California Workers’ Compensation for First Responders: Firefighters, Police, and EMTs

First responders put their lives on the line every day to protect California communities. Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs face unique dangers that go beyond typical workplace risks. Recognizing this, California workers’ compensation law provides special protections called “presumptive injuries” for certain medical conditions commonly suffered by first responders.

At West Coast Workers Comp Attorneys (WCWCA), attorney Brittany Huynh and her team fight to ensure first responders receive the benefits they’ve earned — whether that means medical treatment, temporary disability pay, permanent disability compensation, or psychiatric care for PTSD.

This guide explains how California workers’ comp law protects first responders, what presumptive injuries mean, and how recent laws like SB 542 have expanded benefits for PTSD and mental health.

What Are Presumptive Injuries in California Workers’ Compensation?

A presumptive injury means the law automatically assumes your medical condition is work-related if you are a qualifying first responder. This shifts the burden of proof away from the injured worker and onto the employer or insurance company.

Common Presumptive Injuries for First Responders:

• Cancer (certain types linked to firefighting exposures)

• Heart disease and hypertension (especially for law enforcement and firefighters)

• Pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung conditions

• Hernias

• Blood-borne infectious diseases

• PTSD and other mental health injuries (expanded under SB 542)

These presumptions acknowledge that first responders are regularly exposed to dangers most workers never face.

SB 542 and PTSD Coverage for First Responders

In 2019, California passed Senate Bill 542 (SB 542), creating a presumption for PTSD in firefighters and peace officers.

Key Points of SB 542:

• Applies to firefighters (career + volunteer), peace officers, and other first responders.

• PTSD is legally presumed to be caused by the job if diagnosed within a specific timeframe.

• Covers treatment costs, wage replacement, and disability benefits.

• Protects against insurance companies denying claims based on non-work stress factors.

This law was a major step in recognizing mental health as a legitimate workplace injury, especially for those exposed to trauma daily.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim as a First Responder

If you’re a firefighter, police officer, or EMT injured on the job:

1. Report the injury immediately to your supervisor.

2. Request and complete a DWC-1 claim form from your employer.

3. Document everything — medical visits, symptoms, and incident reports.

4. Seek treatment from an authorized provider or assert your right to pre-designate your own doctor.

5. Consult a workers’ comp attorney to protect your rights — especially if your claim involves a presumptive injury or PTSD.

Why First Responder Claims Get Denied (and How We Fight Back)

Even with presumptions, insurance companies often try to:

• Argue your condition wasn’t job-related.

• Dispute PTSD or mental health diagnoses.

• Delay or deny medical treatment.

• Undervalue permanent disability ratings.

At WCWCA, we know the common tactics insurers use and how to counter them. We’ve represented first responders across California — from firefighters with cancer claims to police officers battling PTSD — and we fight to ensure claims aren’t wrongfully denied.

Settlements and Compensation for First Responders

Depending on your injury, you may be entitled to:

• Medical treatment (ongoing and future care)

• Temporary disability benefits (while recovering)

• Permanent disability benefits (if you cannot return to full duty)

• Supplemental job displacement benefits (if you must retrain for another career)

• Psychiatric treatment and counseling (for PTSD and stress-related claims)

Every case is unique, but having an attorney experienced in first responder claims can maximize your settlement and ensure no benefit is left on the table.

WCWCA: Advocating for California’s First Responders

At West Coast Workers Comp Attorneys (WCWCA), we take pride in representing those who protect us. Brittany Huynh brings over 20 years of workers’ compensation experience — including as a former defense attorney for insurance carriers — and now uses that knowledge to fight exclusively for injured workers.

We understand the risks firefighters, police officers, and EMTs face, and we know how to build strong cases around presumptive injuries, PTSD claims, and cumulative trauma.

If you’re a firefighter, police officer, or first responder injured on the job, don’t face the system alone. Contact WCWCA today at 415-218-5634 for a free consultation and let us fight for the full compensation and care you deserve.

“This article was prepared by the WCWCA team and reviewed for accuracy by Brittany Huynh.”