Can I File Workers’ Compensation for Stress?
Mental health and its intersection with physical well-being have increasingly become a topic of discussion online, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Workplace-focused and health-related media outlets frequently publish articles focused on this issue. Therefore, with growing attention paid to the impact of mental health issues, particularly chronic stress, on workers' productivity and overall health, we wished to examine the topic in the context of filing for workers' compensation benefits.
In the following piece, we look at how workers' claims of "stress" related injuries are treated with regards to being eligible for workers' compensation in Maryland.
What Constitutes Work-Related Stress?
Stress-related injuries, with regards to workers' compensation, fall into two main categories, which are:
Physical Stress Injuries
In the case of physical stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back pain issues, a direct cause is easier to identify and a worker should file a workers' comp request through their employer. Once an injury report is filed, the worker should get in touch with a qualified Maryland workers' compensation attorney to serve as an advocate throughout the claim process. Additionally, an examination by a medical professional is a must. The individual should hold onto any documents for their lawyer's and employer's insurance company's review.
Mental Stress Injuries
Mental stress injuries, in the context of Maryland workers' compensation claims, must be directly attributed to a workplace injury. For example, an individual is employed as a UPS driver and is carjacked. Because of this incident, they may suffer physical injuries from the assault, as well as a post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
In terms of filing a claim afterward, injured workers will follow a similar process as with purely physical ailments. First, they will need to notify their employer and submit a workers' compensation claim. Then, it would be advantageous to obtain legal counsel at the same time as they seek medical attention from a primary care practitioner and a mental health specialist.
How We Can Help
Dealing with injuries after a workplace accident can be daunting. Coupled with the additional stress that emerges as a result further hinders an injured worker's recovery. Working with an experienced workers compensation law office like Shultz Legal can help alleviate the need to pursue workers' compensation benefits alone.
Contact our office via a phone call or by using our online form for a free case review.
