While workers’ compensation payments are often provided to individuals who suffer physical injuries such as broken bones or torn ligaments, an employee may ask if they may obtain benefits for a work-related mental health disorder like PTSD. Continue reading to learn about your benefits alternatives.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and How Does It Affect You?
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by seeing or being engaged in a traumatic incident, such as an attack, a natural catastrophe, or a major accident. PTSD can cause a variety of emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms that make it difficult for a person to function.
When Does Workers’ Compensation Cover PTSD?
In order for workers’ compensation to cover PTSD, a worker must have their illness professionally diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ PTSD criteria.
PTSD may be covered as a purely mental injury in which the affected employee did not experience any physical harm but instead saw the triggering traumatic incident, or as a mental ailment as a result of a physical injury sustained at work.
Claims for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Workplace
PTSD claims on the job are widespread in areas and professions where workers are exposed to stressful events on a regular basis. PTSD is particularly common among law enforcement personnel, firemen, paramedics, and hospital staff.
Employees may get PTSD after witnessing a coworker suffer a terrible or brutal injury or death. Construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and fishing are examples of businesses where catastrophic accidents occur. PTSD, on the other hand, can occur in almost any field of work.
PTSD Signs and Symptoms
- Horrific incident flashbacks, with memories of the occurrence reoccurring to the point of becoming obtrusive in daily life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability and rage
- Being readily startled or jumpy is a sign that you are easily startled or jumpy.
- Detachment from emotions
- Self-destructive or violent actions
- Problems with memory or attention
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a kind of obsessive-compulsive
- Nightmares
Severe PTSD symptoms can have a negative impact on a person’s personal, social, and professional life.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in New Jersey Can Assist
If you suffer from PTSD as a result of your job, a workers’ compensation attorney can assist you by:
- Examining data to create a case that a stressful workplace incident caused your PTSD
- Assisting you in receiving the medical care you require, including partnering with your treating doctors if you have been diagnosed with PTSD.
- assisting you in filing a workers’ compensation claim with your employer
- If your employer or its insurance refuses your claim for PTSD compensation, we can help you file an appeal or a formal claim.
Hurt on the job in New Jersey and suffer from PTSD? Contact Nicholas Lacovara at Lacovara & Burns LLC today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options for pursuing workers’ compensation benefits at (856) 629-8131
