For nearly 30 years, David served as a professional firefighter. He spent his life protecting his community, but one ordinary moment on the job changed everything. While stepping down from the fire engine, David felt a sharp pop in his arm. Immediate pain shot through his bicep. Later, tests revealed five severe tears in his tendon.
The injury was career-ending. David never returned to work. Workers’ compensation initially paid for his medical expenses through the MRI, but when surgery was deemed necessary, his claim was denied. Despite decades of service, the system left him without the support he desperately needed.
Turning to HammondTownsend for Help
Frustrated and uncertain, David remembered hearing HammondTownsend’s commercials. When he reached out, Attorney George Townsend immediately recognized the seriousness of his case, especially since David was a firefighter. For David, it was the first time he had ever hired a lawyer.
From that moment, the HammondTownsend team made communication a priority. Every time David had a question, he received clear answers and reassurance. The firm’s responsiveness helped ease the confusion and stress that came with navigating a denied claim.
The Challenges First Responders Face in Virginia
David’s story is not unique. He has seen other firefighters in different states receive fair treatment, even for minor injuries. Yet, in Virginia, many first responders face unfair denials. Despite their sacrifice, firefighters, EMTs, and police officers often struggle to obtain workers’ compensation benefits.
Virginia law requires proof that an injury resulted from an “actual risk” of employment, meaning hazards that go beyond what the general public experiences. For firefighters, that includes not only physical risks like torn tendons, burns, or back injuries, but also psychological trauma from witnessing horrific scenes.
While a 2020 statute aimed to improve access to benefits for psychological injuries, it also capped treatment at just 52 weeks, even when both physical and psychological injuries exist. These limits continue to create challenges for first responders who put their lives on the line daily.
Read more about firefighter workers’ compensation in Virginia.
A Fight for Fairness
For David, the case was about more than medical bills. It was about proving a point that first responders deserve fair treatment under the law. With HammondTownsend by his side, he found both advocacy and peace of mind.
“I just wanted to be treated fair. I’m very pleased that I chose HammondTownsend. Find somebody that wants to help you and do not give in. Do not give up.” – David