Most people associate workers’ compensation with a physical injury suffered on the job, such as a fractured bone or a strain from lifting. Mental health issues, on the other hand, can be covered under Virginia workers’ compensation, albeit they are frequently disregarded or misinterpreted by employers and insurance carriers. An Alexandria workers’ comp lawyer can tell you more, so schedule a consultation today.
The psychological impact of a work injury
Trauma may have a substantial impact on an individual’s quality of life. Not only do such situations raise the likelihood that a victim would experience bodily injury, but they may also increase the likelihood that the individual will suffer psychological trauma.
In rare situations, a stressful occurrence at work may cause the worker to experience emotional discomfort. For example, if a worker falls from a considerable height, he or she may sustain both bodily and mental traumas.
Workplace injuries can cause anxiety and dread, leading to mental disorders. Some employees may be anxious about how they will pay medical costs and/or care for their families during this time, especially if they are projected to be out of work for a lengthy period.
Signs of mental issues after a work injury
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be depressed as a result of your job injury and the pain and limitations it has caused:
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Excessive sleeping during the daytime
- Insomnia
- Decreased energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Weight loss due to having no appetite
- Overeating due to stress
- Difficulty remembering things
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Crying spells
If you are suffering any of these symptoms, get medical treatment immediately. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation for depression due to workplace injuries.
Difficulties obtaining workers’ compensation for emotional injuries
Obtaining benefits may be difficult, adding to the impact of physical or mental damage. The insurance company may be making light of the injuries to decrease the benefits that must be paid or that the employer is attempting to deny your claim outright.
Because most employees do not completely grasp what qualifies them for workers’ compensation, they may be unsure about the authenticity of their claim or the amount of benefits to which they are entitled. If occupational injuries resulted in emotional injuries, you may be eligible to claim compensation for these injuries. However, emotional anguish alone may not be sufficient to justify a claim. Pricing emotional distress after a work injury is difficult, but an experienced attorney can help. Schedule an appointment today!
