South Carolina Senate Bill Would Boost Workers' Comp for First Responders

A bill currently in the South Carolina State Senate would make it easier for first responders to get workers' compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. This would make it easier for policemen, firemen, paramedics, and other first responders to receive compensation for mental trauma they may suffer while performing their jobs.

Under current workers' compensation laws, workers are only compensated for mental injuries or illness if the conditions of their employment result in "extraordinary and unusual" instances of mental anguish. Senator Paul Thurmond, the lead sponsor of the bill, has stated that, because first responders have to deal with disturbing and graphic instances of violence, any significantly traumatic experience they have would already fit the "extraordinary and unusual" description.

If you work in law enforcement, as a firefighter, or as an EMT or paramedic, any traumatic experience that results in PTSD will be covered by workers' comp if this bill passes.

If you do not work as a first responder, your mental injury and illness can still be covered, as long as it is "extraordinary and unusual" compared to what your job usually entails, or if mental injuries have been aggravated by a physical injury- for example, if you break your leg and then start suffering from depression. However, you need the support of your employer, a doctor, and a psychologist to prove that this is the case.

If you have been in a work injury and want to make sure you are getting all the workers' compensation that is due to you by law, contact the workers' compensation lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm. We'll take a look at your case for free and let you know whether there are any benefits to pursuing legal action.

To set up your free, confidential legal consultation today, call Steinberg Law Firm at (855) 270-5670. We serve clients in Charleston and throughout South Carolina.