Most people think of workers’ comp in terms of physical injuries. But did you know that mental issues that stem from a work injury are also legitimate reasons to file a claim?
Worker safety also encompasses mental health, and psychological problems can manifest in many ways, from injury-related stress to depression or anxiety.
Work-Related Depression and Stress
Depression affects the way a person thinks, feels, and views the world. It can be an effect of physical injuries more often than you might think. Symptoms of depression include feelings of irritability, sadness, or hopelessness. Sufferers also may experience changes in appetite, lose interest in hobbies or activities, and feel less energetic. In more severe cases, a person with depression can feel worthless or have thoughts of suicide.
Stress is another condition that many injured workers experience and commonly manifests as job burnout. This form of stress can make a person feel physically and mentally worn out, powerless, and empty. Job burnout can also result from depression and lead to other health problems.
Because of the severity of depression, stress, and other mental health issues, legislators have modified injury and disability laws over the years to include mental problems as eligible for workers’ compensation. If you’re experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety because of a workplace illness or injury, you’re generally eligible to file a worker’s comp claim.
However, just because it’s covered under workers comp law doesn’t mean getting approved is straightforward. That’s why it helps to have a workers’ comp attorney to help you file your claim and obtain the compensation you need to recover.
Successfully Filing for Workers’ Comp for Mental Health Conditions
Workers generally have legal protections when experiencing disability due to the psychological effects of a work injury. Nevertheless, some employers still discriminate and make it difficult for employees to file a claim. This may be due to the unfair stigma associated with mental illness that persists, along with the difficulty in diagnosing some mental health conditions. But remember that the law is clear. Workers’ compensation and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) cover mental illness due to a work injury.
Because mental health workers’ comp claims can be challenging to file, an experienced attorney can represent you and make the process easier. The local personal injury team at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co., takes work-related mental illness seriously, and they’ll work hard to fight for your rights. If you need compensation for a mental health condition due to a work injury, contact us today. We’re happy to answer your questions and examine your case.