Standing up for Firefighters

Our firm is proud to represent and protect the rights of firefighters. We understand that often the internal stress of an OPS or IA investigation or not being paid properly for overtime may seem more powerful than the outward dangers you face protecting and saving the lives of strangers. Further, we know that when you are injured in car wrecks or other accidents, the loss of your ability to work side jobs affects your entire family. That is why we put the experience of our team behind protecting your job, well-being, and career.

Can We Help You?

Have you been involved, on duty or off duty, in an automobile or tractor-trailer accident?

Whether you were on or off duty, a wreck can seriously affect your ability to work, support yourself and your family, and enjoy your limited time off. We will evaluate your specific case to determine if we can help you get through this difficult time.

Were you hit by a commercial vehicle like a dump truck, bus, moving truck, or delivery truck?

Drivers and owners of commercial vehicles have specific obligations above and beyond the normal driver. They must inspect those vehicles daily, ensure that the drivers are properly qualified and able to drive, and use additional caution due to the size and weight of the vehicle. We know the unique regulations and laws that apply to them and will hold them responsible.

Have you been involved in an on-duty death or other critical incident?

We have represented law enforcement officers and other public safety personnel in over eighty shootings, in-custody deaths, and other critical incidents. Each is unique and carries with it concerns for discipline, civil liability, and the potential for criminal charges. We recognize the stress these cases have on you, the department, and your family. We work to get you and your family through the process, protect your rights, and ensure that you are treated fairly. I wrote a book on this very topic to educate public safety personnel after a shooting.

Have you been written up, suspended, demoted, or fired?

Whether you are right or wrong, you deserve to be treated fairly and in a professional manner. We handle these cases on a regular basis and will help you navigate through the process to work towards the best possible outcome.

Are you the subject of an HR, internal affairs or OPS investigation?

Every investigation is serious. You should seek legal representation and be prepared for every interview and inquiry. You have rights and should receive all legal due process afforded to you under the law and the policies of your agency.

Have you resigned while under investigation or been forced to resign?

If you’ve made this decision, there will be consequences for your certification and career. We handle a lot of these cases and can explain the options available to help you move forward.

Have you been paid incorrectly or not paid for all your time?

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 is a law that ensures employees are properly paid for the hours worked, and it applies to government agencies. If you work, you must be paid. If you work hours over a set number, you must be paid time and a half or premium pay. Contact us if you believe you are not being paid properly.

Have you been served with a lawsuit regarding your job duties?

A lawsuit concerning your work can be scary. However, the law affords you with a lot of defenses and in many cases, you cannot be sued individually. We work with your agency, your agency’s legal department, the government’s insurance company, and your personal insurance company to protect your career and your personal assets.

Have you received a notice from a licensing board regarding your certification?

The state has the ability to investigate, regulate, and sanction your state license. Any sanction against your certifications can affect your career. If your certification is revoked, you may have difficulty obtaining any other state license like a teaching certificate or real estate license. Therefore, any inquiry from the state must be taken seriously. We routinely assist in responses to the licensing board to ensure your story is told and your rights are protected.

Are you trying to get your certification back?

Sometimes fire fighters lose their certificates due to errors in judgment or misconduct. Other times, we have them lose certification due to administrative errors or poor advice. We are familiar with the process to seek reinstatement of your license and will work with you to decide if reinstatement is an option, what should be presented to the board to seek reinstatement, and to present the best case possible.

If ANY of the above are true about your case, please call us immediately.

770-644-2378

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Judge Gavel
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