Workers’ Compensation News

Bichler & Longo managing partner Geoff Bichler took part in the 2026 Workers' Compensation Institute (WCI) conference, the nation's largest annual gathering focused on workers'...

An Orlando firefighter is considering suing the city after he was denied benefits following his cancer diagnosis.

Orange County Fire speaks out on why it fired firefighter with PTSD

Matt McMahon is a proud U.S. Marine who wanted to continue serving the community. So he applied to work as a firefighter with Orange County...

9 Investigates tracked down Florida’s chief financial officer in Tallahassee to ask him whether the state law providing benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer needs...

Attorneys for a retired local firefighter say her fight for retroactive cancer benefits could make its way to the Florida Supreme Court.

State retirement system approves line of duty argument

A local firefighter in a court battle to get coverage for PTSD treatment is getting support from the state’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal.

A longtime Brevard County firefighter says years of trauma he witnessed on the job led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, but his department...

The Florida League of Cities has asked an appellate court judge to uphold a ruling against a former Volusia County firefighter, who has been seeking...

A former Volusia County firefighter’s cancer diagnosis could lead to sweeping changes in the way other first responders in the same situation are treated.

Could a fire that Channel 9 covered 15 years ago be responsible for a string of cancer cases among local firefighters?

Family and friends are planning to lay a Daytona Beach police officer to rest this week following his death from COVID-19.

The family of the Daytona Beach police officer killed in the line of duty is now suing the suspect and seeking $5 million.

Sheriff's Ban on Masks Likely to Lead to More Comp Claims, Some Say

Infectious Disease Professionals Are Hard to Find and Expensive for COVID Claims

3 say they were denied workers comp claims

Paramedics say administrators argue they can’t prove it happened on the job

Nearly Half of Virus Claims in State Denied

Commissioner's Memo Reminds Insurers of Comp Law on Occupational Disease

CFO Orders State to Process Comp Claims From Some Virus-Sickened State Workers

With first responders and health workers now testing positive for COVID-19, their unions and attorneys in Florida and Minnesota are urging governors to order that...

Physicians: First responders at higher risk for heart disease and stroke due to added stress of job

New Florida law doesn’t cover retroactive treatment for first responders

Jeremy McKay served 14 years with Clay County Fire and Rescue was denied benefits before he died

Sadly, heart bill protections remain largely mis-understood among Florida first responders. As I sit down to write this article, the Florida Senate unanimously passed a...

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES Division of Workers’ Compensation RULE NO.: RULE TITLE: 69L-3.009 Injuries that Qualify as Grievous Bodily Harm of a Nature that Shocks...

Six months after the Florida Legislature deemed post-traumatic stress disorder a workplace injury, and just days before the law takes effect, state regulators are still...

Geoffrey is a twenty-eight year practitioner representing injured workers.

Environmental sampling at ops center over; wait for results begins. news-journalonline.com

A former police officer suffering from PTSD after being a first responder to the Pulse shooting still doesn't have the benefits he was told he'd...

“My head’s still not right,” said one paramedic who responded to the Pulse nightclub shooting two years ago. He and some other responders say their...

First responders who were on the scene at Pulse shared their consequent struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder at an event co-hosted by ProPublica, 90.7 WMFE...

The post-settlement process can be complex, especially when it comes to medical care for injured parties and their families. Finding a reliable team of people...

News 6 investigator Mike Hofeld joins the program to talk about the historic passage of a bill that allows first responders to get workers compensation...

The Florida House of Representatives on Monday gave final approval to a bill that would allow first responders to claim post-traumatic stress disorder as a...

A long-gestating proposal to grant Florida first responders access to workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder has gained new momentum in the wake of...

Like many states, Florida does not provide lost wages to first responders disabled with PTSD. A bill that would change that is now gaining momentum...

A state senator has heeded calls to help Florida's undocumented workers after news stories spotlighted their plight after work injuries.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Cardiovascular Disease

Florida business leaders are saying “told you so” after the Office of Judges of Compensation Claims reported that claimants’ attorney fees increased 36% in the...

An Orlando claimants’ attorney said he argued a “novel” legal theory Monday before a judge of compensation claims, positing that a police officer with PTSD...

State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who is also Florida’s fire marshal, is backing cancer and PTSD presumption legislation for first responders, WFLA-News Channel 8...

A former Orlando police officer says the city of Orlando and the police department harassed him after he came forward with post-traumatic stress disorder after...

A parade of tearful first responders, spouses and survivors who were prepared to testify against a PTSD presumption bill reversed course Tuesday after the sponsoring...

