Firefighter Accident Claims

Firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs, as they are constantly exposed to hazards such as fires, hazardous chemicals, working at heights and toxic fumes. Without adequate training, personal protective equipment and safety measures, they can suffer various injuries in the line of duty, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Like any other employer, the fire and rescue services must take all reasonable measures to keep firefighters safe from harm.

If you were injured as a result of your employer’s negligence, you could be entitled to make a firefighter accident claim. Your compensation will cover the pain and suffering you experienced, as well as any related financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and care costs.

To find out if you are able to make a claim with the help of a solicitor, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back for a free case assessment. If your case has merit, they will offer you a no win no fee* service and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• What hazards are firefighters exposed to?
• Fire Service duty of care to prevent accidents at work
• Am I eligible to make a firefighter injury claim?
• What is the personal injury claims process?
• What evidence do I need to support my case?
• Common injuries seen in firefighter accident claims
• Frequently asked questions
• Is there a time limit to make a firefighter injury compensation claim?
• How much compensation can I claim as a firefighter injured at work?
• Can I be sacked for claiming firefighter injury compensation?
• What does No Win No Fee mean?

What hazards are firefighters exposed to?

Firefighters are exposed to various hazards during their duties, which can pose significant risks to their health and safety. These include:

• Fire, flames and extreme temperatures, which can cause burn injuries and heat-related illnesses;
• Smoke inhalation and toxic gases can lead to respiratory problems, lung damage and increased risk of cancer and heart disease;
• Structural collapses, which pose a risk of life-threatening head and crush injuries;
• Fall hazards due to working at heights, such as on ladders, roofs and platforms;
• Dangerous materials, such as chemicals, flammable liquids and asbestos;
• Biological hazards such as bloodborne pathogens, mould, bacteria, or viruses, especially when responding to medical emergencies;
• Work-related stress due to the demanding and traumatic nature of their job, which may expose them to death, severe injuries and trauma;
• Vehicle accidents due to the high speed at which they travel to respond to emergencies;
• They may also encounter live electrical wires or equipment, which can cause electric shocks and electrocution.

There are many other potential risks that can cause injuries to firefighters. According to a government report, there was a total of 2,646 firefighter injuries in England between 2018 and 2019, of which 54 were classed as major.

Fire Service duty of care to prevent accidents at work

Your employer has various responsibilities they must fulfil to keep you safe from injuries at work. Their duties are dictated by workplace legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 and include:

• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential dangers and risks posed by firefighting operations, training activities and other work-related tasks;
• Implement adequate control measures and safety protocols to eliminate or reduce the identified risks;
• Practice good housekeeping to prevent slip, trip and fall accidents due to spillages, objects left in walkways and other hazards;
• Provide ongoing firefighter training and education to enhance their skills and knowledge;
• Keep all equipment, vehicles, and tools adequately maintained and in good working order;
• Develop emergency response plans to manage fires, hazardous substance incidents, rescues and other critical situations effectively;
• Provide proper supervision and ensure firefighters get sufficient breaks and do not work too many hours.

The fire service must also ensure that all firefighters are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment at work, which includes:

• Respiratory protection against toxic and harmful substances;
• Face masks to protect them from sparks and flames;
• Hard hats to keep them safe from falling objects in unsafe environments;
• Special boots to protect their feet from intense heat, puncture wounds and other injuries;
• Gloves and protective clothing against heat and flames.

If you have been injured while working as a firefighter due to a breach of duty, you may be entitled to claim compensation from your employer.

Am I eligible to make a firefighter injury claim?

If you suffered an injury whilst working as a firefighter, you might be able to claim compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses. To find out if you have a valid case, all you have to do is call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back for a free case assessment with a trained legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions to verify whether:

• Another party (which is typically the fire service) owed you a duty of care;
• They breached their duty towards you by acting negligently;
• You suffered a workplace accident and injury due to their negligence.

A breach of duty is something your solicitor will be able to prove based on UK legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or the Road Traffic Act 1988. Based on the circumstances of your accident, the party liable for compensation could be:

• The Fire Service (your employer), if they failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure your health and safety at work;
• The local council, if you were injured due to a road or pavement defect that they were responsible for maintaining;
• A road user, if you were hurt in a road traffic accident due to their negligence;
• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), if you were the victim of a criminal assault on or off duty.

Your solicitor will be able to determine who your claim will be against and will offer you support and advice at every step of the firefighter injury claim process.

What is the personal injury claims process?

The steps involved in claiming firefighter injury compensation are typically the following:

• A free initial consultation. A personal injury solicitor will offer you a free case assessment to verify whether your case has merit. This is also a chance for you to ask any questions you have about the legal process.
• Investigations. Your solicitor will thoroughly investigate your case and gather the necessary evidence to support your accident compensation claim. They may also arrange a free medical exam to assess the full extent of your injuries and any future care needs.
• Negotiations. Once both parties have your case’s details, they will begin to negotiate a settlement. Your solicitor will aim to secure the maximum compensation for your losses.
• Court proceedings. If the other side denies liability or you cannot agree on a settlement that both parties find fair, your personal injury lawyer will be ready to take your case to court. In this case, a judge will decide the outcome of your claim based on the available evidence. This scenario should not worry you, as more than 95% of all cases are settled out of court before getting to this stage.

