If you are a retired or current first responder battling post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), PA Senate Bill 365 could make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bill in late October, and once it goes into effect in 2025, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law for psychological traumas arising from:

• individual traumatic events or 
• cumulative highly stressful experiences resulting from their employment (regardless of whether the trauma is accompanied by physical injuries requiring medical treatment)

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, approximately 10% of first responders report PTSD, and they are among the most regularly trauma-exposed groups of workers in the community. 

Previous Pennsylvania law set a high standard of requirements that prevented first responders from qualifying for workers’ compensation benefits. More than two dozen other states have already expanded their workers’ compensation legislation. 

“It was great to see this bill go to Governor Shapiro for signature,” said Abes Baumann partner Jim Burn. “I saw up close what first responders go through when I served for 12 years as a mayor, emergency management coordinator and later when I chaired Allegheny County Council’s Public Safety Committee. This bill will make it easier for first responders to get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.”

With more than 150 years of experience in protecting injured workers’ rights, Abes Baumann  helps clients navigate their workplace-related claims, including those related to PTSD. 
For workers’ compensation questions and other assistance, contact Abes Baumann at 1-800-344-3090 or visit https://abesbaumann.com/ and click “Talk with an attorney now.”