Workers' Comp for Stress and Anxiety: Does Workers Compensation Cover Mental Health?
In 2020, every state in the US has workers' comp laws guaranteeing compensation for employees who have been injured at work.
The question is, what exactly can you receive compensation for?
Can you get workers' comp for stress and anxiety? The short answer is yes!
Read on to find out more.
Can You Get Workers' Comp For Stress And Anxiety?
In the event that your mental or psychological health has worsened due to work, you can file a claim for mental health compensation. You may receive compensation for psychology sessions, psychiatrist appointments, and medication. You may even be able to receive compensation for mental pain and suffering.
There are generally two ways that work causes stress and anxiety.
In some cases, a worker's mental health troubles come from a single event. For example, a severe injury may lead to PTSD. The thought of going back to work may trigger fear, anger, and flashbacks, making the transition much more difficult.
In other cases, a worker's mental health troubles build up over time. Their working conditions cause some kind of strain that they at first try to ignore. Eventually, however, these problems become more noticeable and more severe, leading the worker to require medication or professional help.
Both of these cases are completely valid and you may receive workers' comp for your stress and anxiety. The tricky part is proving your case. It's not as easy to link mental health problems to your work as it is to link physical health problems to your work.
Building Your Case
In order to prove to the insurance company that you deserve compensation for your mental health treatment, you will need the help of a professional.
A workers comp psychologist is the best place to start. They know the in's and out's of insurance claims and will know exactly what details to look for and document.
It is important that, with the help of your psychologist and attorney, you can pinpoint exactly where your mental health troubles began and how they are linked to your job.
You may also have to provide information about your mental health history and address questions about your mood and behavior in the past. The insurance adjuster on your case will likely seek out evidence that your mental health troubles existed before you began working for your company.
Seeing a psychologist also shows that you are taking initiative. It proves that you are doing what you can to overcome the anxiety or stress that is keeping you away from work or limiting your abilities. This is also an important part of building your case.
Act Quickly
Depending on your state laws, you will need to act within the statute of limitations in order to file for workers' comp for stress and anxiety. Keep records of your appointments, affiliated bills, and lost income. Document incidences that contributed to your anxiety and stress at work.
With the help of medical and legal professionals, you'll have a case in no time.
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