Firefighter Injury Claims Guide

Firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK, with operational incidents often placing firefighters at significant risk of injury. Despite safety protocols and protective clothing, the very nature of firefighting – from tackling burning buildings to navigating unstable structures – means the potential for harm is ever-present. If you’ve suffered an injury due to employer negligence or faulty equipment, you may be eligible to make a firefighter injury compensation claim.

This guide is designed to help you understand when you could be eligible to claim following a workplace accident while working as a firefighter. Whether you’ve sustained burn injuries or crush injuries, while working as a firefighter, you may be entitled to compensation. We will explain who can claim, the types of compensation you could receive, and how our panel of solicitors can support you on a No Win No Fee basis.

At Legal Helpline, we aim to make the claims process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our team of advisors offer free, no-obligation consultations to assess your eligibility. Read on to discover how we can help you claim firefighter injury compensation, or contact us today to begin your claim.

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Jump To A Section

1. Who Can Make Firefighter Injury Claims?
2. What Compensation Can Firefighters Get For Workplace Injuries?
3. Examples Of How Firefighters Could Be Injured At Work
4. Is There A Time Limit To Fire Fighter Injury Claims
5. What Evidence Is Needed To Support A Claim?
6. Get Advice From Legal Helpline
7. More Information

Who Can Make Firefighter Injury Claims?

You could be eligible to make a firefighter accident claim if you’ve been injured while working for a fire and rescue service in England or Wales due to your employer breaching their duty of care. Employers have a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety. This could include providing you with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and appropriate training.

To be eligible to make a firefighter injury compensation claim, you must be able to prove that:

• Your employer breached their duty of care;
• The accident happened as a result of that breach;
• You sustained injuries directly because of the accident.

Whether your firefighter injury was caused by a fall, smoke inhalation, or another operational hazard, our team of advisors can help determine if you’re eligible to make a personal injury claim.

To check your eligibility today, contact our advisors for a free consultation.

Fatal Firefighter Injury Claims

In the tragic event that a firefighter loses their life in a workplace accident, a fatal injury claim could be made. Firstly, their estate could claim for the pain and suffering endured as well as on behalf of the dependents. This is set out under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. They are the only party that can claim within the first 6 months.

If a claim hasn’t been made on their behalf within these 6 months, certain relatives can bring forward their own claim for how the death has emotionally and financially impacted them. This is set out under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

Speak to our compassionate team of advisors today to learn more about making a fatal firefighter accident claim.

What Compensation Can Firefighters Get For Workplace Injuries?

Firefighters could receive compensation under two main categories if they make a successful claim: general damages and special damages.

General damages are awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury. These are often calculated with guidance from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), as this document contains compensation guidelines for various injuries.

We have used some of their figures for the table below, aside from the first entry.

How Is Compensation Calculated?

The amount that could be awarded in general damages in firefighter injury claims depends on:

• The severity of your injury

• The impact on your quality of life

• Your expected recovery period

Special damages account for all financial losses directly linked to your injury, such as:

• Lost earnings or loss of future earning potential

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs

• Travel expenses for treatment

• Adaptations to your home or vehicle if required

Evidence will need to be provided for these expenses in order to receive special damages. This could include payslips, receipts and bank statements.

How Else Could I Receive Compensation?

The Accident and Injury Fund (AIF) may offer support to firefighters injured in the line of duty. This fund can provide financial assistance to eligible members of the fire service, especially in cases where injuries result in long-term absence, disability, or significant loss of earnings.

Speak to our team now to discuss your claim.

Examples Of How Firefighters Could Be Injured At Work

Firefighting exposes individuals to a wide range of operational hazards. Despite rigorous training and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), accidents can and do happen. Below are common examples of how a firefighter accident at work may occur, the injuries that could result, and where someone else’s negligent actions might be to blame.

Burn Injuries

Firefighters are regularly exposed to extreme heat, open flames, and scalding surfaces while attending operational incidents. Burn injuries can occur when protective clothing fails, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe procedures are followed.

Examples of negligence:

• Inadequate maintenance of PPE
• Faulty equipment or fire suppression gear
• Poorly coordinated rescue services operations

Potential injuries:

• First, second or third-degree burns
• Scalding
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Risk of infection and long-term skin conditions

Crush Injuries

Firefighters often operate in structurally unsound environments. Walls, ceilings, or entire buildings may collapse during a rescue or fire suppression effort. Being trapped beneath rubble or falling equipment can lead to severe crush injuries.

