There are currently hundreds of thousands of volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers risking their lives to protect the public throughout the five boroughs of NYC. Volunteer first responders are among the brave men and woman on the front lines in the battle against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
It's critical that volunteer first responders who come in contact with COVID-19 get the testing, medical care, and financial benefits they need. If you were injured or became ill in the line of duty, the legal team at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP Attorneys At Law can help you explore your legal options.
New York lawmakers want to extend benefits for volunteers
Under New York law, some volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers can obtain financial benefits for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Families of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers can also obtain benefits if their loved one dies in the line of duty.
A new bill (Senate Bill S8041A) sponsored by State Senator John E. Brooks (D-Seaford) proposes to extend benefits to volunteer first responders who become ill due to COVID-19. Under the new bill, the benefits would include partial or total disability or death. In addition to extending the benefits, SB S8041A will require that volunteer firefighters and EMS workers be provided with coverage for testing and treatment for COVID-19.
“The brave men and women who respond to fires, natural disasters, pandemics, and all manner of other catastrophes must be protected,” Brooks told Spectrum News. “These benefits make it possible for our volunteer first responders and their families to make it by when tragedy strikes. Therefore, they should be extended to include the current pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus.”
How can I get benefits if I became ill?
Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP Attorneys At Law is offering free legal consultations for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who are injured in the line of duty.
Consultations can be conducted through video chat apps such as Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. Your consultation can also be done by phone, text, or email.
Our attorneys serve new and existing clients in NYC and across New York State. Contact us online to get started and one of our attorneys will quickly get back to you.