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According to WDTN-TV, an Ohio Senate panel is currently reviewing legislation that would allow for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether they suffer physical injuries.
The news outlet reports that the bill, which was being reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee as of earlier this month, would allow for police, peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians to collect workers’ compensation benefits if their PTSD was a result of work.
Currently, Ohio workers’ compensation laws do not allow benefits to be paid to people with psychiatric conditions, unless a worker has a related physical injury or was “forced into an act of sexual conduct” while on the job. The bill has been awaiting action from the Senate panel since the spring.
The biggest opposition to the bill appears to be from “police chiefs and local leaders worried about the costs and potential frivolous claims,” according to WDTN.
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We are excited that this progressive approach concerning PTSD and workers’ compensation may be enacted in Ohio. Continue to follow our blog and we will update this story as more news comes out.
Emergency responders see many unimaginable things as they respond to fires, vehicle accidents, violent assaults and crime scenes. It is incredibly important that their employers account for their psychiatric health.
These employees should not be working if they are suffering mentally, as their jobs are important when it comes to the safety of others. Having workers’ compensation in place while they rehabilitate mentally from an incident that causes PTSD would benefit both the workers and the victims who depend on them for quality care.
If you suffer injuries at work, contact our law firm about pursuing Ohio workers’ compensation benefits. You can reach our workers’ compensation attorneys directly by calling (614) 221-7548 or you can use the free case review form on this page.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorneys
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