Henrico, VA
Two members of the Henrico Fire Department suffered minor smoke-inhalation related injuries after responding to the Copper Spring Apartments in the 3200 block of Copper Mill Trace.
According to CBS 6 News, emergency responders were dispatched to the complex at 12:27 p.m., arrived within three minutes, and had the fire fully controlled within an hour. Firefighters were able to evacuate all residents of the affected apartment to safety and without injury.
Virginia’s firefighters encounter dangerous situations like this on a daily basis. In recognition of their bravery, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act provides specific protections for firefighters who are injured on the job.
Generally, Virginia workers’ compensation benefits can include wage loss replacement (temporary total disability or temporary partial disability), permanent partial disability benefits for loss of use, a lifetime award of medical benefits, and lump sum settlement.
Firefighters may be eligible for these benefits for injuries sustained while fighting a fire, maintaining equipment, performing office duties, training to stay in shape, or training to fight fires. Additionally, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act includes the heart-lung presumption rule – meaning that certain conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or cancer are presumed to be caused by the firefighter’s employment; entitling them to workers’ compensation benefits.
If you or a loved one is a firefighter injured in the line of duty, call the experienced Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys at ReidGoodwin today to schedule a legal consultation.