While some people can fully heal from their accidents, others get stuck with mental illnesses, such as PTSD. PTSD is a common occurrence after experiencing or witnessing something traumatizing. If your PTSD has resulted from a workplace accident, you must get in touch with a Richmond workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
A lawyer that is especially skilled in handling workers’ comp claims will help you maximize the benefits, meet strict deadlines, and represent you if you need to file an appeal. Meanwhile, if you are wondering whether you can get compensation to recover from PTSD, keep reading the blog.
Does workers’ compensation cover PTSD?
Workers’ compensation covers medical costs, including medications, surgeries, appointments, etc., and lost wages in case of an employment injury. If a workplace accident has caused you psychological injuries like PTSD along with physical ones, you can certainly receive compensation.
PTSD, that is, post-traumatic stress disorder, is a medically recognized mental disorder that happens due to experiencing or witnessing a terrifying incident. The condition can cause irrational fears, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Many people experience PTSD after an accident or a shocking event. Some people are able to recover within a few weeks, while some get stuck with it and require medical treatment. Different types of psychotherapy and medications can help relieve the symptoms.
Since the recovery of PTSD requires medical treatment, you can recover healthcare costs through workers’ compensation. There are no specific accidents from which you can acquire PTSD. It can happen due to enormous workload, hostile work environment, accidents, or watching a close one die.
Proving a PTSD claim
When you file for a workers’ comp claim, you need to provide evidence for your respective damages. If you demand PTSD compensation, you can expect the insurance company to observe you very closely.
Even if you have been medically diagnosed with the condition and have provided the documentation to prove it, the insurance company will still investigate your life to see whether your symptoms are genuine and related to a workplace incident.
The best way to prove your condition is to receive consistent treatment with a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Your doctor will document your symptoms and create a report of how they limit your abilities or prevent you from working. This can be helpful to prove your case. Similarly, statements from your co-workers, friends, and family are also beneficial.
A person with mental illness does not always look sick but can be suffering from the inside. A person with PTSD will have a hard time doing their day-to-day tasks due to disturbing thoughts and feelings. Therefore, it is vital to seek compensation with the help of an attorney.
