sure you know your rights . I want to thank him and his team great people
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Workers' compensation law is governed by strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations. You have 30 days from the time of your incident to notify your employment department about your incident, and one year to file your workers' compensation claim. In rare cases where the deadline has been missed, Mr. Fisher can see if an extension can be implemented.
If you are a first responder who has been injured on the job, call (559) 447-1210 or write to attorney Gilbert Fisher to request your free consultation and discuss your case in detail. With his help, you and your family can stop worrying about your losses and start concentrating on healing.
Attorney Fisher Explains Public Safety & First Responder Law
California law provides a different set of presumptions and benefits for police, firefighters, and other first responders. When filing a workers' compensation claim, it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side. Watch this short video to hear attorney Fisher explain your rights in more detail.
Understanding Your Legal Options
First responders injured in the line of duty have several legal avenues through which to pursue compensation, including:
Workers' Compensation
Any person who is injured on the job may be entitled to workers' compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and work, physical impairment, and in some cases, mental anguish. If the injury is a result of a lack of training or failure by your department to provide protective gear, you may be eligible for further reparations.
Third-Party Lawsuits
If an accident is caused by factors such as faulty equipment resulting from manufacturer negligence or negligence on the part of a motorist, the victim can file a separate claim to pursue due compensation.
Wrongful Death
If a responder is killed during an on-the-job accident, a wrongful death lawsuit can cover a lost source of income and other losses for their family and loved ones. Lack of proper training can be very important in these cases.
Common Types of First Responder Injuries You Can Receive Compensation For
While certain injuries are immediately noticeable, some progress over time. For example, cumulative injuries from carrying equipment or other physical burdens often affect the knees and shoulders. First responders face a risk of several types of injury that may occur simply due to the hazardous nature of their jobs, or as a result of poor training. These injuries include:
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Heart trouble
- Hernias
- Cancer
- Sprains or dislocations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
First Responders and PTSD
Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders face extremely stressful situations as part of their daily work. Many emergency responders develop PTSD after witnessing the aftermath of major accidents or disasters. While physical injuries have long been recognized under workers' compensation laws, the mental toll emergency workers endure has historically not been afforded the same perspective.
In 2019, California enacted Senate Bill 542, which gives first responders a rebuttable presumption that PTSD caused by on-the-job trauma is coverable under workers' compensation law. While first responders are encouraged to seek care for mental health more than they were in the past, outdated stigmas may lead to workers' compensation claim denials. Attorney Fisher is ready to help you receive the care you deserve for your mental and physical health.
Fresno Has a Friend in Attorney Fisher
justin roubidoux
2017
Mr. Fisher did a great job and made sure that I was taken care of. His staff was very efficient making sure I understood everything that I received in writing and was willing to explain them to me. If your looking for a no hassle up front attorney with a great staff then the Law Office of Gilbert Fisher is the right place for you.
View on Googlerobert hernandez
2019
They are very helpful, while I'm hurt they did their best to help me and try to get me on workmans comp. Different experiences will reflect your case so getting PAID OUT shouldn't reflect the 5 STARS like some people's vote. But they are giving me as much help to get me fixed, their friendly, and give me the best services they have access to.
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