“Extra Protection Coming to Those Who Protect Us”

First responders are often put in situations that the rest of us could not even imagine. Day in and day out the brave men and women in the ranks of Florida’s Fire Departments and law enforcement agencies knowingly and willfully go into extremely volatile situations in order to protect, to serve, and to save. At times, they are exposed to the most severe and heartbreaking scenes. Scenes that can shake the strongest of them to the core. These brave men and women deserve the utmost respect and protection from any potential health effects these horrible situations may have on them. Florida just took a huge step in ensuring our first responders are protected and get the treatment they deserve when suffering from a mental and/or nervous condition caused by their employment.

Previously, the Florida workers’ compensation law afforded for medical benefits only when a first responder was suffering from a mental or nervous injury arising out the employment, even when not accompanied by a physical injury. This is different from other industries where there must be a physical injury in order for the mental or nervous injury to be compensable. The issue was that the previous law, allowed for medical benefits only. This created a situation where a first responder could be undergoing treatment for a mental and or nervous injury caused by her employment, not be able to currently work due to the condition, but not able to receive any missed wage benefits in order to pay for bills, food, gas, clothes, diapers, etc… When injuries occur and we are unable to work, the world does not stop turning and our creditors do not stop sending bills. In this situation you essentially have two choices, continue to get treatment and be out of work but not able to provide for yourself or family, or go back to work pre-maturely putting yourself, co-workers, and the public at risk.

On March 27, 2018, Governor Rick Scott signed a bill that will allow first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, and law-enforcement officers to receive treatment under workers’ compensation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD. One of main goals this law achieves, is to ensure that first responders who are suffering from PTSD receive, not only medical benefits, but also indemnity or missed wage benefits.

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, called PTSD a “hidden killer.” This law will help to make sure our first responders are protected and receive the proper benefits.

Throughout Mr. Masnikoff’s sixteen-year career, he has represented many first responders suffering from mental and nervous injuries. Mr. Masnikoff takes the time to make sure you fully understand the law and will fiercely advocate to ensure that our first responders receive the proper medical and indemnity benefits. If you or a loved one are a first responder suffering from conditions caused by the rigors of your employment, we would love to discuss your case and explain all of your options to make sure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to. It is our goal to serve those who serve all of us without question. Please give us a call at (877) 817-4127.