Workers’ compensation insurance is a benefit that most South Carolina employers are required by law to carry for their employees. Workers’ compensation insurance will pay up to two-thirds of a worker’s salary if they were injured doing something they were required to do at work. This type of insurance is particularly important for employers that work in construction, at a factory, or other high-risk, labor-intensive occupations. This extends to government jobs such as police personnel.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In our very own town, Columbia, authorities charged a police officer in a recent on-the-job shooting. The case has gained significant media attention for a variety of reasons. First, the alleged officer’s actions are on videotape from the squad car’s dash cam. Second, the unique situation brings up the controversial idea of emotional trauma.
The police officer’s attorney believes that the officer may suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a shooting incident in his past. As of now, this type of trauma would not make the officer eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. South Carolina legislators introduced a bill in early 2014 that would have created a dramatic shift in the way people with emotional injuries are cared for and treated. The bill actually sought to make law enforcement personnel eligible for exactly these type of injuries. The ultimate conclusion was that for people in occupations such as law enforcement, shooting someone is just “part of the job.”
Viewed as insensitive by many, there are still too many people that believe emotional injuries are not “real” injuries. With increases in suicide rates of those that have been at war or involved in domestic shootings while working through law enforcement, it makes one wonder about the true severity of PTSD. Critics are still under the impression that emotional trauma cannot match the severity of losing a limb or becoming permanently mentally impaired. Interestingly, the latter is exactly what we are talking about. PTSD is recognized by the reputable DSM-V as a “real” medical condition, and the effects of the disorder are widely publicized.
What Can I Do If I’ve Been Injured at Work?
At Solomon Law Group, we understand how difficult it can be to go back to work when life-changing events happen. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to by law if you were injured in any way on the job. You may be entitled to receive portions of your salary, or be reimbursed for medical expenses.
Emotional trauma is just one of many types of injuries you or someone you know may have suffered at work. No matter what type of injury occurred, we are available to provide you with a consultation to help you understand your legal rights. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, you can trust our office to work hard for you and get you through this difficult time. Contact us today and get help now.
