Witnessing something stressful or traumatic at work can leave you with post-traumatic stress disorder. Some states are pulling together and saying that PTSD should be covered by workers’ compensation. While PTSD is covered in some states, it is not covered in all, and many want to see it be the national norm.
There are some occupations in which workers are particularly susceptible to dangerous or traumatic events. These include police, firefighters and emergency medical responders. While any person in a high-stress occupation can certainly witness the extreme, people in these occupations are more likely to do so.
Unlike typical job stress that most of us experience, PTSD is triggered by a horrible event. It could be a gruesome accident, a violent assault or some other type of fear-inducing situation. When people suffer from PTSD, they may be unable to work. Even those who can return to and continue working may be dealing with their symptoms for years into the future.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks
- Being easily startled
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Anger
- Nightmares
- Obsessive compulsive behaviors
- memory problems
Physical symptoms may also be present. These include ulcers, headaches, high blood pressure, heart attack and fatigue. While workers’ compensation may allow sufferers to receive some compensation, it is often limited depending on the severity of the disorder. Anyone wishing to file a workers’ compensation claim for PTSD must seek a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.
If you believe that you may have work-related PTSD, speak with your employer as soon as possible. You are under a timeline when it comes to workers’ compensation. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to any benefits at all. Benefits you may be entitled to include medical payments, payment for lost wages, and compensation for permanent mental health impairment if this applies to you.
If you need assistance with workers’ compensation in Charleston, call our office. Our experienced attorneys assist people with workers’ comp every day. We will review the details of your case at no cost to you and explain your options. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.
