Ambulance and sanitation truck collide, injuring four

A New York ambulance and sanitation truck collided in Brooklyn on Nov. 12, injuring four city workers. The collision occurred around 10:15 a.m. at the intersection of Classon Ave. and Dean St.

At the time of the accident, the ambulance was on its way to a call for cardiac arrest. According to an FDNY spokesman, the response to the cardiac arrest call was not hampered by the accident since there had been a second ambulance on the way to the scene. Two sanitation workers and two paramedics sustained serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The four injured people may be entitled to collect workers' compensation benefits.

The nature of some occupations result in an increased risk for employees. For example, paramedics are often driving at high speeds while on the way to the scene of a call. When workers are injured on the job, they may be entitled to compensation for the medical costs of their injuries as well as lost income.

A personal injury attorney with a background in workers' compensation cases may be able to offer advice and assistance to an employee who was injured at work. Some employers are reluctant to pay fair compensation and may use intimidation tactics to pressure employees to accept a minimal settlement. An attorney has an understanding of the law and issues facing injured workers and, through skillful negotiation, it may be possible to obtain a fair settlement. If the company continues to deny a workers' claim, the next step could be litigation in civil court. If the argument for the plaintiff is compelling, the jury may award a significant settlement.