What evidence do I need to support my case?

You will need various types of evidence to make a successful firefighter injury claim and get the compensation you deserve. This will vary depending on the type of accident that caused your injury at work but could include:

• Photographs or videos of the accident scene and any visible injuries;
• If CCTV footage is available, try to secure it as quickly as possible, as it is usually deleted within a month;
• Medical records from your GP or the hospital are essential to prove your diagnosis and recovery prospects;
• Statements from anyone who saw how the accident happened can help establish liability;
• A copy of an accident report you should file with your employer to prove when and where you were injured, as well as any contributing factors or hazards present at the scene;
• Your notes about how the accident happened and how the injuries you suffered have affected your life;
• Evidence of any expenses or financial losses, such as medical bills, payslips and invoices;
• Your solicitor may also be able to secure workplace documents such as training records and safety inspections.

Common injuries seen in firefighter accident claims

Injuries sustained by firefighters on duty can range from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Burns and scalds – from exposure to intense heat, flames, and hot substances;
• Respiratory issues – due to inhaling smoke or toxic gases;
• Broken bones – as a result of falls, structural collapses, or other traumatic incidents;
• Cuts and lacerations – from handling sharp objects or debris in unsafe environments;
• Back injuries – these could be strains, sprains, and herniated discs caused by the physically demanding nature of the job;
• Spinal cord injuries – can be due to falls, being struck by falling objects, or road accidents and can have life-changing consequences like paralysis;
• Head injuries – these range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries and can be caused by falls, blows to the head, or being struck by objects;
• Sprains and strains – these affect muscles and ligaments and are due to fatigue, lifting heavy equipment, and performing strenuous tasks;
• Repetitive stress injuries – such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, from performing repetitive motions or tasks over time;
• Cancer – from exposure to carcinogens and toxins present in smoke and firefighting chemicals, highlighting the importance of protective measures and monitoring;
• Crush injuries – these can be due to structural collapses, falling debris, or heavy equipment, which can result in severe trauma and may lead to loss of limbs;
• Stress-related conditions – you may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression after exposure to traumatic events in the line of duty.

Before calculating your firefighter accident compensation, your solicitor will thoroughly assess the impact and any long-term effects caused by your injuries.

Frequently asked questions

Below, we have answered some common questions we receive about claiming firefighter accident compensation. If you want more detailed information or a free case assessment, do not hesitate to get in touch with a solicitor by calling 0800 470 0474 or using our online claim form.

Is there a time limit to make a firefighter injury compensation claim?

The time limit to start a claim for compensation is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and is typically three years. The time will begin to run from either:

• The date of your work accident
• The date your injury or illness was diagnosed (date of knowledge)

Although you have three years, seeking legal advice as early as possible is better if you have been injured at work. That will ensure you remember any essential details about the events and make collecting the necessary evidence to support your case easier. Several exceptions may apply to your firefighter injury claim:

• If you cannot handle the case due to a brain injury, PTSD or another condition, the time limit is suspended. A litigation friend could claim on your behalf at any time.
• If you’ve been injured due to a criminal assault, you have two years to claim through the CICA.
• If a loved one has passed away after being injured in the line of duty, you have three years to claim after their death.

How much compensation can I claim as a firefighter injured at work?

Each case is different, and the amount of compensation you could claim will depend on your specific losses. Your settlement will cover two types of damages:

• Special damages, awarded for financial losses like private treatments, loss of earnings, travel expenses and care costs
• General damages, awarded for the type and severity of the injuries caused by the accident, such as physical pain, mental distress and loss of amenities

The award for general damages will depend on the type and severity of your injuries and can range from a few thousand pounds to over £300,000. Please use our compensation calculator to get a rough idea of how much firefighter accident compensation you could receive.

Can I be sacked for claiming firefighter injury compensation?

Under unfair dismissal laws, you have legal protection against any retaliation based on an accident at work claim. Your employer cannot sack you, demote you, block your promotion, allow other employees to bully you, or treat you any differently if you make an honest compensation claim.

If you have been treated unlawfully, you may have a claim for unfair dismissal. The same is valid if you were forced to leave your job for a valid reason, such as being demoted or not receiving your payment. In these cases, you must take the claim to an employment tribunal within three months of your dismissal.

If the tribunal rules in your favour, it may order your employer to give you your job back or re-employ you in a different position. They may also have to pay you compensation, the value of which will depend on your age, length of service, and gross weekly pay.

What does No Win No Fee mean?

If you are eligible to make a claim for a firefighter injury, your solicitor will offer you a no win on fee service. With no win no fee, you do not have to worry about the burden of legal fees and taking a financial risk when making a claim. You do not pay anything upfront; your solicitor will only receive a success fee as a percentage of your compensation if they win your claim. Otherwise, you do not pay them a single penny.

Furthermore, any legal costs incurred during the claims process will be covered by the After the Event (ATE) insurance. These include court fees, medical reports, expert witness fees and the defendant’s expenses. This again ensures you won’t pay a penny if your claim is unsuccessful.

To start a firefighter accident claim today, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with an experienced solicitor or request a call back using our online claim form.

Last edited on 16th Oct 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.