First Responders Archives - Workers' Compensation Defense

American Patriotism Honored: 9/11 First Responders Receive the Health Benefits They Deserve

On September 11, 2019, some of New York’s greatest heroes were honored as Gov. Cuomo signed legislation to aid first responders who developed a qualifying health condition due to harmful exposure after those dreadful attacks 18 years earlier. This legislation reminds all New Yorkers that while the effects of this horrific day continue to live physically and emotionally within first responders, New York City will continue to connect them to health benefits.

First responders who helped in providing service on September 11 suffered drastic health …

August 12, 2019 Connecticut / Legislation

Connecticut Legislative Update: Workers’ Compensation Coverage Expanded for Some First Responders

In a rare legislative change to Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Law, Gov. Ned Lamont recently signed into law Senate Bill No. 164 (Public Act 19-17), which expands workers’ compensation coverage for some first responders who experience mental or emotional impairment following certain traumatic events experienced in the line of duty. Specifically, the bill allows for police officers, firefighters, and parole officers that have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In order to be eligible for benefits, the first …

June 11, 2018 General

Changes to Workers’ Compensation Benefits for First Responders in Florida

Florida Statute 112.18, commonly referred to as the “Heart/Lung Bill,” offers added legal protection for police, fireman and correctional officers who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, or tuberculosis. This is codified in Section 112.18(1)(a), which specifically states that:

Any condition or impairment of health of any Florida state, municipal, county, port authority, special tax district, or fire control district firefighter or any law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer as defined in s. 943.10(1), (2), or (3) caused by tuberculosis, heart