Worker’s Compensation for PTSD After a Traumatic Injury

Workplace injuries come in a wide variety of different kinds and from different incidents, some greater and more intense than others. A dramatic incident, pain, or injury of any kind can lead to a psychological condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This means that a gruesome injury that is sustained on the job can lead to this condition as well. Would the victim be eligible for extra compensation if PTSD were to be contracted?

The short answer to this question is yes. If a traumatic workplace injury results in PTSD, then the employee may receive extra compensation under these circumstances. That being said, it is sometimes difficult to obtain this, as insurance companies are notoriously skeptical of treatment for mental disorders. It is most easily won however when the injury was caused by a traumatic event, as this type of injury is known as a physical-mental claim.

It is possible, in addition, to claim compensation for PTSD if a trauma is witnessed although no physical injury is sustained to the individual. This is called a mental-mental claim and is uncommonly executed and won. An example of this kind of claim might be a police officer that is called to a gruesome crime scene or a teacher that witnesses a school shooting.

In either case, the incident must be well-documented and the diagnosis given by a psychological medical professional. Thorough documentation is the key to winning such a claim and it is very possible with the right lawyer on your side.

At the Franco Law Firm, we’ve won worker’s compensation cases of all different kinds for people in many situations. To learn about we can help you win yours, and to schedule a free consultation with us today, please call (813) 872-0929.