First responders put their lives and safety on the line daily to help their communities. No amount of risk or danger stops them from doing their jobs. However, these situations can often complicate workplace injury compensation. Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., in Des Moines, has experience in representing individual professional firefighters, police officers, deputy sheriffs, state troopers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, corrections officers and other professionals engaged in public safety. We also have represented labor unions involving those professions throughout Iowa.
When it comes to workplace injuries for peace officers and first responders, there are unique issues presented as often times serious workplace injuries in those professions can also involve questions of disability and retirement system benefits unique to public safety workers. There are potential offsets or credits for benefits, reductions in benefits, medical benefit payments, and even distinct benefit program differences such as workers’ compensation benefits under Iowa Code chapters 85 and 85A or work-related disability benefits under Iowa Code chapter 411. Having attorneys experienced in resolving claims with those unique issues allows us to be better positioned to protect the rights of first responders injured in the line of duty.
From physical injuries to PTSD and trauma, our workers’ compensation lawyers at Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for lost income and medical expenses. For over 60 years, Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., has represented injured first responders in Des Moines and the surrounding areas. We are nationally recognized for our excellent workers’ compensation representation.
First responders face unique challenges every day, and their injuries may not be on the surface. The Iowa Supreme Court recently decided that first responders, including emergency dispatch workers, can benefit from mental injuries caused by the trauma they suffered on the job. The ruling solidly classified post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as a personal injury that is eligible for workers’ compensation and ensured that PTSD is considered an occupational illness related to the nature of employment.
At Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., we have experience handling injury cases for first responders. We understand how delicate these situations are and that these cases are generally more nuanced than other injury cases. From complicated first responder pension plans to the First Responder Employee Assistance Program, you can rely on us to help you consider all your options so that you can make the best choice.