Firefighters who develop cancer may be entitled to benefits under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation system as well as PERA and Duty Disability benefits. These benefits include wage loss, medical expenses, as well as dependency benefits if the firefighter passes from cancer.

The Firefighter Cancer Presumption in the Minnesota Work Comp Act, creates additional protections for firefighters who develop cancer as a result of their exposures while firefighting. A firefighter who develops a “disabling cancer of a type caused by exposure to heat, radiation, or a known or suspected carcinogen… is presumed to have an occupational disease.” Minn. Stat. Sec. 176.011, subd. 15.

Just because this presumption exists, does not mean that insurers are doing the right thing and protecting Minnesotan Firefighters. Cancer cases are hotly contested, and upon information and belief, in Minnesota only one case litigated by Attorney Mary Beth Boyce, as of September 2021, under the Firefighter Presumption, has been successfully tried, entitling the firefighter to work comp benefits for his cancer for the rest of his life.