Worker's Comp Bill to Give 1st Responders PTSD Treatment

Because of issues like those mentioned, a group of bipartisan South Carolina Senators have sponsored a bill that would extend Worker's Compensation benefits to first responders that are diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.)

At the present time, Worker's Compensation benefits are provided if the event is considered "unusual or extraordinary." The senators argue that just because first responders are trained to help with accidents doesn't mean they are more equipped to emotionally handle the effects of traumatic events. 

This discussion also raises an important question: What benefits are injured employees entitled to in South Carolina? As lawmakers work to expand protections, it’s crucial that injured workers — especially those suffering from psychological trauma like PTSD — understand their full rights under the law.

Lead sponsor of the bill, Senator Paul Thurmond was quoted by Bluffton Today as saying, "every single event that occurs for law enforcement in my opinion is automatically unusual or extraordinary. You respond to a fire where people are burned up. You respond to an accident where somebody has been decapitated....But because they had training in regards to that, they are deemed to be super human … and not have a mental breakdown."

The bill says that first responders who seek Worker's Compensation for PTSD must have been directly involved in a traumatic event. The group proposing the bill want these responders to get better treatment that is specific to their condition instead of general counseling. 

Senator Thurmond believes that the taxpayers will either pay now or pay later, and that addressing a worker’s condition early could prevent serious mistakes in the future that may result from PTSD. He points to the case, reported by Bluffton Today, where a South Carolina police officer mistakenly shot someone he believed was reaching for a gun — an action later attributed to untreated PTSD.

This raises a valid public concern: Are taxpayers footing the bill for injured workers? In this case, yes — the bill would impact the State Accident Fund. However, supporters argue that early treatment is a wise and humane investment that ultimately protects both public safety and long-term costs.

While the writers of the bill could not provide an exact financial estimate, as costs would depend on the number of claims filed, proponents stress the importance of ensuring first responders get the mental health support they need.

As of now, the bill remains on the Senate’s contested calendar, which may delay its passage. Still, advocates believe it would be a vital step toward supporting the first responders who serve and protect the community year-round.