New York lawmaker wants to strengthen pro­tec­tions for fire­fighters

Accelerating the process for workers' compensation and recovering legal fees are among the proposals backed by Democratic state Sen. John Mannion meant to aid volunteer firefighters in New York.

The measures were proposed as a way to help volunteer firefighters and their families who face financial problems when waiting for workers' compensation for injuries incurred in the line of duty.

"Volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. They should not have to wait months or years for the compensation they deserve following an injury in the line of duty," Mannion said. "These bills will help ensure that volunteer firefighters and their families can focus on healing and moving forward, rather than worrying about financial burdens and long legal battles. I commend Art and Nancy Hudson for their tireless advocacy on behalf of volunteer firefighters across the state and I share their commitment to ensuring what happened to them never happens to another family."

The package of bills were proposed after volunteer firefighter Art Hudson in 2022 suffered a cardiac arrest while on duty. The result, Mannion said, has been Hudson being burdened with medical debt and attorney's fees running tens of thousands of dollars while waiting reimbursement. 

"These bills are critical to ensuring that volunteer firefighters receive the support they need when they need it most," Hudson and his wife Nancy said.

It can take months or up to a year for workers' compensation cases to be resolved. Mannion wants to expedite the process for compensation for volunteer firefighters in order for them to have a hearing within 120 days of a claim being filed. 

At the same time, Mannion wants the Workers' Compensation Board to consider the cost of legal fees against an insurance company when issuing a full reward amount.