Opinion ID: 2346588
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Brunell v. Wildwood Crest Police Department

Text: In 1995, Petitioner Diana Brunell was employed by respondent Wildwood Crest Police Department as a civilian police dispatcher. On June 2, she dispatched Officer Eugene Miglio to the scene of a vehicle stop. A scuffle ensued, during which the suspect struck Miglio on the chest. As a result, Miglio suffered a cardiac arrest and died later that night. Although Brunell did not witness the incident directly, in addition to sending Miglio to the scene of his death, she called for medical assistance, informed and consoled other members of the police department, and arranged for notification of Officer Miglio's widow. Immediately after the incident, Brunell suffered symptoms of anxiety, depression, nightmares, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and exaggerated startle response. She became more tense as time passed. In June 1999, Brunell began to experience difficulty at work, including disagreements with co-workers and other emotional problems. As a result, she was suspended for a week. The following month, a psychologist retained by the Department, Dr. Richard Cohen, diagnosed Brunell with a major depressive disorder. Brunell continued to see Dr. Cohen, who, on a subsequent visit, advised that Brunell should not return to work. Dr. Cohen also referred Brunell for further psychological evaluation. On August 20, 1999, Brunell was examined by Dr. William Miley and was diagnosed with PTSD as the direct result of Officer Miglio's death in 1995. On September 9, 1999, the Department's insurer informed Brunell that her claim had been denied for failure to report it in a timely fashion and suggested that she pursue recovery through her private insurer. Dr. Miley then notified the insurer that Ms. Diana Brunell is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with Delayed Onset (DSM IV-309.81). In this disorder, the symptoms do not occur until at least six months after the critical incident that initiated the condition. Ms. Brunell has noticed recently that she is experiencing symptoms of this disorder over which she has no control. Dr. Miley reaffirmed that Brunell's symptoms were the direct result of the 1995 incident. On January 6, 2000, Brunell filed a claim petition seeking workers' compensation. In the petition, she declared that the date of her accident or occupational exposure was June 2, 1995, and that she suffered from delayed onset PTSD as a result of Officer Miglio's death. On April 3, 2000, the Department denied relief for failure to timely file a claim for an injury which occurred on June 2, 1995 and ultimately moved to dismiss the claim petition.