Firefighters have difficult jobs. In addition to rushing into dangerous situations, sometimes without fully knowing the entire scope of the situation, they must also travel at high speeds in order to arrive at emergency sites in times of need. Unfortunately, one firefighter in California lost his life and another was seriously injured in an accident that occurred while they were en route to a fire. As a result of the accident, workers’ compensation may be necessary to help cope with the financial ramifications of the accident.
The accident happened one Wednesday morning in September. According to reports, the two firefighters were in a water truck headed to a fire that was threatening an Air Force base. Unfortunately, the truck rolled over near a roundabout.
The deceased firefighter was reportedly a passenger in the vehicle and became trapped as a result of the crash. An 18-year veteran, he leaves behind his wife and two children. The second occupant, and the only other person in the truck, suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital.
Most people are aware of the emotional toll that an unexpected death can have on a family, but they may be oblivious to the financial consequences. Many families struggle as a result of lost wages and funeral expenses. As a result of this accident in California, the surviving firefighter may have a long road to recovery, requiring costly medical treatment and requiring him to miss work as he recovers, and he may not be able to return to work in the same capacity. However, those suffering from injuries that happened on the job and the family members of a victim who lost his or her life at work typically qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits that can help with a variety of expenses stemming from an accident. A professional with experience with the compensation process can help victims seek the compensation they deserve.
Source: CBS Los Angeles, “Firefighter Dies In Crash En Route To Fire At Air Force Base“, Sept. 21, 2016
