Fire Law The Liabilities and Rights of the Fire Service Thomas D. Schneid Today’s 34,000 fire departments across the country are at increased risk of civil and criminal liability. According to Tom Schneid, municipal departments, volunteer organizations, and industrial fire brigades are more vulnerable than ever before to lawsuits, fines, and other damages, which means that the country’s 1.2 million firefighters simply must gain a working knowledge of the various areas of potential liability if they are to avoid litigation. Fire Law refers to actual court cases, giving readers the fullest possible understanding of issues, facts, court reasoning, and even dissenting opinions. The book discusses the procedures of the various courts—from the federal on down to the municipal level. It sheds light on such issues as:

• The legal implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• The legal impact of National Fire Protection Association Standards
• Firefighter’s responsibilities under OSHA and other federal regulations
• The legal liabilities of emergency medical service workers
• "Assumption of risk" doctrine and "fellow servant" rule
• "Special duty" and "attractive nuisance" doctrines

Cutting through the "legalese" to provide useful, plain-English guidance on the rights and responsibilities of fire service personnel, Fire Law will become an invaluable resource to firefighters everywhere. Designed to be used in conjunction with legal counsel, it provides fire departments with invaluable legal guidance and some much-deserved peace of mind.

Overview of the Law.

Organization of the Judiciary System.

Civil and Criminal Law.

Civil Liability with Fire Departments.

Civil Liability for Fire Fighters.

Liabilities for the Safety of Fire Fighters.

N.F.P.A., B.O.C.A., N.E.C.

and Others.

Other Potential Liabilities of the Fire Fighter.

Liabilities in Hiring.

Liabilities in Termination of Employment.

Index.