Village fire department lieutenant/paramedic filed workers' compensation claim for PTSD allegedly caused by work-related incident. Physician testified that, within a reasonable degree of medical and psychiatric certainty, the claimant's PTSD was caused by trauma of incident when witnessed a firefighter on Claimant's crew immediately after he suffered work-related death. Employer's actions after fire indicate that it believed that crew suffered sudden, severe, emotional shock of greater dimensions than emotional strain and tension all employees experience from worry, anxiety, pressure and overwork. Claimant's psychological injuries stemmed from single, traumatic event and he is entitled to workers compensation benefits. (HOLDRIDGE, HOFFMAN, HUDSON, and HARRIS, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Workers' Compensation