Senator Mannion proposing new legislation aimed at protecting volunteer firefighters
Originally published in
CNY Central
Volunteer firefighters could gain more protective rights with Sen. John Mannion’s newly-proposed legislation.
Sen. Mannion’s two new bills would prevent those in the line-of-duty from taking on out-of-pocket expenses and debt leading up to Workers’ Compensation Board hearings following injuries.
These changes come after Camillus resident and Marcellus Volunteer Firefighter, Art Hudson, incurred tens of thousands of dollars in personal debt through a Workers’ Compensation Board claim and appeal after suffering a cardiac arrest responding to a call.
"The past year has been terrible, to be honest with you. We've just been ... all we've been through is hearings, and denials from the Board of Comp.," Hudson said. "I have no idea what the total bill is ... it's big."
“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," Mannion said.
Typically, those who are injured could be looking at several months to a year for resolution in Workers’ Compensation cases. The new legislation would require a hearing ordered by the Worker’s Compensation board within 120 days of the filed claim.
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The proposed bills focus on letting volunteer firefighters recover legal fees without the payment requirement of the percentage of the compensation award. The Workers Compensation Board will now consider the legal fees against insurance companies, ensuring full award distribution.
“I commend Senator Mannion for his continued advocacy for volunteer fire departments. As we continue to address historic recruiting challenges, his legislation will bring peace of mind to new members who are concerned what an on-duty injury may mean for themselves and their families,” Mark Delasin, president of the Marcellus Fire Department said.