Workplace Injury Workers Comp for Mental Health and PTSD Claims

## Can You Claim Workers Comp for Psychological Workplace Injuries?

Many workers do not realize that psychological injuries resulting from workplace trauma are compensable under workers compensation in most states. Post-traumatic stress disorder following a violent incident at work, severe anxiety caused by a near-fatal accident, or depression triggered by a catastrophic workplace injury are all recognized as compensable conditions when properly documented.

First responders, healthcare workers, and employees who witness traumatic workplace deaths or violence are particularly vulnerable to PTSD and other compensable psychological injuries.

How Mental Health Workers Comp Claims Work

Psychological injury claims face higher scrutiny than physical injury claims because the connection to workplace events must be clearly established through psychiatric or psychological evaluation. A licensed mental health professional must diagnose a specific condition and attribute it to identifiable workplace events rather than general workplace stress.

• Seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as symptoms appear
• Keep a detailed journal documenting how workplace events have affected your daily functioning
• Identify coworkers or supervisors who witnessed the traumatic incident
• Understand that some states restrict mental health claims to those arising from physical injury

Pure mental stress claims — those without any accompanying physical injury — face the highest legal hurdles and vary dramatically by state law. However, psychological conditions that accompany or follow physical workplace injuries are generally well-covered. An attorney familiar with your state's specific rules about psychological injury claims gives you the best chance of successful recovery.