Your Legal Rights at Work

Do You Need an Attorney for PTSD-Related Workers' Comp?

by Lewis Hamilton

Post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition often prompted by something terrible one has undergone or witnessed. While most people may associate PTSD with being in the military, the truth is that somebody working in any field could experience PTSD. One of the controversies about reporting PTSD for workers' comp is the fact that many people don't consider filing when they don't have physical symptoms.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition in which one has experienced injury, shock, or something similar that leads to a response typically referred to as "fight or flight." While some people are able to recover from events within days or weeks, others could have PTSD for life. When somebody experiences a trigger, he or she may experience physical or emotional distress.

People who experience PTSD may have flashbacks, anxiety, or depression. They may react as if they are reacting to the events occurring in the flashback. The symptoms can be physical or emotional.

Who Experiences PTSD?

Many different types of people may experience PTSD. They include individuals in the military, emergency service professionals, those who have been in auto accidents, those who have experienced violence on the job, and more. For instance, a school librarian who witnessed a school shooting could be diagnosed with PTSD.

Obviously, many of the people who experience PTSD on the job are unwilling or unable to return to those jobs. They may be unable to work because they experience physical symptoms that go with the emotional distress involved in these injuries.

What Can a Workers' Comp Attorney Do?

A workers' comp attorney may be able to help you through some of the difficulties associated with your condition. For example, workers' comp may determine that you are not eligible for benefits because you have emotional or mental health issues rather than physical ones. This stems from misunderstandings about PTSD and other issues.

A workers' comp attorney understands the evidence you need to present in court, including information regarding your diagnosis and your mental health records. Your workers' comp attorney will help you determine what you need to bring with you to court and what arguments a workers' comp insurance company could make against you.

If you suspect that you have been living with PTSD, you do not need to wait to file a workers' comp complaint. It is important that you speak with an attorney right away to get started on your claim.

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