Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for First Responders / First Responder Presumptive Coverage

First Responder Presumptive Coverage

Do you have questions about how first responder presumptive coverage is handled? Watch this video, then call our Florida Workers’ Comp Attorneys today.

Question:

How is presumptive coverage handled to first responders?

Answer:

First Responder Presumptive Coverage We were recently doing a presentation before a local union, and we were asked how presumptions differ from a regular workers’ compensation injury. Presumptions are unique in the law in that it shifts the burden from the injured worker to the carrier. What that means is once you’ve met the elements of the presumption, the burden then falls on the carrier to prove that it’s not work-related.

For example, if an individual has a heart attack and is a first responder, they’re entitled to the heart presumption if they meet the four criteria of the protected class, the protected condition, they have a qualifying pre-employment physical, and they have a disability within a definition of workers’ compensation. If they’ve met those four criteria, those four elements, they’ve proved their case and it then falls upon the employer carrier to rebut that presumption with either competent substantial or clear and convincing evidence of a non-work-related cause. If you have a presumptive case and would like to discuss your options, please call us at Oliver and Fox and I’ll be happy to explore those options.

Have you or a loved one been injured at work as a first responder and have questions about first responder presumptive coverage? Contact experienced Florida Workers Compensation Attorneys at Oliver & Fox today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook