Most Pennsylvania residents would agree that firefighting is a noble but dangerous occupation. Rescuing people from burning buildings is not a job that just anyone can do. Those who select and are successful in the occupation must anticipate problems and are trained on what to do to avoid getting hurt while battling a blaze. It is not likely however that most are trained on how to respond to a fire truck ladder collapse.

Training for this would have come in handy for an Aliquippa firefighter who was injured in an accident on the job when the ladder did just that.

The work related accident occurred last weekend while the man was fighting a fire at Junak's Auto Repair located on Franklin Avenue. He was apparently on the ladder which had been extended from the truck when it collapsed after first buckling. The man fell to the ground below.

As a result of the fall the man reportedly broke his elbow. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital for treatment and is expected to be fine.

The injured firefighter may decide to file a workers' compensation claim. Similar to filing an insurance claim, workers' compensation benefits are available to cover the economic losses an employee may incur while recovering from an injury. It is not necessary for the injuries to be catastrophic in order to recoup the benefits. Because the system can be difficult to navigate however, it is often a good idea to consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney when one is seeking benefits.

Source: WPXI, "Aliquippa Firefighter Hurt When Truck's Ladder Collapses," Jan. 8, 2012