Worker's Compensation Law: How To Handle Work-Related PTSD
Posted on: 3 May 2022
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The human brain works uniquely. It self-preserves information by temporarily blocking out the gory details of a severely traumatizing event. Unfortunately, these details do not vanish. They get stored in the subconscious. With time, the brain will process them in bits. The defense mechanism against these traumatizing thoughts often leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sadly, proving that an accident affected your psychological health is more complicated than a physical injury case. That is why hiring a workers' compensation lawyer is inevitable. In addition to that, this guide shares valuable information to steer you in the pursuit of justice.
How to Link PTSD to Your Workplace
PTSD arises from directly experiencing a terrifying experience or witnessing it. For example, if you worked in a melting company and watched someone fall into the boiling metal and die, you are at risk of suffering PTSD later. Similarly, falling from a height or almost getting your hand mangled in a moving machine can leave you feeling anxious about working in a similar environment. As mentioned earlier, your attorney has to link the incident to your mental predicaments. They will need to engage medical experts such as psychologists to achieve this.
How to Detect PTSD and Its Effect on Your Daily Life
The most prevalent symptom of this disorder is the avoidance of situations that could trigger memories of the event that caused the trauma. Other victims also work long hours or subject themselves to potentially harmful situations in order to escape from the traumatic thoughts.
These impairments will affect your work performance and the quality of life you lead after the injury. Essentially, the settlement offered by the insurance company depends on how your injuries have affected different facets of your life, such as family and work. Your attorney will take into account these damages to calculate the amount to request from the insurance company.
How to Go About Seeking Compensation
It is crucial to seek the services of a lawyer when seeking compensation for PTSD. The law allows you to seek compensation for your physical and emotional injuries. To ensure a swift process, you'll need to provide medical evidence and demonstrate lifestyle changes you've undergone due to the trauma. Your lawyer will enlist the right experts to help you achieve this.
Working alongside a lawyer in your workers' compensation case is advisable. They will assess the case and gather evidence to give you the best outcome and highest compensation for your suffering. Contact a workers compensation attorney near you for more information.