Court Finds Volunteer Firefighter Entitled to Benefits

A volunteer firefighter injured in the course of his duties is entitled to an award of benefits for a loss of earning capacity, the New York 3rd Appellate Division held in Weinstein v. Somers Fire District, Workers' Compensation Board, 500629, 02/08/2007. Robert Weinstein, a self-employed real estate agent, was injured while lifting an oxygen tank into an ambulance during the course of his duties as a volunteer firefighter. A workers' compensation judge awarded Weinstein permanent partial disability benefits, as well as an additional award for a 50% loss of earning capacity. The decision...