According to a report from WTAR News 92.3, a firefighter in Phoenix suffered a serious head injury while battling an active blaze. The fire department and other first responders were called out to a fire at a commercial strip center near the intersection of McDowell Road and 33rd Avenue. Falling debris from the structure that was on fire reportedly struck the man in the head. He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
Firefighters face serious risks in the job. The reality is that a fire can happen at any place and at any time. Our community relies on firefighters to step up and handle the emergency. By definition, they are forced to put themselves in harm’s way. If a firefighter is hurt on the job, it is imperative that they are able to get the proper medical care and all available financial support. Here, our Arizona workers’ comp attorney provides a guide to work injury claims for firefighters.
Your Guide to Workers’ Comp Laws for Firefighters in Arizona
The Starting Point: Arizona Workers’ Comp Law Covers Firefighters
As a starting point, it is important to understand that Arizona’s general workers’ comp laws apply to firefighters. The Arizona workers’ compensation system is governed by Title 23 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. § 23-901 et seq). Workers’ comp cases are no-fault in Arizona. In other words, a firefighter who suffers a work-related injury or illness does not need to prove negligence by the employer to qualify for benefits. Instead, the worker must show that the injury or condition arose out of and in the course of employment. Employers are required to maintain coverage through the Arizona State Compensation Fund or another authorized insurer. Firefighters are covered by workers’ comp just the same as any other employee in Arizona.
A Firefighter Can Bring a Claim for an Acute Injury
For a number of different reasons, a firefighter in Arizona may suffer an acute injury while on the job. The recent incident from Phoenix (where falling debris hit a firefighter) is just one example. Any worker who sustains traumatic injuries such as burns, orthopedic fractures, and smoke inhalation. Arizona workers’ compensation law covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment associated with these injuries. Notably, benefits also include temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD), and permanent disability compensation.
Note: If disputes arise over an acute injury, a firefighter can fight for compensation. They may even need to appeal an initial denial. The Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) oversees disputes and ensures compliance with the law by employers and insurance companies.
Presumptive Illnesses for Firefighters (Special Rules that Help Firefighters in Arizona)
Arizona has enacted “presumption laws” that make it easier for firefighters to prove the causal connection between certain illnesses and their work. Under A.R.S. § 23-901.01, if a firefighter develops specific cancers (such as bladder, brain, or multiple myeloma), heart disease, or certain qualifying respiratory conditions, the law presumes the condition is work-related. It is not automatically a work-related illness, but it is presumed to be one.
Why does the presumption matter? The reason is that it shifts the burden of proof to the employer or insurer, who must present substantial evidence to rebut it. To qualify, the firefighter generally must meet minimum service requirements and demonstrate that they passed a pre-employment physical showing no evidence of the condition in question. Certain illnesses are connected to long-term service as a firefighter. Arizona law helps to ensure firefighters and their families are adequately protected.
Mental Health and PTSD Claims (Recent Changes to the Law in Arizona)
The Arizona legislature has recognized post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a serious occupational hazard for first responders. In 2018, lawmakers enacted provisions allowing first responders, including firefighters, to pursue workers’ compensation claims for PTSD linked to traumatic events experienced on duty. In these cases, a firefighter must establish the diagnosis through a qualified mental health professional and also prove that the condition arose from extraordinary stress related to their work. While not fully presumptive like cancer claims, Arizona law does make it easier for firefighters to get benefits for PTSD.
Workers’ Comp Claims are Time-Sensitive
Firefighters must file a claim within one year of the injury or discovery of the illness (A.R.S. § 23-1061(A)). In occupational disease cases, the statute begins to run when the firefighter knew or should have known of the condition’s relationship to employment. There are only limited exceptions to the rule. What happens if you miss a deadline? It is a big deal. It could prevent a firefighter from recovering benefits for his or her injuries or illness. Firefighters in Arizona should seek medical attention right away and consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
We are Proud to Be Leaders in Workers’ Comp Claims for Firefighters in Arizona
Are you a firefighter in Phoenix, Tucson, or elsewhere in Arizona who has hurt while on the job? You may have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and what you need to do to get justice and financial compensation. A proactive approach to your case is key. At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, we go above and beyond to do right by injured workers, including firefighters who were injured or made ill on the job. Our case results tell the story. Your initial consultation with our Arizona work injury attorney for firefighters is free, confidential, and without obligations.
Call Our Arizona Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Firefighters Today
At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, our Arizona workers’ comp lawyer is committed to putting clients first. If you or your loved one is a firefighter who was hurt on the job, our team is more than ready to help. Connect with us via phone at (877) 370-5788 or contact us directly online for your free case review. With offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Lake Havasu, Flagstaff, Yuma, we handle workers’ compensation claims and third party liability cases throughout all of Arizona.