State lawmakers consider first responders PTSD compensation bill
By WKBT-TV
MADISON, Wis. (WISC) - State legislators in Madison are considering a proposal to expand worker's compensation to cover first responders who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.
Right now state law requires an 'extraordinary event' in order for a first responder to get worker's comp.
The new proposal would change that language while also shifting the burden of proof onto the party claiming that stress is not caused by employment.
A former police officer who had to leave her job after a traumatic incident says the costs for not providing worker's comp could be much higher for the state.
"There's gonna be death benefits paid out, because without my husband and my parents, I can tell you I wouldn't be sitting here today, I would have killed myself. Most officers have their guns at home, it's a spur of the moment thought and a spur of the moment to pull the trigger," said former Waupun officer Andi Colker.
The bill would also include changes to the conditions of worker's comp benefits for police, EMT's, and firefighters.