Some injuries are much easier to get workers’ compensation benefits for than others. When you suffer a broken bone because of an equipment issue at work, there is an obvious connection between the physical injury and something that occurred on the job. Other injuries can be more difficult to connect with your work.
In the case of mental health disorders, workers may find it challenging to apply for benefits. It can be hard to conclusively show how your job caused the condition. Still, mental health conditions can qualify someone for workers’ compensation coverage. How can you determine whether your condition warrants these benefits?
The state carefully reviews mental health claims
Mental health conditions can manifest themselves in multiple ways. For example, some produce physical symptoms. Those who suffer physical consequences from a mental health issue brought about by their job or workplace, even if the physical issue isn’t debilitating, can often qualify for benefits.
Those who have a mental health issue that is the direct result of an injury, such as post-traumatic stress, may also be able to qualify for coverage. In some cases, workers can get coverage for mental health issues that result from a psychological experience at work rather than an injury, but they will have the burden of proof for connecting the condition to their experience at work.
Workers will generally need significant documentation in order to get the coverage they need for a mental health condition. For example, connecting a recent medical diagnosis with an incident on the job could help. Testimony from a medical professional that shows that factors from your employment contributed to the disorder could also help.
Reviewing the effect of your condition and what you believe caused it with an experienced attorney can give you a better idea about whether or not you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.