Examples of negligence:

• Inadequate structural risk assessments
• Use of faulty equipment or support gear
• Insufficient supervision during dangerous operations

Potential injuries:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Amputations
• Compartment syndrome

Falling From A Height

Firefighters frequently work at height, especially during rescues or when accessing multi-storey buildings. Accidents can happen when ladders or platforms are unstable, safety protocols are missed, or visibility is compromised.

Examples of negligence:

• Lack of edge protection or fall arrest systems
• Defective ladders or aerial platforms

Potential injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Fractures to arms, legs or pelvis
• Spinal injuries
• Head injuries
• Loss of mobility or long-term disability

Vehicle Accidents

Fire service vehicles, including fire engines, often travel at high speeds and in high-risk conditions. Collisions can occur during emergency responses or training exercises involving road traffic.

Examples of negligence:

• Faulty brakes or tyres on fire engines
• Inadequate driver training
• Negligence by another road user

Potential injuries:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Head trauma
• PTSD or other psychological trauma

Training Injuries

Firefighter training exercises are designed to simulate real-world emergencies. However, if health and safety regulations are ignored or risk assessments are lacking, these sessions can lead to serious injury.

Examples of negligence:

• Inadequate supervision during drills
• Faulty or unsuitable training equipment
• Poor planning or risk assessment

Potential injuries:

• Sprains, strains and repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• Falls resulting in fractures or concussions
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Lacerations or crush injuries
• Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Each of these examples represents situations where injuries resulting from employer negligence or unsafe practices can form the basis of a firefighter accident claim.

Speak with our experienced team today to check if you’re eligible to make a firefighter injury compensation claim.

Is There A Time Limit To Firefighter Injury Claims?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have 3 years to begin a firefighter injury compensation claim. This time limit runs from the date the accident happened.

Starting the claims process as early as possible improves the likelihood of securing strong evidence and makes the process smoother.

Exceptions to the limitation period may apply if the claimant lacks mental capacity or if the claim involves a child under 18.

To learn more about these exceptions and how long you may have left to begin your claim, you can contact our advisors.

What Evidence Is Needed To Support A Claim?

To make a firefighter injury claim, you must present compelling evidence. This may include:

• Medical reports detailing your injuries and treatment
• The contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident
• Photographs of the accident scene or visible injuries
• Accident report logs filed with your fire and rescue service
• CCTV footage of the accident

Your solicitor may also arrange for an independent medical assessment to understand the long-term impact of your injuries.

To learn more about working with a solicitor from our panel, you can contact our advisors.

Get Advice From Legal Helpline

At Legal Helpline, we understand the serious impact that a firefighter injury can have on your health, livelihood, and future. If you’ve been injured while working as a firefighter, our team is here to support you through every stage of the personal injury claims process.

Our panel of solicitors are highly experienced in handling firefighter injury claims, and if your case is accepted, they may offer to represent you under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)—this is a type of No Win No Fee arrangement.

What Are The Benefits of a Conditional Fee Agreement?

A Conditional Fee Agreement offers several key advantages to firefighters who want to pursue a compensation claim without facing financial risk of hiring legal representation, such as:

• No upfront service fees

• No service fees if your claim fails

• Success fee only if your claim wins – If your firefighter injury claim is successful, a success fee (capped by law) will be deducted from your compensation. This fee will be clearly agreed upon at the start of the claims process.

Our panel of solicitors will work diligently to gather evidence, value your claim accurately, and seek maximum compensation for all the harm and losses you’ve endured—including medical bills, lost earnings, and physical pain.

If you’ve been affected by a firefighter accident at work and want to learn more about how to make a compensation claim, we’re here to help. We’ll review your case in a free, no-obligation consultation, and explain your options clearly.

Contact Our Advisors

If you’ve been injured working as a firefighter, we encourage you to reach out. Whether your injury was due to inadequate supervision, faulty equipment, or a lack of safety measures, Legal Helpline is here to help you claim compensation.

We’re ready to provide free advice and connect you with our panel of solicitors who work under No Win No Fee terms Contact us today:

• Call 0333 000 0729
• Contact us online
• Use our live chat

Learn More

More articles by us:

• See if you could claim for a serious injury after an accident at work
• Learn if you can claim if you are unable to work after an injury.
• Learn if you get fully paid if injured at work

External resources:

• Learn about heroism in the fire and rescue service from the Health and Safety Executive
• See if you could receive statutory sick pay from Gov.UK
• Guidance on first aid from the NHS

Thank you for reading this guide on firefighter injury claims.