New Jersey Work Comp: 4 EMS Workers Hurt in Auto Accident

On Friday, Aug. 12, a multi-vehicle car crash between an ambulance, a car and a semi-trailer in New Jersey resulted in four emergency medical responders being injured. These individuals were all inside the ambulance when the wreck occurred. It is believed that they were en route to a mutual aid call and that no patients were in the vehicle. As this incident occurred while these individuals were on the job, they may be entitled to utilize work comp benefits to aid in their recoveries.

According to reports, police were called to the scene of a multi-vehicle collision on Washington Ave. Authorities believe that the driver of a minivan made a left-hand turn in front of the ambulance, resulting in the ambulance driver veering into oncoming traffic and colliding with a semi and a car. The only injuries reported were those suffered by the EMS workers.

This incident is said to have occurred around 7:45 p.m.. Two of the ambulance occupants had to be freed from their vehicle. At this time, authorities are still in the process of investigating this incident. No charges have been filed in this case.

Work comp benefits are offered to most employees in New Jersey. For the workers injured in this wreck, such benefits could help cover their medical and rehabilitation costs, as well as provide for any lost wages and disability — if applicable, — among other things. Along with pursuing workers’ compensation claims, these individual may also be entitled to take civil actions against the driver deemed responsible for the crash. Between work comp benefits and personal injury claims — if successfully litigated — the victims of the crash may achieve fair and full compensation for their losses.

Source: Ridgewood, NJ Patch, “4 N.J. First-Aiders Hurt After Ambulance, Truck Crash Head-On Near MetLife Stadium“, Tom Davis, Aug. 13, 2016