First Responders – Workers Comp
Governor Chris Christie has vetoed the bill that would have made it easier for first responders, who are injured or contract a disease on the job during an emergency, to obtain Workers’ Compensation.
The bill would have shifted the burden of proof, in regards to how first responders were injured or got sick, away from firefighters, nurses, doctors, police officers, and other rescue squad members and first responders during or in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, terrorist attack or other emergency event.
Christie says that the state cannot afford the costs. “The costs associated with the injuries those duties may cause must be administrated in a responsible manner that matches our public resources,” said Christie in a statement after the veto.
Interestingly, 34 other states have laws that make it easier for the emergency responders who fall ill or are injured, to obtain workers compensation benefits in a streamlined manner.
This year, the bill passed both the house and the senate of New Jersey. It would have provided workers with an assumption of workers compensation. The bill is named after the late Thomas P. Canzanella, who was a Hackensack firefighter who was present for weeks at Ground Zero, post 9/11. He fought for coverage of firefighter occupational diseases, such as cancer.
New Jersey Workers Compensation, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney
The central New Jersey law office of Harold J. Gerr, Attorney at Law, represents those injured or sickened as a result of exposure to a catastrophe site, in workers compensation claims. Additionally, we fight for the injured, and for those who have lost loved ones in personal injury and wrongful death accidents. We have been fighting for the rights of the injured for three decades.
Our New Jersey personal injury law firm carefully selects the cases we handle, so that we can provide the highest levels of service and personal attention to each client. We are also happy to provide a second opinion about the strength and value of your case. Contact us online or call our office at 732-537-8570 (toll-free at 1-877-249-4600).
