We represent dozens of police officers, firefighters and other first responders who have developed PTSD due to work-related traumatic exposures. PTSD is a serious, sometimes debilitating disorder, that can wreak havoc on a person’s family, social and work life. Fortunately, things can get better with time and treatment. The “best” type of treatment for PTSD varies from person to person and can be used individually or in combination with other treatment modalities.

As of January 1, 2019, a new law has gone into effect that may drastically change the way work-related PTSD claims are handled in Minnesota. For PTSD injuries that occur on or after January 1, 2019, there is now a presumption for first responders that their PTSD is work-related. A first responder’s PTSD still must meet the criteria set forth in the DSM-V and be diagnosed by a doctor of psychology or a medical doctor working in a related field. The covered “first responder” positions include:

On behalf of Meuser Law Office, P.A., we offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Oak Park Heights state prison corrections officer, Joseph Parise. Officer Parise, 37, died September 24^thafter rushing to assist another officer who was being assaulted by an inmate. Parise was one of several officers who responded to a call to break up the assault. Parise, a four-year veteran of the Department of Corrections, suffered a medical emergency and died after helping the colleague.

On behalf of Meuser Law Office, P.A., we extend sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Stillwater state prison corrections officer Joseph B. Gomm. Officer Gomm, 45, was killed by an inmate who is serving a 29-year sentence for second-degree murder, marking the first such death in Minnesota of an on-duty corrections officer.

The day before the assault, Officer Gomm celebrated 16 years on the job and is being remembered by family and co-workers for his kind soul and dedication.