An Orlando firefighter who responded to the Pulse Nightclub shooting is the second first responder to file a claim challenging a state law that generally...

Mental trauma suffered by a Virginia state trooper who came across a mutilated body that had been dragged by a car for nearly a mile...

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee next week will discuss legislation that would award first responders indemnity benefits for mental-mental claims for injuries such as...

Florida Democrats have introduced dueling bills that would allow first responders to receive workers' compensation benefits in mental-mental claims for injuries such as PTSD, but...

Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal ruled that a single elevated blood pressure reading noted in a police officer’s preemployment physical examination did not constitute...

Looking out for others is part of the job for firefighters — but someone has to look after the heroes who are so busy taking...

A former Orlando, Florida, police officer who developed post-traumatic stress disorder after recovering bodies from the Pulse nightclub shooting spree in June 2016 is contemplating...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Tallahassee firefighters working at Fire Station 7 are being temporarily housed at Fire Station 9 following concerns of mold. Mariel Carbone

ORLANDO, Florida — Most states are racing to the bottom on providing adequate workers’ compensation benefits, but Florida has a unique Constitution that prevents legislative...

The Police Pension Board for the City of Orlando approved a disability retirement for a 37-year-old officer diagnosed with post-truamatic stress syndrome, a decision that...

"Just because you can't see his injuries does not mean they are not there" David Harris

The Orlando Police Pension Board granted early retirement benefits to an officer diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after the Pulse nightclub massacre during an emotional...

ORLANDO, Fla. - An Orlando police officer who responded to the shooting massacre at Pulse Nightclub last year has been granted early-retirement benefits after being...

Jessica Realin in studio. (Podcast)

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Police Department Pension Board granted the early retirement and pension for an officer diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after he...

Despite staunch opposition from the city, the Orlando Police Pension Board on Thursday granted early retirement benefits to an officer diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder...

ORLANDO, Fla. — An officer diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after the Pulse nightclub mass shooting was given a full disability pension on Thursday. WESH...

ORLANDO -- During an emotional hearing Thursday at Orlando City Hall, a pension board granted permanent disability benefits to a former Orlando Police officer diagnosed...

An Orlando Police officer diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after responding to the Pulse massacre was granted a disability pension by the city board Thursday....

The Orlando first responder who has battled his department for months after being diagnosed with PTSD has received a disability pension. Christopher Brennan

The Orlando Police Pension Board voted to give officer Gerry Realin a disability pension. Gene Wexler

UPDATE: The Orlando Pension Board has granted full permanent disability to Orlando Police officer diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Gene Wexler

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - An Orlando Police Officer diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will be allowed to retire early after a decision...

ORLANDO, Fla. - A first responder who said he developed post-traumatic stress disorder after the Pulse terror attack will be able to get a disability...

Russian Troubles for President Trump, plus other news sources, Five Minute Professor and much more. (Podcast)

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando Police Department first responder Gerry Realin has been waiting for more than a year to learn if his diagnosis of post-traumatic...

ORLANDO, Fla. - ​One year after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting OPD first responder Gerry Realin has been deemed “permanently and totally disabled” by an...

Orlando police officer Gerry Realin, 37, was a first responder assigned to remove bodies from the Pulse nightclub following the shooting that left 49 dead...

Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal this week ruled that an injured worker was wrongfully deprived of an opportunity to create a record for establishing...

Rates of PTSD in firefighters may be heightened more so than in any other professions. See, many people will experience a potentially traumatic event at...

When William Duesler joined Tamarac Fire Rescue 14 years ago, experienced firefighters used to hang scorched helmets on the wall with pride. They didn't know...

One year ago this week, Orlando police Officer Gerry Realin spent four hours removing dead bodies from Pulse Nightclub. Officers covered the 49 victims' bodies...

Tests have shown fires at homes filled with items made from modern-day synthetic materials burn hotter and faster than homes filled with the natural construction...

Appellate Court Says Ratings Firm and Regulators Did Not Violate Sunshine Law

Lawmakers Ironing Out Compromise Comp Reforms as Clock Ticks

A Casper firefighter died Saturday night after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Elise Schmelzer

Florida Professional Firefighters News and Information from In and Around the 8th District brought to you by DVP Bellamy DVP Bellamy

As most readers of my previous columns will recall, my firm represents first responders throughout Florida with work-related disability claims.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A bill offering workers compensation benefits for first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder was approved by the state Senate’s banking and...

Committee Passes Bill to Award Indemnity, Death Benefits to First Responders With PTSD

The wife of an Orlando police officer suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder gave emotional testimony Monday, urging lawmakers to support a bill that would offer...

GOP-Led Panel Bucks Business, Passes Comp Reform Bill

Backlog of Fee Petitions Drives Up Payments to Workers' Attorneys by 26%

House Panel Revising Bill That Would Cut Comp Costs by Nearly $200 Million a Year

Fire Simulation and Cardiovascular Health in Firefighters

Firefighting is widely recognized as a hazardous occupation. In particular, fire scenes are unpredictable and dangerous environments characterized by loud noise, high temperatures, flames, smoke...

Payment of Vacation, Sick Time Isn't 'Earned' Income for Worker Collecting Impairment Benefits

“For police officers like Realin, Delgado, and other embattled cops and soldiers, PTSD is not something they claimed. Rather, through no fault of their own,...

FRANKFORT - For more than a week, State Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger, has been fielding calls and emails from first-responders asking him why he sponsored...

Ohio's largest police union wants the Bureau of Workers Compensation to cover more claims for post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders. KAREN KASLER

An Orlando police officer diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after the Pulse shooting has been ordered back to work. ABE ABORAYA

Bills to provide a PTSD presumption for first responders and to shield the names of claimants from the public — especially attorneys — were introduced...

ORLANDO, Fla. - For the second straight day, Orlando police Officer Gerry Realin was ordered back to work to assist in a new bike safety...

The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting catastrophe took place on December 14, 2012. Shortly, news reports appeared that surviving workers could not get mental health...

Gerry Realin can’t watch much TV. The Orlando police officer sticks to mostly cartoons with his kids and fishing shows. He doesn’t want to watch...

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. - Looking back, Leslie Dangerfield said the signals were subtle, but as the years went by her husband, Indian River County...

Post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency first responders in Florida would be compensable, even if not accompanied by a physical injury, under legislation introduced by Sen....

Democratic State Senator Victor Torres filed a bill Tuesday to allow first responders to get worker’s compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder.Abe Aboraya

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - First responders who are fighting post-traumatic stress disorder on the job are one step closer to getting the same benefits as...

Tallahassee, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) - All 50 states have some version of an open-meeting law, or what is colloquially known as a Sunshine Law. These laws...

BUFFALO, N.Y. – For most people, cortisol, the vital hormone that controls stress, increases when they wake up. It’s the body’s way of preparing us...

Wife of Pulse first responder: It needs to happen nowMike Holfeld

First responders who get post-traumatic stress disorder on the job may soon be eligible for more workers compensation benefits.Abe Aboraya

On 12 June, America rocked by a bloody attack on a nightclub in Orlando. In Pulse, known as a night club for gay, shoot a...

Changing the PTSD law WKMG ClickOrlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The wife of an Orlando police officer is lobbying for changes that could help first responders who deal with...

COCOA, Fla. - When the call “vehicle-pedestrian” came over the Cocoa Fire Department’s emergency radio last July, it was a call Josh Vandegrift had handled...

In the workers comp system, employees agree not to sue when they get hurt and their bosses agree to pay medical bills and lost wages....

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - When we call police and firefighters for help, they come to the rescue. But some officers are finding the...

The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation will hold a public hearing Dec. 6 on proposed amendements to its rule on expert medical advisers - rules...

In tonight's cover story we delve deeper into the firefighter-PTSD connection. Statistically, the numbers are shocking, more than double the number of suicides compared to...

Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal on Wednesday ruled that the state's statutory 104-week cap on temporary partial disability benefits cannot cut off the benefit...

It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar for...

Unlevel the Playing Field? by Sherri Okamoto is in WorkCompCentral's Special Report this month. Our Managing Partner, Geoffrey Bichler, is quoted in the article while...

Law enforcement officers who heeded their call to duty at the horrific scene at Pulse nightclub on June 12 are suffering from the state law...

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - When we call police and firefighters for help, they come to the rescue. But some officers are finding the...

ORLANDO, Fla. — The sound of a ringing iPhone makes Omar Delgado sweat and freeze in place. His heart pounds. He closes his eyes to...

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The veteran firefighter who committed suicide Saturday aggressively fought post-traumatic stress disorder for years, his father said. KLamaur Stancil

ORLANDO, Fla. - A move to provide better worker's compensation coverage for first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder might find some traction in Tallahassee...

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tell a first responder his mental anguish doesn’t meet the threshold for paid leave and then talk to Orlando police Officer Gerry...

As a member of the Orlando Police Department Hazmat team, Gerry Realin was dispatched to deal with the aftermath and cleanup of the Pulse nightclub...

