Can You File A Worker's Compensation Claim For Psychiatric Injuries?
If an experience at work has left you with anxiety, depression, stress, or other psychiatric injuries, you may wonder if you can file a worker's compensation claim like you would with physical injuries. Getting answers to the questions you have about this topic will help you know what to expect and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
Can You File a Worker's Compensation Claim for Psych Injuries?
Yes you may file a worker's compensation claim for psych injuries. Often times, an incident at work has left you feeling scared, nervous, stressed out, or anxious. This typically occurs when something traumatic, such as a robbery, occurs at work. But it can also be caused by harassment, intimidation, or a physical injury that occurred on the job.
How Do You Prove Psych Injuries?
Some psych injuries are easy to prove. For example, if something traumatic happened at work, you have a compelling case for the fear and anxiety you are experiencing. However, if your injuries are due to harassment that no one sees, you may have a harder time proving it. Documenting everything that is occurring and speaking with a specialist about what you are feeling and why are the best ways to prove psychiatric injuries. Additionally, if anyone else in your office is experiencing the same harassment you are, or has witnessed it, be sure to get a written statement from them. This can help to substantiate what you are claiming.
How Do You Go About Filing a Worker's Compensation Claim for Psychiatric Injuries?
In order to file a worker's compensation claim for psychiatric injuries, you have to notify your employer of your injuries. Many people would love to keep this private, especially if they feel harassed or intimidated at work. However, this is not an option. Fortunately though, you do not have to tell your direct supervisor. If you have a human resources department, you can notify them instead. Upon notifying them, they will provide you with information about their worker's compensation insurance carrier, ask you to fill out a claim form, and then direct you to seek treatment. In some states, they can tell you what doctor to seek treatment with. In other states, you are allowed to select your own doctor. They are required to tell you who you have to treat with, if you live in a state that requires it.
Unfortunately, psychiatric worker's compensation claims can be challenging and messy. In some cases, showing you have a psychiatric injury and that it was caused during the course of your employment can be challenging. If your claim has been denied, or you don't want to face the process alone, consider hiring a worker's compensation attorney like The Law Offices Of Martin Von Mizener. They can help you determine if you have a case and go about helping you file and win your case.