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A new development in PTSD and the law: The case of Fairfax County v. Mottram
Author(s) -
Lindahl Mary W.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1007/s10960-004-5804-x
Subject(s) - supreme court , statute , compensation (psychology) , psychology , psychiatry , posttraumatic stress , stressor , law , political science , social psychology
The decision of the Virginia Supreme Court in Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department v. Mottram (2002) has important implications for Workers' Compensation claims for posttraumatic stress disorder, particularly those involving emergency services personnel. A firefighter/paramedic who developed chronic, disabling PTSD after responding to a fatal fire was denied benefits because he had previously reported symptoms of the disorder, whereas the statute recognized a single traumatic incident only. The court held that PTSD resulting from multiple traumatic stressors may be considered a compensable occupational disease analogous to dermatitis developed by a flower shop employee with chronic exposure to irritating stimuli. The decision, which constitutes legal recognition of work‐related cumulative PTSD in rescue workers, provides benefits for treatment and encourages earlier treatment of traumatic stress in this group.