Florida first responders have always been entitled to medical coverage under the Workers’ Compensation law. They were not, however, covered for any loss of wages if they were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a direct result of a work-related incident.
The Florida Senate has now, however, approved a bill that will cover the loss of wages for first responders diagnosed with PTSD, and the house is expected to follow suit. Given the difficult and often distressing nature of the work undertaken by first responders throughout the state, this is a major breakthrough in the way that employees show their respect to those who protect us when we need them most.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs when an individual witnesses a life-threatening event or serious incident. They can be haunted by the trauma of what they have seen, and the disorder can manifest itself in numerous ways. People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feeling detached or estranged for a long time after the incident took place. In many cases, these symptoms are severe enough to significantly impair their daily life, often making them unable to work for significant periods of time.
PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy and medicines, but more often than not the sufferer will need to take time away from work to help them cope with both the mental and physical challenges of the condition.
New Bill Assures Rights For First Responders
Florida Gov. Rick Scott will sign the bill that allows first responders who suffer from the disorder to claim for any loss of wages while they are recovering. As many as a third of other U.S. states already have similar laws in place as the long-term effects of the condition become better understood by the community at large.
Changes to the current law have taken a long time to reach come to fruition. Although legislation was introduced after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando two years ago, leaving 49 people dead, the bill has languished in Florida’s Legislature for some time.
Following the shooting at Pulse, at least 3 public responders publicly went on record to discuss their own experience with PTSD as a direct result of the fatal incident. While it goes without saying that first responders are there to protect the public, it is also the responsibility of the Government to protect first responders who suffer mental anguish caused in the line of duty.
The Law Offices of Ala Alikhani, P.A. On Hand To Help
Here at the Law Offices of Ala Alikhani, P.A., we fully appreciate the difficulties faced by first responders in Florida. Having to witness incidents that most of us hope we never have to face, will undoubtedly take its toll eventually. Unfortunately, many First Responders have been unable to deal with the stress caused by such horrific events, and some have even taken their own lives as a result of the insurmountable torment caused by such events. Being haunted by visions of these dreadful acts is bad enough, but losing your wages and your livelihood must surely compound the pressure.
Enabling workers to apply for loss of wages should in some way help them recover in their own time, without having to worry about paying bills and feeding their families.
If you or someone you know is a first responder who has been diagnosed with PTSD, speak to us today to see how we can help.
When you hire the Law Offices of Ala Alikhani, P.A. to represent you, we go to extremes to ensure employers and their insurance companies are held accountable and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to by the law.
Were you injured at work? Contact us for a FREE consultation. We are available throughout all times of the day to discuss your case with you. Our office is fluent in Creole and Spanish.
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