You run toward emergencies so other people don’t have to. When the job hurts you, you shouldn’t be left alone with an insurance adjuster. Philly Injury Lawyer helps EMTs, paramedics and ambulance crews across Philadelphia get the benefits they’ve earned, and we look hard for every other source of compensation.
A Dangerous Job in a Busy City
EMS crews in Philadelphia handle a huge number of calls every day, in tight rowhome stairways, on busy highways and in tense situations. That work takes a toll on the body.
Common EMS Injuries
- Back, neck and shoulder injuries from lifting patients and stretchers, especially down stairs
- Ambulance crashes, often caused by drivers who don’t yield
- Being struck while working at the side of the road
- Assaults by patients or bystanders
- Needlesticks and exposure to infectious disease
- Knee and ankle injuries on stairs, curbs and icy sidewalks
- PTSD and trauma from what you see on the job
Workers’ Comp for EMS Workers
Whether you work for a city service, a private ambulance company or a hospital-based EMS program, workers’ comp should pay for your treatment and part of your lost wages. If you’re classified as a contractor or per-diem worker, don’t assume you’re not covered.
Ambulance Crashes and Third-Party Claims
If another driver hit your ambulance, you may have a claim against that driver in addition to workers’ comp. That claim can pay for pain and suffering and your full lost wages, which workers’ comp doesn’t. A defective stretcher or vehicle part can also lead to a claim against the manufacturer. See Workers’ Comp and Third-Party Injury Claims.
We Have Your Back
Call (215) 735-4800 for a free consultation. We Win or It’s Free®.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the driver who hit my ambulance?
Often, yes. A claim against the at-fault driver is separate from workers’ comp and can pay for losses comp doesn’t cover.
Is PTSD covered for EMTs?
It can be. A specific traumatic event on the job can support a claim. These cases need careful medical documentation.
What if I’m hurt lifting a patient on a stairway?
That’s a classic work injury and should be covered by workers’ comp. Report it in writing and get treatment right away.
Pennsylvania Law in Plain English
EMS workers are covered by Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act like other employees. When a crash or a defective product causes the injury, a separate claim against the responsible party can be brought, with the workers’ comp insurer repaid from that recovery.
