Ohio Bill Would Allow Workers Compensation for First Responder PTSD

Background

An Ohio Senate committee passed S.B.5, legislation that would make police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from employment eligible for workers’ compensation, even though there is no accompanying physical injury.

Current law, Ohio Revised Code 4123.01(C)(1), does not cover compensation for psychiatric conditions unless the first responder with PTSD has a related physical injury or was forced into sexual conduct. The bill’s sponsors introduced similar legislation last year that passed the Senate with bipartisan support but did not make it to the House.

Supporters

Backers of the measure, including the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, believe that first responders need help addressing their ailments whether those ailments are mental or physical.

NRS Position

Should the measure become law, it could eventually lead to proposal for all employees to receive benefits for PTSD, regardless of whether a physical injury caused the psychological condition. The attorneys at Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg fully support S.B. 5 and other measures that offer compensation to victims of PTSD. We firmly believe that any person suffering from PTSD from job-related incidents—such as a bank teller robbed at gunpoint—should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

S.B.5 awaits a vote by the full Senate where it has bipartisan support.

The attorneys at Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. will continue to actively monitor the first responders and PTSD legislation. For more information, please contact us today at 216-289-4740, Toll Free at (855) Got-Hurt, or by filling out our No-Risk Consultation form.