Workplace injuries are more than just physical injuries. Some accidents can affect a person’s mental state so much that they may never be able to return to their normal life. Post-traumatic stress disorder is one such condition where an accident victim experiences flashbacks and nightmares of a terrifying incident. 

If you have experienced a workplace accident and acquired PTSD, you may wonder whether you have rights to therapy and medications. The answer is yes, but there are certain important things you should know about. Contact a Workers Compensation lawyer today to explore your legal options. 

Is it possible to get PTSD at work?

It is definitely possible to get PTSD after experiencing a horrifying accident in the workplace. PTSD can also occur even if the victim witnesses the accident instead of being involved. Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts, and anxiety occur after someone is exposed to death, serious injury, or sexual assault. 

Does workers’ comp insurance cover PTSD?

Yes. Workers’ compensation insurance covers treatment and medications for PTSD. However, it is important to know how the condition is defined in your state and what criteria should be met in order to receive the benefits. 

To get workers’ compensation benefits for PTSD, the victim must get themselves diagnosed by a qualified and known psychiatrist. They should also get their medical reports documented to be used as evidence in court. Additionally, the symptoms of PTSD should last for at least a month. It is considered an acute stress disorder if the symptoms go away in less than a month. 

What are the common symptoms of PTSD?

If you have recently experienced a workplace accident, these are the PTSD symptoms you should look out for. Remember that these symptoms should last more than a month to be considered PTSD. 

  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Obsessive-compulsive behavior
  • Nightmares
  • Violent or self-destructive behavior
  • Depression
  • Anger and irritability 
  • Being easily startled or jumpy
  • Flashbacks 
  • Anxiety
  • Emotional detachment

Severe symptoms of PTSD can interfere with a person’s personal, social, and work lives. 

Workers’ comp benefits for PTSD 

Here are the benefits you can get for PTSD in your workers’ compensation claim. 

  • Costs of medical treatment, such as therapy sessions, medications, etc. 
  • Temporary disability benefits, in case the victim needs to take time off work and heal from the traumatic event.
  • Permanent disability benefits when the victim is severely affected by the incident, and it majorly influences their ability to perform in the workplace.