Workers’ Compensation for Police Officers with PTSD

 Posted on May 29, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

All jobs have some sort of risk for a workplace injury. Jobs with a much safer daily routine might present employees with a higher risk for something like carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, if the worker sits at a desk typing on a computer most of the day. Other jobs have more risk for physical injury, for example, movers and athletes who might strain their muscles or have people or things collide with them more. Some jobs can be emotionally difficult or put people in real danger, and they present a higher risk of PTSD. For example, it is not unusual for police officers to witness something gruesome, be in traumatic or stressful situations, or have friends and colleagues get injured or killed in the line of duty. PTSD could impact them and make it hard for them to keep going to work. This article will discuss workers’ compensation for police officers with work-related PTSD. If you are suffering injuries or ailments from your workplace, speak with a dedicated Will County, IL workers’ comp attorney to understand your options.

Is Workers’ Comp for PTSD Possible in Illinois?

In some states, workers’ compensation only covers physical injuries that stop someone from doing their job. The state of Illinois thankfully recognizes how debilitating PTSD can be and how it can impact someone just as much as a physical injury.

Like other injuries, if you want compensation for how PTSD has affected you and your ability to work, you need to show that it was caused by something job-related. You also need to demonstrate the severity of your condition. Medical records by therapists and others can be helpful as you try to make your case. They can detail when your symptoms began and draw a line between what happened and how it affected you.

Once you can prove your claims, you might be awarded compensation for all your PTSD-related costs, including medical bills for treatment, therapy, and counseling, as well as lost income from the time you spent away from work while you were recovering.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Joliet, IL Workers’ Comp Attorney

If something that happened while you were doing your job has made you develop PTSD, speak with a compassionate Will County, IL workers’ comp lawyer who can provide you with experience-based guidance. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we salute our police officers for their dedication to our safety, and we fight hard to get them the compensation they deserve. Call us at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation.