While it is possible for any North Carolina worker to be injured on the job, there are inherently some positions that are more dangerous than others. Most would agree that fire fighting is one of the more dangerous positions out there. A firefighter working to put out a fire at a textile plant located in Rowan, North Carolina, knows this all too well.

The man arrived at the site of the fire sometime after 4:00 a.m. At that time flames were beginning to shoot through the roof. It is suspected that the fire started as a result of some demolition on duct work. Sprinklers that may have otherwise put the flames out were not working when firefighters arrived on the scene.

The firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion while fighting the fire. Though he received treatment at the scene, he was nonetheless transported to Northeast Medical Center located in Concord, where he was admitted for observation.

While the extent of the man's injuries is not known, he may decide it is necessary to file a workers' compensation claim. When successful, an injured worker may receive compensation for certain expenses accrued while he or she is out of work. Each state has its own system for obtaining the benefits.

The process is not a simple one and it is not uncommon to be rejected at least once. This is in part due to the numerous stages where things can go wrong. These different stages include the investigation, the application, the award, the appeal and the reinstatement. Because these cases can be complex, it is often a good idea to consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney. He or she may be able to assist in the matters.

Source: WBTV, "Fire damages old textile plant in Rowan; one firefighter injured," David Whisenant, Feb. 2, 2012