Workers’ Comp Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
When we think of workplace injuries, we typically visualize physical ailments stemming from accidents at work. However, these aren’t the only ailments workers may suffer from. When an employee witnesses the injury or death of his coworkers, he may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Texas workers in high-risk occupations, such as construction, the oil industry, and maritime work, are particularly vulnerable to PTSD.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a mental health condition that results from witnessing a traumatic event. In the workplace, this is typically caused by an employee seeing his coworkers seriously injured, or even killed. PTSD sufferers may be unable to work due to the serious mental and physical symptoms resulting from their condition. Even when an employee continues to work, PTSD may require years of routine medical treatment. Workers suffering from PTSD may experience a variety of psychological and physical symptoms, including:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Flashbacks.
- Nightmares.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Ulcers.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When you’re suffering from PTSD, workers’ compensation benefits can provide the time away from work and medical treatment you need to recover from the psychological damage you’ve experienced. These benefits may include payment for lost wages, coverage of medical expenses, and disability compensation. Unfortunately, it’s never easy to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits solely on the basis of psychological injuries, and your allegations are likely to be met with extreme skepticism. Workers’ compensation fraud specialists may investigate to determine the validity of your claim. This process could include pulling your credit report, checking your criminal history, interviewing your coworkers, and reviewing your mental health records.
You Need an Attorney
If you’ve experienced PTSD due to witnessing the injury or death of your coworkers, you should expect a fight when pursuing a PTSD claim. You need an experienced attorney who knows how to gather testimony from the right expert witnesses to help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.