Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Stress at Work Can Lead to Injury
September 21, 2016Heavy workloads, long commutes, unappreciative bosses, and poor salaries are just a few things that lead to overly stressed employees. According to a study by the market research firm, Nielsen, eighty percent of American workers say that they are stressed by at least one negative aspect of their job. When an employee’s mental health is compromised, he or she is often more susceptible to physical illnesses. These stress-induced illnesses can have a significant impact on the Workers’ Compensation claims process.
The typical work-related issues that most people cite as stressors, including negative co-workers or unreasonable bosses, are generally not considered a basis for a work injury claim. There are other circumstances in which an employee may be compensated for a stress-related illness. In order for an employee to be considered for Workers’ Compensation benefits, an employee must compile substantial evidence that proves that the work-induced stress is responsible for the illness.
Most states require that in order for an employee to be compensated for a mental condition, there must also be a physical injury. This would require an injured worker to prove that a physical disorder like a heart attack or high blood pressure was caused by mental stress in the workplace. These types of claims can be complex and the chances of success are increased with the aid of a skilled Workers’ Compensation lawyer in Maryland.
Exceptions Made Following Sandy Hook Tragedy
After the tragic events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, some states will now make exceptions for claims involving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression if the employee either experienced or witnessed a traumatic injury. There is an attempt to change the law so that a Workers’ Comp claim cannot be denied because it is a mental-mental claim, which is a claim for psychological injuries that do not stem from a physical injury. The act of simply witnessing a trauma should qualify as a physical component of a valid claim.
A vice president of quality and continuing education at Procura, a Healthcare Solutions company, predicts that there will be an increase in Workers’ Compensation claims that are related to mental health issues. Stress can have a serious impact on a person’s overall health, including his or her ability to recover quickly and return to work.
In response to this growing issue, many human resources departments are taking proactive steps to create more positive environments where the employee feels valued and supported. Recognizing the mental component of an injury early can help reduce the risk of workplace injury and improve outcomes.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Injured Employees with Denied Claims
If you have developed an injury or illness as a result of a stressful work environment, you are urged to contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will guide you through every step of the claims process and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. For a complementary case review, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
