Washington First Responder Depression and Suicide Attorney
Suicide is a major problem within the first responder community: more first responders die by suicide in the United States than in the line of duty every year. Depression and PTSD are often the primary causes of suicide: if left untreated, these mental illnesses can lead to tragic consequences. However, treatment is often expensive and difficult to obtain.
Fortunately, a worker’s compensation claim can help first responders receive the benefits necessary to pay for the treatment that is required. If you or a loved one are suffering from suicidal thoughts as a result of depression or PTSD, please contact Colburn Law to discuss your case. You may be eligible for compensation that allows you to seek the treatment you need.
Why Choose Us?
Colburn Law is dedicated to helping first responders receive the damages they deserve for their mental health illnesses.
- We were one of the first law firms to successfully file a PTSD claim on behalf of a first responder.
- Founder Greg Colburn has had personal experience with the worker’s compensation process after being seriously injured at a previous occupation.
- We are dedicated to your needs, helping you receive the benefits you are entitled to. If you are wrongfully rejected, we will appeal on your behalf without hesitation.
First Responders Have a Higher Risk of Mental Health Illness
Despite their valiant efforts to save lives, first responders have an overwhelmingly higher chance of developing depression and PTSD compared to the normal population.
- Firefighters and police officers are 5 times more likely to have PTSD and depression than the civilian population.
- According to the Ruderman Foundation, officers and firefighters commit suicide 20% more than the civilian population.
- Statistics are only of confirmed suicides. It is theorized that the number of suicides among first responders is being undercounted by as much as 60%.
- According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, 86% of those surveyed experienced critical stress, and 37% actually contemplated suicide.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced, knowledgeable attorney can help you secure the compensation to which you are entitled by filing a worker’s compensation claim for your depression or PTSD. First responders’ rights are protected by the Industrial Insurance Act and Senate Bill 6214. These laws state that PTSD can be legally considered with an industrial injury or an occupational disease for first responders, enabling you to receive the benefits you need to seek proper treatment.
An attorney can help take care of the legal proceedings while you focus on your career and your mental health. They can file the paperwork on your behalf to prevent further headaches and stress, and may also be able to refer you to options for treatment. If your claim is seemingly wrongfully rejected, a proper attorney will not hesitate to appeal the decision with a comprehensive case that includes evidence that your claim is indeed valid.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one is a police officer suffering from depression or PTSD, please contact us immediately to discuss your situation. We care about our clients, and we want you to receive the help you truly deserve.
Schedule a consultation with us today – it is free and 100% confidential.