Connecticut Supreme Court Reviews Officer Suicide Benefit Case

Patricia Buchanan is appealing a court ruling that denied workers' compensation benefits following her husband's 2013 death.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy stone archway silhouette, evoking the gravity of a legal review. — The Connecticut Supreme Court is reviewing an appeal by Patricia Buchanan, seeking workers' compensation benefits following her husband's 2013 suicide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Patricia Buchanan has petitioned the Connecticut Supreme Court to overturn an Appellate Court ruling that denied workers' compensation benefits regarding her husband's suicide. Officer Paul Buchanan died by firearm at the East Hartford police station in 2013.

Why it matters

The case centers on a legal dispute over whether Officer Buchanan's suicide was caused by work-induced PTSD or pre-existing major depressive disorder. The court's decision may impact how police departments handle benefits related to mental health and job stress.

A workers' compensation judge initially denied benefits, a decision later reversed by a review board before being overturned by the Connecticut Appellate Court. The matter is now pending review by the state Supreme Court.

The players

Patricia Buchanan

She is the widow of Officer Paul Buchanan and is currently petitioning the Connecticut Supreme Court for workers' compensation benefits.

Paul Buchanan

He was a veteran patrol officer who died by suicide in 2013 while employed by the East Hartford Police Department.

Connecticut Supreme Court

This is the highest court in the state of Connecticut and is currently considering whether to hear the appeal regarding workers' compensation benefits.

The details

Officer Paul Buchanan served as a patrol officer for nearly 25 years before his death by suicide inside the East Hartford police station. His widow argues for benefits, while previous rulings have debated whether his condition was independent of his law enforcement duties.

In 1999, Buchanan witnessed the death of Officer Brian Aselton.
In 2003, Buchanan first reported feelings of anxiety and depression to a physician.
In January 2013, Buchanan was hospitalized following an apartment fire.
On March 4, 2013, Buchanan returned to the department on administrative duties.
On March 12, 2013, Buchanan died by suicide at the police station.

Legal Context

This case highlights the evolving legal challenges in applying state workers' compensation statutes to mental health crises among public safety employees. It follows a pattern of high-stakes litigation over whether specific occupational stresses qualify as compensable work-related injuries.

The Supreme Court's ruling will establish a precedent for how police departments across the state handle mental health leave and death benefits. Residents may see local police unions continue to advocate for broader mental health support and coverage for officers.

The takeaway

This case underscores the complex intersection of mental health history and occupational stress in high-pressure roles. Families of public safety employees may find that clear documentation of mental health struggles remains a critical factor in future benefit eligibility.