Court Expands PTSD Workers’ Comp for Police
- A Pennsylvania court decision on December 8 significantly impacts workers’ compensation claims related to workplace trauma, particularly for first responders.
- The court ruled a police sergeant deserved workers’ compensation for PTSD, saying that the entire traumatic event must be considered, not just a few separate moments.
- The court ruled that the officer must be paid for his lost wages and other related costs because his mental injury prevents him from working.
- HR leaders are advised to treat severe incidents as ongoing events, offer clear access to psychological help, and track symptom changes over time.
Captives Strengthen Workers’ Comp Programs
- Zurich Insurance reports that workers’ compensation is one of the most common casualty lines written through captive insurance structures, alongside general liability and auto liability.
- For employers, captives offer more than just alternative risk financing — they provide a way to directly influence claims outcomes and medical cost management.
- By housing workers’ comp within a captive, organizations gain flexibility to design coverage tailored to their workforce, apply predictive analytics to segment claims, and integrate risk management strategies that improve return‑to‑work results.
- Captives also allow employers to capture and analyze their own loss data, leading to sharper insights and more precise reserving.
New Bill Strengthens Medical Choice for Injured Workers in Washington
- Washington state lawmakers on December 8, 2025, introduced SB 5847 to strengthen protections for injured workers under the workers’ compensation system.
- The bill says employees have the right to choose their own doctor and prohibits employers from pressuring them to use certain clinics.
- The bill creates a statewide network of approved medical providers who must follow evidence-based treatment guidelines, with higher standards for top-performing providers.
- If no provider is available within 15 miles of a worker’s home, they may seek care outside the network.
- The legislation also requires medical reviews to be completed within 10 business days and adds special safeguards for workers with cancer, including ongoing monitoring.