Mental Health in Workers' Compensation Cases: The Emotional Toll of Workplace Injuries
- posted: Apr. 24, 2023
As a workers' compensation attorney, I've seen firsthand the emotional and psychological impact that work-related injuries can have on my clients. Whether it's a serious physical injury or a traumatic event that occurred on the job, the emotional toll can be just as significant as the physical toll.
A workplace injury can lead to:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fear and anxiety about returning to work
- Loss of self-esteem and confidence
- Anger and irritability
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Relationship problems with loved ones and coworkers
- Guilt or shame about being injured or not being able to work.
These emotional injuries can have a significant impact on an injured worker's quality of life and ability to recover from their physical injuries. Unfortunately, this emotional toll is often overlooked in workers' compensation cases.
INJURIES CAUSE BOTH PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
When someone is injured on the job, the immediate focus is on their physical health and getting them the medical treatment they need. However, it's important to also consider their mental health. Many people experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional disorders as a result of their workplace injury. These conditions can have a significant impact on their ability to recover physically and return to work.
In addition to the impact on the injured worker's life, their mental health can also have an impact on their workers' compensation case. For example, if an injured worker is suffering from depression, they may not have the motivation to attend doctor's appointments or follow through with their treatment plan. This can make it difficult to prove the extent of their injuries and the need for ongoing medical treatment.
Another way mental health can impact a workers' compensation case is through the perception of the injured worker. Insurance companies and employers may use a worker's mental health as a way to discredit their claim. They may argue that the worker's emotional state is not related to the workplace injury or that they are exaggerating their symptoms. This can make it more difficult for the injured worker to receive the compensation they deserve.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT
It's important for injured workers to seek help for their mental health as soon as possible. This can include talking to a mental health professional or a workers' compensation attorney who understands the impact of emotional disorders on workers' compensation cases. A mental health professional can provide the support and treatment needed to help the injured worker recover emotionally, while an experienced workers' compensation attorney can help ensure that their legal rights are protected.
Mental health is an important aspect of workers' compensation cases that should not be overlooked. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, please don't hesitate to reach out to my firm for a consultation.
