Defending New York State Insurers And Employers
Since 1967

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. General Municipal Law
  4.  » Volunteer Firefighter Benefits Defense

Contesting Injured Volunteer Firefighter Claims

The Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefits Law (VFBL) was instituted by the New York Legislature to recognize the personal sacrifice of those who volunteer for a dangerous job. It provides wage and medical benefits to volunteer firefighters and their families for injuries or death in the line of duty.

However, the definition of duty-related injury gets stretched to extremes, and benefit providers often face significant exposure for a claim for long-term or permanent disability leave. The Walsh and Hacker law firm defends municipalities, insurance carriers and third-party administrators (TPAs) in work injury claims by volunteer firefighters filed in New York. Call us at (518) 463-1269 to arrange a consultation.

Skilled Advocacy In And Out Of Court

Our lawyers provide state-wide injury claim defense counsel and representation to insurers and TPAs, We understand that volunteer firefighter claims can represent a substantial cost, particularly because there is no cap on permanent partial disability under the VFBL. These claims can go on for years at thousands and thousands of dollars in annual benefits.

However, VFBL claims are administered by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and our firm has litigated, arbitrated and negotiated NYS workers’ comp cases for more than 40 years. We are well versed in the statutory criteria for duty-related firefighter injuries, as well as the viable defenses to these claims.

For example, volunteer firemen are covered for injuries in getting to the fire station or responding to calls. They are covered for any harm at the fire or rescue scene. In some cases, they may be covered for injuries in cleanup, maintenance, inspection, training and many other scenarios.

Limiting Your Exposure Through Extensive Claim Analysis

We help clients analyze their claims for opportunities to challenge the basis for disability or the degree of disability, and we can negotiate effectively to help clients minimize their exposure. We have a strong record of success in Workers’ Compensation Board hearings and civil court appeals.

Learn More During A Private Consultation

Contact the office of Walsh and Hacker to discuss our experience with Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefits Law claims.