Tag Archives: PTSD

Fire Law Roundup for July 3, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for July 3, 2023, Bill Maccarone and Curt discuss a court decision in the case of a Washington state firefighter who alleges disability discrimination because he cannot take his service dog to work; ...

Washington Court Rules Firefighter’s Service Dog Does Not Need To Be Examined

The US District Court for the Western District of Washington has ruled that a firefighter who sought an accommodation to have a service dog accompany him to work at the firehouse, must himself submit to a psychological exam to confirm his PTSD condition, but his dog need not submit to a service dog evaluation.

Florida Chief Claims Termination Was Disability Discrimination

A Florida division chief who was fired in 2022 has filed suit claiming disability discrimination. Walter Ebbert filed suit against the Ocean City Wright Fire Control District. The suit was initially filed in Okaloosa County Circuit Court, and removed by the district to US District Court.

Missouri Jury Awards Medic’s Family $100k in Disability Discrimination Case

A jury has awarded the family of a deceased Kansas City medic $100,000 for disability discrimination and retaliation. The medic died in 2018 from an overdose of prescription medication that the family contends was suicide brought on by workplace bullying.

Fire Law Roundup for October 10, 2022

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for October 10, 2022, Brad and Curt discussed an investigation into a scantily clad woman filmed exiting a San Jose fire truck and walking into a strip club; a ruling upholding the termination ...

Terminated Minnesota Fire Captain Sues Claiming Disability Discrimination

A Minnesota fire captain who was terminated earlier this year when he was unable to return to duty due to PTSD, has filed suit alleging disability discrimination. Joseph Tiedeman filed suit against the City of Brooklyn Park claiming that its decision to terminate him in March, 2022, violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Oregon Lieutenant Sues Claiming He Was Forced To Withdraw From Promotional Process

An Oregon lieutenant who was pressured to remove himself from a promotional list for captain, has filed suit alleging discrimination on the basis of disability, veterans’ status, and whistleblower status. Daniel Krug filed suit in Multnomah County Circuit Court naming the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue District and Division Chief Gregory Ladrow as defendants.

Court Rejects Claims of Disability Discrimination by Indianapolis Firefighter

An Indianapolis firefighter who was terminated in 2020 for being absent without leave, has lost his federal court lawsuit. Sanjiv Neal claimed the department violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, plus committed wrongful termination, negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent supervision, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Suit Claims Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District Retaliated

A woman who was terminated from an administrative manager position with an Arizona fire district has filed suit against the board, three board members, and a former fire chief alleging retaliation and disability discrimination. Karen Jackson filed suit in federal court naming the Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District.

NJ Appeals Court Affirms Ruling In Favor of Fire Department on Disability Claim

The Appellate Division of the NJ Superior Court has upheld a verdict in favor of the Cranford Fire Department’s decision not to hire a firefighter who failed a psych exam. The suit was brought by Frank Rivera, who was passed over for a career position despite having served as a call firefighter for many years.

Massachusetts Lieutenant Sues Over Discrimination

A Massachusetts firefighter who was terminated in 2017 has filed suit in federal court alleging decades of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Lieutenant Craig Erickson filed suit against the Town of Rockland last week.

Georgia Firefighter Settles PTSD Suit for $250k

Forsyth County, Georgia has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a former firefighter who was prevented from returning to duty after taking stress-related medical leave because he was deemed to be a “safety-risk.” The settlement awards Timothy Smallwood $250,000 and resolves a federal lawsuit alleging a violation of ADA.

Marine Vet With PTSD Sues NJ Fire Department Over Rejection

A Marine combat veteran who came out 3rd on the Paterson Fire Department hiring list and was passed over due to his service-related PTSD has filed suit claiming disability discrimination. Brett D’Alessandro filed suit last week naming the City of Patterson, Mayor Jose Torres, Fire Chief Michael Postorino, Deputy Chief Kevin Hancock, and the Institute for Forensic Psychology.

Illinois Appellate Court Concludes Firefighting Exacerbated Combat Vet’s PTDS

An Illinois firefighter who developed a severe case of PTSD while serving a combat tour in Afghanistan, has been awarded a disability pension by the Illinois Court of Appeals who concluded that firefighting exacerbated his pre-existing condition.

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