Statutory Scheme for Firefighter Cancer Claims Doesn't Bar Benefits for Widow

A Florida appellate court ruled that a receipt of benefits under the statutory scheme specific to firefighters with cancer did not preclude his widow from also recovering death benefits under the workers’ compensation law. Eric Siena worked as a firefighter for Orange County Fire Rescue. He was diagnosed with cancer in April 2020 and received benefits pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 112.1816(2), which provides payment for cancer treatments in lieu of workers’ compensation benefits, and a one-time cash payout of $25,000. Siena died just over a year later, in May 2021. Sien...