Special claims unit sought for federal firefighter comp cases
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Monday asked the U.S. Department of Labor to fast-track the formation of a special claims unit to handle firefighter workers compensation claims before the start of the 2022 fire season.
Federal firefighters have reported difficulty getting medical treatment for work-related injuries within a reasonable time frame, according to the letter signed by six senators.
These firefighters have been forced to turn to private fundraisers and nonprofit assistance to pay bills, the lawmakers wrote.
“We are similarly concerned that claims from firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers or other long-term illnesses associated with firefighting activities are simply refused,” the letter reads. “They are told that, because they cannot definitively prove the link between the illness and their job exposure, the federal government will not cover their medical expenses.”
“This new unit should ensure its examiners are aware of the particular risks facing firefighters and provide clear rationales for rejected claims to ensure that claims processing is efficient, accurate and transparent,” the lawmakers wrote.
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