Injured employee loses leg in devastating accident
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Injuries on Friday, March 18, 2016.
Most people in Illinois think of factories, warehouses and other buildings in terms of on-the-job injuries, but what about workers whose jobs keep them on the road? An out-of-state paramedic was severely injured in a recent car wreck while carrying out the course of her work duties. Even though the accident happened on the road, the injured employee can still seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Two paramedics were responding to an emergency call when they tragically experienced an emergency of their own. The driver of a local logging company’s pickup truck struck the ambulance while driving in the wrong direction. According to police, the pickup driver’s license was suspended, and he was likely under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck. He suffered only minor injuries.
Both of the paramedics were injured, one suffering non-life threatening injuries while the other ultimately ended up losing one of her legs. Her injuries were listed as possibly life threatening, and at last update, she was still in critical condition. Local police are still investigating the accident and have since charged the pickup driver with a felony DUI.
Workplace accidents can range from minor to life altering and anywhere in between. Even seemingly minor injuries can require medical care and time off work, while more severe injuries can mean never recovering enough to actually return to the job. Illinois workers who have been injured on the job have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits for their work-related injuries and the financial devastation that often follows. When an injured employee is unable to immediately return to work, workers’ comp can ensure that daily expenses are met and covered.
Source: wfxg.com, “Paramedic injured in crash with DUI suspect loses leg, family confirms“, Kelly Matter, March 9, 2016