Former Police Officer in Arkansas Awarded Benefits for Stress Disorder

Former Jacksonville, Ark., police officer John Forte has won his workers’ compensation claim over post-traumatic stress disorder.

The ruling is believed to be the first time an Arkansas law officer has won such a claim when there was no physical injury involved. Forte was awarded $13,156.

The 44-year-old Forte was diagnosed with PTSD after an Aug. 25, 2008, shootout in which another officer was wounded and the gunman was killed.

The Arkansas Municipal League fought the claim. League attorneys argued that Forte was not physically injured or the victim of a violent crime as is required by state law in mental injury cases.

League attorney Chris Bradley says the league will not appeal the ruling.

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com