California Firefighters and PTSD

 Posted on August 28, 2024 in Types of Benefits

As a society, we depend on firefighters to keep us safe. They are called on to help in many situations: fires, serious car crashes, and construction collapses, to name a few. Firefighters go to work every day to save people whose lives are in danger, and in doing so, they put themselves at risk, too. Unfortunately, because of the nature of their work, firefighters face a high risk of serious injury, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Like all employees in California, firefighters are also entitled to workers’ compensation to cover the costs of these injuries, but the red tape involved in proving their injuries, specifically nonphysical injuries like PTSD, can feel like an uphill battle. If you are a firefighter who has been injured in any way while doing your job, speak with an experienced Hollister, CA workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you navigate the complicated process and guide you on how to move forward.

Common Injuries for Firefighters

Because of the nature of their work, firefighters are at a higher risk for certain types of injuries, including:

• Burns: Firefighters often work around uncontrolled flames, leading to burn injuries. Physical treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Incidents resulting in burns can also be traumatizing and leave a significant psychological impact, requiring support and counseling.
• Smoke inhalation: Firefighters can inhale enough smoke to knock them unconscious and deprive them of the oxygen they need. It can cause lasting damage to the lungs and can be fatal if left untreated.
• Fractures: Being inside a burning building with walls and roofs crashing down around you can lead to severe bone fractures. You might need to immobilize the bone for an extended period, and you might even need surgery to repair it.
• PTSD: Firefighters demonstrate courage every time they go to work, but running into a dangerous area to save people can be traumatic, with long-lasting effects. Flashbacks to extreme heat, loud noises, and an inability to breathe can pop into their head without warning. They can also be haunted by memories of people they were unable to save. 

The Challenge of Proving Work-Related PTSD

Since emotional distress does not always have physical symptoms, it can be challenging to prove. For a firefighter suffering from PTSD, it can be even harder to verify that the condition is specifically connected to work and not anything else. According to a recent report, California workers’ compensation claims involving PTSD are filed by firefighters and police at a higher rate than for any other workers and are denied more than other claims. With workers’ compensation potentially covering medical costs of treatment, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and supplemental job displacement benefits, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the system to get you maximum coverage.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a San Benito County, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are a firefighter suffering from work-related PTSD, speak with a qualified Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney to understand your options. At Cramer + Martinez, we have helped many California employees navigate the complicated system and are passionate about getting you the coverage you deserve. Call us at 408-848-1113 so we can review your case.