THE ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has paid out almost £150,000 in compensation related to claims made against it, new figures show.
Statistics collected through freedom of information requests by No Win No Fee Solicitors Co have shown that RBFRS paid £146,000 to successful claims made since 2020.
Many claims come from fire officers themselves as a result of the numerous dangers they face on a daily basis, such as fighting fires, working at heights, and handling hazardous chemicals.
Although they are equipped with industry-standard protective equipment, this often has its limits against the intense heat of a burning building.
As such, fire services must offer comprehensive firefighter training to their employees to minimise the risks that they may encounter during their careers.
However if a firefighter is injured at work and believes their employer’s negligence was to blame, they may be eligible to make a firefighter injury claim for compensation.
Firefighters aren’t the only ones who can claim compensation against fire services– members of the public can also lodge claims if they believe a service has been negligent.
Figures show that from 2020 to 2024, 101 public and employer liability claims were lodged against the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue, 43 of which were settled.
Motor claims were by far the most common reason for claims, with 96 having been successfully lodged in the past five years.
Successful personal injury and employer liability claims numbered two each, and one property damage claim was successfully lodged.
Solicitor for JF Law, Lucy Parker, said: “Submitting a claim against the fire service when there is a perceived fault can lead to positive change in procedures and training, helping to prevent the same mistakes from occurring again.
“It is not just about your individual case, but about the safety of the community as a whole.”
“Whether you’re an employee claiming for workplace injuries or a member of the public claiming for property damage against a fire service, the specific legal grounds and procedural requirements will differ.
“If you feel that a fire service is at fault, then you should seek legal advice to see whether you have any grounds to submit a claim.”
No Win No Fee Solicitors Co offers an expert claims and legal advice service on accidents at work and public liability claims.
They help those who have suffered an injury at work while working for the fire service or have been injured as a member of the public.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and an online claim form, available via: nowinnofeesolicitorsco.co.uk
