City Denies TN Cop’s Compensation Claim for PTSD

workers compensation

An officer with the Memphis Police Department was denied his claim for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) because his psychological injury was not recognized, according to Policeone.com. The officer was one of many who responded to a disturbance on July 3, 2011, at a DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Memphis, which ultimately ended in a shootout. Shortly after the incident, the officer began to display signs of PTSD, which is a mental condition triggered by a traumatic or terrifying event. The officer’s symptoms included nightmares, insomnia, and flashbacks; he later took an extended leave from work in order to seek medical treatment for the disorder.

TN Police Workers CompensationThe man applied for on-the-job injury status, which means an injured worker can receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages, but his claim was denied by the city’s claims manager. According to the report, the reason given for the denial is that the city’s policy does not “formally recognize psychological injuries unless they stem from a physical injury.” The officer was forced to use his personal vacation, holiday, and sick days for his treatment. Tennessee state and local laws are unclear regarding employees who are suffering from PTSD and applying for on-the-job injury status, and presently city officials say they are reviewing the policy.

Workers’ compensation is important for TN employees who are recovering from an occupational-related injury or illness. However, a workers’ compensation claim can be denied for any reason an employer or an insurer sees fit. If you need assistance with your Tennessee workers’ comp claim, contact a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer in Chattanooga at Massey & Associates, P.C. We will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (423) 396-0720 to discuss your case with a member of our legal team.

Author Profile

Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.


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