A volunteer firefighter on Long Island responded with his department to a residential structure fire. While helping move equipment at the scene, he stepped awkwardly while carrying heavy gear and suffered an injury to his knee and lower back.
At first, he hoped the pain would improve. But his symptoms continued after the emergency was over. The injury began affecting both his volunteer fire duties and the physical requirements of his regular paying job.
The firefighter reported the accident and sought medical treatment. Questions then arose about his Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law claim, including whether the accident occurred in the line of duty, what medical treatment was necessary, the extent of his disability, and how the injury affected his ability to earn wages at his regular occupation.
A volunteer firefighter benefits attorney could review the circumstances of an accident like this, including fire-company records, medical evidence, the firefighter's regular employment, disability findings, and the required VFBL filings.
For volunteer firefighters, the consequences of an injury can extend well beyond the firehouse. Someone may volunteer to protect the community while earning a living as a construction worker, electrician, teacher, mechanic, police officer, office worker, tradesperson, or in another occupation. An injury suffered during covered fire service can therefore affect both the firefighter's ability to serve and the income that supports the firefighter's family.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Most active New York volunteer firefighters are covered for injuries or illnesses incurred in the line of duty through the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law. Depending on the claim, benefits can include medical care and cash benefits.
No. Volunteer firefighter benefits specifically protect eligible volunteer firefighters. New York also considers wage-earning capacity when determining certain disability benefits, so an injury's effect on your ability to earn wages can be important.
Generally, notice must be provided within 90 days of the injury to the appropriate county, city, town, village, fire district, or other designated official responsible for the benefits. Filing Form VF-3 within that 90-day period can also serve as the required notice.
A Volunteer Firefighter's Claim for Benefits, Form VF-3, generally must be filed within two years after the injury. Because notice requirements can arise much earlier, injured firefighters should not wait until the two-year deadline to address a claim.
Necessary medical care for a covered injury or illness is paid by the responsible political subdivision's insurer. Medical care can be covered even when the firefighter does not lose time from regular employment.
Yes. The New York State Workers' Compensation Board states that Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law benefits are payable from the first day of disability, with no waiting period.
Yes. Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law represents injured clients throughout Long Island and New York. Call (844) 591-3400 for a free consultation about a volunteer firefighter line-of-duty injury.
| Claim Issue | New York VFBL Rule | Deadline / Coverage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injury Notice | Notify the appropriate political subdivision | Generally within 90 days | Protects notice requirements after a line-of-duty injury |
| VF-3 Claim | Volunteer Firefighter's Claim for Benefits | Generally within 2 years after injury | Formally claims Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law benefits |
| Medical Care | Necessary treatment for covered injury or illness | Available regardless of lost time from work | Provides treatment for the line-of-duty condition |
| Disability Benefits | Cash benefits may apply based on disability classification | Benefits can begin on first day of disability | Addresses loss of wage-earning capacity |
| Regular Employment | Wage-earning capacity can be considered | Depends on disability and claim circumstances | Firehouse injury may affect the firefighter's paying occupation |
For more, see our guides to workers' compensation lawyers serving injured workers on Long Island and New York workers' compensation lawyers fighting for injured workers.
Volunteer firefighters protect Long Island communities knowing that an ordinary call can become dangerous in seconds. A structure fire, rescue, vehicle accident, ladder operation, equipment movement, or emergency response can leave a firefighter facing surgery, rehabilitation, lost income, or a permanent physical limitation.
Being a volunteer does not mean you are expected to absorb those consequences yourself. New York created the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law specifically to provide protection when eligible volunteer firefighters are injured or become ill in the line of duty.
If your injury is affecting your health, your fire-service duties, or your ability to perform your regular paying job, it may be important to understand the VFBL process and its deadlines. Questions about line-of-duty status, medical treatment, disability, wage-earning capacity, or responsibility for benefits can make a claim more complicated.
Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law represents injured clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York City, and New York State.
Call (844) 591-3400 for a free consultation about your volunteer firefighter injury.
Five minutes could change your life.
Los bomberos voluntarios de Long Island que sufren una lesión o enfermedad mientras cumplen con sus deberes pueden tener derecho a beneficios bajo la Ley de Beneficios para Bomberos Voluntarios de Nueva York. Estos beneficios pueden incluir atención médica y pagos por discapacidad. Existen plazos importantes para notificar la lesión y presentar el Formulario VF-3. Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law representa a clientes lesionados en Nassau, Suffolk y todo Long Island. Llame al (844) 591-3400 para una consulta gratuita.
No insurance company wants to go up against Cass & Peters — the go-to NYC Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation attorneys for the injured. If you’ve been hurt on the job or involved in an accident anywhere in New York City — including in Manhattan: Hells Kitchen & Midtown West, Harlem, Spanish Harlem, East Harlem, Lower Manhattan, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, Upper Manhattan, Upper West Side, Washington Heights, Manhattan Valley, and Inwood:
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From our convenient office at 225 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, we proudly represent clients throughout all five NYC boroughs: , , (North Shore), , and Manhattan.
Whether you were injured in a car accident, hurt on a construction site, or suffered a workplace injury, Cass & Peters is here to help you pursue the full compensation you’re legally entitled to.
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