Emergency responders see humanity at its most vulnerable. For paramedics, repeated exposure to trauma—violent injuries, fatal accidents, child deaths—can have a lasting psychological impact. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is increasingly recognized as a valid and serious work-related injury under California workers’ compensation law. However, successfully securing benefits for PTSD requires strong documentation.
Here’s what you need to know to support your claim.
Understanding PTSD as a Work-Related Injury
In California, mental health conditions such as PTSD are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary disability (lost wages)
- Permanent disability (if symptoms are ongoing)
- Supplemental job displacement benefits (if you cannot return to the same work)
To qualify, the condition must be primarily caused by actual events at work—not personal stressors outside the job.
Why Paramedics Face Unique Risks
Unlike many professions, paramedics routinely witness:
- Graphic trauma scenes (shootings, car crashes, burns)
- Sudden deaths or suicides
- Child injuries or fatalities
- Hostile or dangerous environments during calls
- Cumulative trauma over time without debriefing or support
The unpredictable, high-pressure nature of emergency response can lead to emotional overload, anxiety, and eventually PTSD. Recognizing these risks early can help protect your long-term health.
Workers’ Comp Evidence Checklist for PTSD Claims
To file a successful PTSD workers’ compensation claim, documentation is everything. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
1. Incident Reports and Call Logs
Keep a record of specific traumatic events that contributed to your condition. These may include:
- Date, time, and type of call
- Location of the incident
- Brief summary of what you witnessed or handled
- Names of coworkers or witnesses present
Even if symptoms developed gradually, connecting your mental health condition to job-related exposure is key.
2. Medical Records and Diagnoses
Seek care from a mental health professional as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms. Document:
- PTSD diagnosis (using DSM-5 criteria)
- Treatment plans (therapy, medication, etc.)
- Notes linking your condition to work incidents
- Any hospitalizations or psychiatric care
Ask your provider to clearly state in writing that your condition is job-related.
3. Employer Communication
Notify your supervisor or HR department of your injury in writing. Include:
- A description of your symptoms
- How your work has contributed to your mental health
- A request for a DWC-1 claim form
Failure to report promptly may delay or jeopardize your claim.
4. Witness Statements
If coworkers saw how you were affected by an incident or observed changes in your behavior afterward, ask them to provide written statements. These can help support that the trauma was real and had a visible effect on you.
5. Personal Journal or Symptom Log
While not required, keeping a personal journal of your experiences and symptoms can be a powerful form of evidence. Include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- Emotional numbness or irritability
- Triggers at or outside of work
- Missed days or job performance issues
A day-to-day symptom log can show how deeply the condition has affected your life and ability to work.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Mental health claims are sometimes denied due to lack of “objective” evidence or misunderstandings about PTSD. If your claim is delayed, undervalued, or denied, the attorneys at PLBH can step in and fight for the benefits you deserve.
We’ll help you:
- Appeal a denied claim
- Connect with qualified mental health professionals
- Gather additional evidence and expert opinions
- Navigate depositions and hearings
You Deserve to Be Heard and Helped
PTSD is not weakness—it’s an injury caused by exposure to trauma while doing your job. If you’re a paramedic struggling with the emotional toll of what you’ve seen on the job, PLBH is here to help you secure the treatment and compensation you need to heal.
Call (800) 435-7542 today for a free consultation. Let us support you through your recovery and your legal journey.