ORLANDO, Fla. – Veteran attorney Geoff Bichler introduced an innovative legal approach in the PTSD workers comp debate Monday when he argued before Judge Neal Pitts that his client’s hypertension is a “clear physical injury” and meets the standard for medical coverage (estimated to be $25,000).
Bichler, a long-time advocate of first responders statewide, presented the argument during an afternoon hearing at the Office of Judges of Compensation Claims in Orlando.
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Pulse first responder Orlando police Officer Gerry Realin, who was diagnosed with PTSD and hypertension following his response to the Pulse nightclub attack on June 12, 2016, made a rare public appearance, but avoided the press after the hearing.
Because Realin’s medical records were discussed in open court, media was not allowed to attend the hearing.
During a press conference following the hearing, Realin’s wife Jessica told reporters she will continue the family’s push for PTSD to be recognized as an injury deserving of worker’s compensation benefits.
Both Bichler and Mrs. Realin called the hearing “contentious at times” between representatives of the city and Bichler.
“Unfortunately (the city of Orlando) continues to turn a blind eye to the cries for help from our first responders, and I believe they will continue to do so as they have done with my family," Realin said.
Bichler said the city continued to take the same “aggressive posture” Monday that he felt it had taken “for the last year and a half.”
“We all recognize this is a case of first impression," Bichler told reporters. “There is no time line on his (Judge Pitts’) decision.”
When News 6 asked what Bichler would do if the judge rejects what he called a “novel” argument, Bichler made it clear he would take to the next level.
“We’re going up on appeal, and we’ll continue this fight," Bichler said. ”This is really a matter of principle for us, it’s not about the money, it’s about trying to help the Legislature understand the magnitude of this problem and the public policy issue that this really is.”
Under current state law, first responders are only eligible for compensation when a physical injury accompanies the PTSD diagnosis.