Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Stress or PTSD
March 11, 2017
Psychological injuries, though not visually obvious, may be just as painful as any catastrophic physical injury. Mental injuries that occur as a result of intense workplace stress or a particular traumatic event can cause a whole host of issues. These injuries can be just as disabling, or not more so, than a physical injury. Fortunately, mental injuries have been receiving much more attention in recent years. As a result, those who suffer from stress–related injuries, including PTSD, are often eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Like any other workplace injury, if an individual suffers from a work-related mental injury, he or she must prove two things. First, the employee must show that the injury was directly related to conditions of employment. Even if the employee was not actually performing his or her job responsibilities at the time of the injury, the injury or condition must be tied directly to some aspect of the job. Secondly, the employee must be able to prove that the injury or disorder occurred during the period of employment, at a place where the employee would reasonably be carrying out his or her job duties.
Examples of Stress-Induced Injuries
Employees are likely to experience varying levels of stress regardless of the type of work they do. However, some are more likely than others to experience more intense stress, which can cause stress-induced injuries like PTSD. Examples of employees who may suffer from these types of injuries include public safety workers such as police officers and first-responders working in particularly high-stress situations; store clerks who have been held up at gun-point; and corporate employees who work long hours and are expected to meet unreasonably tight deadlines. Circumstances like company-wide layoffs can also cause severe stress if an employee is in jeopardy of losing his or her job, as the financial implications can be devastating.
Employees who suffer from a work-related mental injury may have a more difficult time securing Workers’ Compensation benefits because the injury is not visible. Employers are always trying to keep costs down, and Workers’ Compensation is often a significant expense. Therefore, it is even more important to have the necessary documentation, including medical records from a healthcare professional who has diagnosed your condition as work-related. Because mental injury claims can be difficult to establish, a skilled Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyer can assist you in the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Secure Benefits for Employees with Stress-Induced Injuries
If you or someone you love has suffered a stress-related injury due to conditions at work, or an isolated stressful event, it is in your best interest to contact the highly skilled Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Our dedicated team will fight hard on your behalf in order to obtain the full benefits to which you are entitled. To set up a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyers, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
