Gov. Hickenlooper Signs Workers’ Comp PTSD Bill Into Law

The third time’s the charm for PTSD relief for Colorado’s first responders. After a pair of failed attempts over the past few years, the legislature finally sent a bill to the governor this year that would allow first responders to apply for mental impairment claim under Colorado workers’ compensation law after a “psychologically traumatic event.”

Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1229 into law this week, and Burg Simpson shareholder Nick D. Fogel – a longtime champion of the legislation – was there.

“First, it will give first responders access to much needed medical treatment to address their PTSD,” Nick told Law Week Colorado in an interview about the new law. “Second, the bill will hopefully boost morale among first responders who sacrifice so much for our communities only to have the door slammed in their face when they seek much needed PTSD treatment.”

The law goes into effect July 1, 2018.

See the rest of Nick’s interview here.