PTSD claims by first responders and other eligible employees
In early 2021 the workers’ compensation laws were changed to acknowledge the link between the nature of work undertaken by first responders (and other eligible employees) and PTSD.
For claims lodged by these workers on or from 20 May 2021 there is a simplified claim process.
These workers no longer need to prove the PTSD was caused by work. The injury will automatically be accepted as being related to work unless there is evidence proving otherwise.
Who qualifies?
First responders can work for state or local government, or the private sector, and include:
police officers and police recruits
ambulance officers
child safety officers (authorised officers)
corrective services officers
youth justice staff members
firefighters, fire services officers, members of the State Emergency Service and members of the rural fire brigade
doctors and nurses working in emergency and trauma care; acute care; critical care; and high-dependency care
coal miners and other miners who perform a mines rescue.
These workers will be in jobs that require them to:
experience repeated or extreme exposure to graphic details of traumatic incidents as they attend the scene of traumatic incidents
experience the traumatic incident as they happen
investigate, review, or assess traumatic incidents that have happened to other people.
Read more: Worksafe QLD
Even if you have retired or are now working in a different role, you may still be eligible for apply for workers’ compensation after being diagnosed with PTSD arising from your duties as a first responder or other eligible employee.
For further assistance
The team at Southside Legal are experienced in assisting people with PTSD and other trauma-related psychological and psychiatric conditions and ensuring you are fully supported. Give us a call today.
