First Responder Presumption laws have taken hold throughout the nation. Finding the right balance between the public policy virtues of these laws and the financial impact placed on public sector entities employing First Responders should be the goal of policy makers and the workers’ compensation community. Our Focus on First Responders Breakout will delve into the everyday, working realties of First Responders and explore the current and future legal and policy climate of presumption legislation and case law. The sessions in this year’s breakout are:
Tuesday, August 20
Walking in Their Shoes: Compassionate Care for Police Officers and Firefighters – This session explores what it takes to work as a police officer or firefighter. Join the panel they explore the grueling demands of working the streets to the existing nuances of police and fire culture.
Litigation of Presumptive Claims Involving First Responders: Are We Missing The Forest For The Trees? – This panel will discuss the current litigation/claims environment surrounding First Responder presumption claims, and explore secondary costs associated with the denial of presumption claims for public sector employers like police and fire departments. The focus will be on trying to get the proper balance between honoring the public policy imperatives behind presumptive laws, and denial of claims in appropriate cases.
What is a Condition or Impairment of Health Caused by Heart Disease or Hypertension? – Section 112.18 F.S. provides a rebuttable presumption of workers compensation compensability when firefighters, law enforcement officers, correctional officers or correctional probation officers suffer “any condition or impairment of health…caused by tuberculosis, heart disease or hypertension resulting in total or partial disability or death”. Those who practice, work or handle section 112.18 claims, prior to North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District v. Harlem, and other recent First DCA decisions thought they knew what was covered by the law. The focus will be on what has changed since the Harlem Decision.
The WCI 2024 Conference online program is live! Explore detailed session descriptions, meet our speakers, and learn more about current exhibitors and sponsors.