One of the most important aspects of successfully filing a workers’ compensation claim is to determine your damages. There are some damages that we cannot measure as easily and as concisely as others. Damages from psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have symptoms and causes that may be more difficult to ascertain and may motivate an employer to attempt to deny compensation for them. For such a task, you may likely need assistance to ensure that your damages are all properly accounted for; you should contact a skilled attorney to help you with this.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually develops after traumatic events. While the disorder is psychiatric, the symptoms and effects can manifest physically. PTSD symptoms can include the following physical effects:
- flashbacks from the event that caused or contributed to the trauma
- depression or anxiety
- stress or anger resulting in outbursts, excitability, or difficulty sleeping
PTSD is often treated with therapy and medication to help the individual eventually learn to cope. When the symptoms intensify, they can make it difficult for the victim to live their daily life.
PTSD in a workers’ compensation claim
When handling the issue of PTSD in your workers’ compensation claim, there are several important factors for you to consider.
- Obtain a diagnosis. A PTSD diagnosis usually requires that you show that you encountered a traumatic situation.
- Ensure that the diagnosis relates to the accident that occurred at work. In order to prove this, the diagnosis will need to be linked to an event that occurred in the workplace that was extraordinary or unusual and not a normal condition of your job. In order for your case to be considered “compensable”, the stimulus that caused the injury must be “unusual” for a typical person in your same job position.
The current workers’ compensation landscape does not prohibit recovery for PTSD symptoms, however, it does not allow claimants to file a workers’ compensation claim for PTSD symptoms without additional physical injury. Further, for those who do file for workers compensation that includes compensation for PTSD symptoms, they often have to fight for compensation for their psychiatric care.
When you have a lot hanging in the balance and your employer is attempting to withhold the compensation you need from a workplace injury, you should seek experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Nashville. A Nashville attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries.