Minnesota Supreme Court Rules Workers Comp Law Does Not Block Discrimination Suit

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled yesterday that workers’ compensation exclusivity does not bar a firefighter’s suit for disability discrimination. If you are not an attorney, that sentence probably does not make a whole heck of a lot of sense. However, if you read along let me explain the importance of the ruling.

NJ Supreme Court: The Term Volunteer Firefighter Is Not Limited to Volunteer Firefighters Who Are Employed

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled today that a state statute providing workers compensation benefits to volunteer firefighters who are injured in the line of duty, includes injured firefighters who are not paid employees. The ruling reverses an Appellate Division decision that held ...

Compensation for Voluntary Attendance at Open House

Today’s burning question: Our department hosts an open house during fire prevention week. When the recession hit back in 2009 the department stopped compensating off-duty members who attended the open house. Can the department refuse to pay us for that time, and what would happen if one of our off-duty uncompensated members is injured at the open house?

Fireman’s Rule and Recovering for Injuries

Today’s burning question: I am a career firefighter and tore my left MCL on a medical call when a patient kicked me. I am receiving worker's comp, but I was wondering if a firefighter has the ability recover from the responsible party? Answer: A firefighter's ability to recover is going to depend initially on your state’s interpretation of the “Fireman’s Rule”.

Florida Comp Ruling Favors St Pete Firefighter

Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal has overturned a ruling by a three judge panel that concluded that Florida’s 104 week limit on workers comp was unconstitutional under state law. The case involves a St. Petersburg firefighter, Bradley Westphal, who ...

Illinois Division Chief Sues for Comp Retaliation

A division chief with the Tri-State Fire Protection District has filed suit alleging his discharge last October was retaliation for him having filed a heart related workers comp claim and using medical leave. Division Chief David Basek filed suit last ...

Lake Delta FD Stops Responding When City Denies Comp Coverage

The Lake Delta Fire Department from Rome, New York closed its doors yesterday, after the City of Rome announced it would no longer pay for workers compensation benefits for the volunteer firefighters. The city had previously picked up the tab which is ...

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