Wyo. Sup. Court Rules Against Fireman’s Claim

The Wyoming Supreme Court has ruled against a volunteer fireman’s request for worker’s compensation benefits for mental stress he suffered after seeing two fellow firefighters who died in an explosion.

The court denied Abe Wheeler’s request for benefits. The court says state law only allows benefits for mental injuries caused by a physical injury that qualifies for compensation.

Rock Springs lawyer Mike Newman represents Wheeler. Newman says he’s disappointed in the court ruling, but says it’s up to the Wyoming Legislature to change state law.

Wyoming Attorney General Bruce Salzburg says he’s pleased with the court’s ruling on the law. But Salzburg says he’s sympathetic to Wheeler’s situation and wishes him the best.