Working as a paramedic gives you the chance to help other people, but you must always be cognizant of your own health and safety during your shift. There's little doubt that this line of work has its hazards, and while a conscientious approach to safety can be your best ally, it's possible to sustain a work-related injury for reasons out of your control. If you're a paramedic who finds himself or herself injured at work, you'd be wise to consult with an attorney who handles workers' compensation cases. This legal professional can advise you as to whether you have a case to move forward — which is likely in one of these scenarios.

You Were Assaulted While Short Staffed

Paramedics often work in pairs for multiple reasons. While the big reason is that one paramedic can drive while the other provides care to a patient, another reason is that working in pairs provides safety in numbers. Paramedics often find themselves in precarious situations, often dealing with patients who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who have mental health issues, and these scenarios can lead to assaults. You may have a legitimate workers' compensation claim in the wake of such an incident, especially if your employer had you working alone — thus making you more vulnerable.

You Had An Accident Because Of The Ambulance's Lack Of Maintenance

Every employer has a responsibility to keep its vehicles in proper working order before they go on the road. If you've been in an accident as a paramedic, you need to assess what caused the accident. Of course, there are many different factors that could be at play, but there's a possibility that the ambulance itself played a role. For example, if the brakes were worn out and didn't allow you to stop in time, you'll have a strong workers' compensation case against your employer.

Your Mental Health Is Affected

Workers' compensation isn't only about physical injuries. Injuries that are difficult to see can also occur at work, and are especially possible for professionals such as paramedics. Your average workday often involves life or death, and this can lead to a lot of pressure and stress. Additionally, the fact that you likely see people in a variety of injured states can take a toll on you mentally. If your employer doesn't provide access to mental health services, and you end up facing an anxiety or stress issue, you'll want to speak to a workers' compensation attorney.

For more information on workers' comp, talk to a lawyer today.