A Pulse nightclub shooting first responder who is worried about losing his job because of his PTSD may have his worries somewhat eased after a...

Florida’s extraordinary tradition of open government is founded on the simple but essential concept that the people have a right to know how and why...

ORLANDO -- The wife of an Orlando Police officer said her husband has regressed since being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after working the Pulse...

ORLANDO, Fla. —Jessica Realin said her husband, Gerry Realin, used to be happy-go-lucky, but that all changed three months ago. Bob Kealing

Gerry Realin spent four hours with the dead inside of Pulse Night Club. News 13

The NEWS AND FOUR-FORTY REPORT is published by The Florida Bar Worker's Compensation Section

One of the nation’s foremost authorities on workers’ compensation predicts that Florida — already facing a huge proposed rate increase over adverse court decisions —...

Gerry Realin helped pull 49 bodies out of the club June 12. That night has haunted him and made him unable to work. NICO LANG

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - First responder Gerry Realin worked nearly round-the-clock after the Pulse terror attack on June 12. But now, because of the PTSD...

Sometimes the smell comes back to Officer Gerry Realin. He can't describe it, but he knows it when it hits him. David Harris

City says medical coverage issued 'in error' Mike Holfeld

Removing the bodies NEWS 6

ORLANDO, Fla. - Officer Gerry Realin was a microbiologist, a researcher, who says he turned to law enforcement after seeing the movie “The Rock." Mike...

EDGEWATER, Fla. — The Edgewater City Council has stripped the health benefits of police officers who were hurt in the line of duty. WFTV

EDGEWATER - After several months fighting with the city over his police pension, a former Edgewater police officer injured on the job had that pension...

Lawyers at the Maitland law firm of Bichler & Longo are celebrating a big win today in a closely watched workers’ compensation case before the...

In this case, it appears the city of St. Petersburg may get a hefty legal bill, and the state of Florida could see its business-friendly...

Florida’s highest court has struck down as unconstitutional a portion of the state workers' compensation law in the case of a former St. Petersburg firefighter....

At 33, former Edgewater police sergeant Chris DeRosa's law enforcement career ended because of on-the-job injuries from nearly three years earlier that made him unfit...

Florida's business community and employee advocates are expressing alarm at a proposed 17.1 percent rate hike for what employers pay to cover workers' compensation insurance....

President Obama honored 13 law enforcement officers with the Public Safety Medal of Valor on Monday. EYDER PERALTA

A panel from Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal on Wednesday declared the state's statutory limits on the compensation of claimants' attorneys unconstitutional, as applied...

TALLAHASSEE — An appeals court on Wednesday ruled unconstitutional a state law that prohibited an Edgewater police officer who said she was injured due to...

TALLAHASSEE — An appeals court on Wednesday ruled unconstitutional a state law that prohibited an Edgewater police officer who said she was injured due to...

As readers will recall, I authorised an article in September which outlined a massive problem related to unpaid impairment benefits to Palm Beach PBA members...

Florida workers' comp practitioners have had their eye on the state Supreme Court for more than a year, awaiting a ruling in Castellanos v. The...

Geoff Bichler interviewed by WorkCompCentral regarding the Stahl case currently before the Florida Supreme Court.

Bichler/Kelley files amicus brief on behalf of police organizations with the Florida Supreme Court in the Stahl matter.

s Florida public employees brace for the next legislative session in Tallahassee, the agenda of the League of Cities threatens to steamroll any reasoned discussion...

The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to accept review of yet another workers' compensation case. Stahl v. Hialeah Hospital is a constitutional challenge based on...

The PBCPBA has discovered that potentially millions of dollars in unpaid benefits are owed to members with work-injury claims, even though the members have returned...

Regulators considering revisions to Florida Impairment Guides that could have major impact on tax fee impairment benefit payments to First Responder Community.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania celebrates its workers' compensation centennial in 2015. Part of the bar and agency recognition of this milestone was a program presented...

Rodney Bingham was four feet away from the truck's bumper when the engine's siren was activated; it caused permanent damage to his hearing. McClatch

The city of Ocala won a lawsuit against Safety National Casualty Corporation requiring the company to pay worker’s compensation benefits. McClatch

Dennis Whedbee’s crew was rushing to prepare an oil well for pumping on the Sweet Grass Woman lease site, a speck of dusty plains rich...

As many of you know BCO has begun a tour of the State to make sure that all first responders are aware of the protections...

With Summer in full swing Florida public employees are now feeling the heat generated by a 3% reduction in pay (a tax by any any...

Welcome to our new website and my inaugural blog. As you can see our firm has undertaken some major changes in the last few months to...