Traumatic injuries and experiences on the job can leave workers struggling with lasting, painful conditions that are not necessarily visible to others. For instance, a person can develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in relation to their job, and in some cases, they can be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits.
That said, the connection between PTSD and work is not always as direct as other work-related conditions. It can be easy to see that a person broke their leg after a fall in the workplace, but PTSD can be more complicated.
Causes of PTSD on the job
Some of the experiences that can trigger PTSD symptoms related to work include:
- Witnessing a traumatic event, like a fatality
- Developing a anxiety and depression after a physical injury on the job
- Getting robbed or assaulted
These events can leave people struggling with symptoms of PTSD like debilitating anxiety, flashbacks, inability to sleep and negative changes in their mood and thinking.
Under these circumstances, this mental health condition can be a work-related illness. Coverage of PTSD includes the payment of mental health services, and, if the injured worker must remain out of work due to the psychological condition, compensation for their lost wages.
Who is at risk?
Every worker is at some risk of experiencing a traumatic event on the job, but some are far more likely to than others. We often see people with work-related PTSD if they are:
- First responders
- Law enforcement officers
- Servicemembers
- Teachers
- Medical workers
- Retail workers
- Workers in hazardous industries
People in these occupations are more likely to witness a traumatic event or suffer a catastrophic injury resulting in PTSD.
Getting compensation for PTSD
Unfortunately, people often face challenges when it comes to receiving a PTSD diagnosis and securing effective treatment. And because there is not always a direct connection between PTSD and work, applying for workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated.
Thankfully, legal and medical professionals have experience in these areas and can help workers pursue the care and support they deserve. Should you either be in an accident and psychological concerns arise, it would be best to contact counsel to understand how best to ensure coverage for any and all injuries. Separately, should you be diagnosed with PTSD and a licensed professional consider it work related, you should contact an experienced attorney to assist you in potentially obtaining you compensation and coverage for your psychological injury.
