Is Work-Related PTSD Covered by Missouri Workers’ Compensation?

PTSD is a mental condition where you relive past traumatic events you’ve witnessed or experienced. According to the National Mental Health Centre, one out of ten Americans suffers trauma during their lifetime. A significant percentage of this group goes on to develop PTSD symptoms immediately or months after a traumatic event.

 

Employees should be aware of the legal provisions of work-related PTSD under the workers’ comp system.

 

Impact of PTSD on Workers

For a long time, workers have been subject to traumatic events at the workplace. For example, think about a school teacher who witnesses a mass shooting or a firefighter getting injured in the line of work.

 

Trauma from such events sticks with these victims long after the ordeal. As an employee, memories of horrific events can deter you from dispatching daily duties effectively and leading a stable life.

 

Common signs of post-traumatic stress disorder patients include:

• Nightmares

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Emotional detachment

• Compulsive behavior

 

Physical symptoms are among the worst because they can limit your movement or thought process. These include headaches, heart attacks, vomiting, fatigue, and high blood pressure.

 

 

Mental Conditions Covered Under Workers’ Comp System

 

Work-related mental conditions can manifest in different ways among employees. These include:

 

 

Mental-Mental

 

These are mental health illnesses that develop from psychological torture at work, such as witnessing the death of a colleague. PTSD is an excellent example of this type of mental problem.

 

 

Physical-Mental

 

A serious physical injury at work can lead to psychological challenges, such as anxiety or depression. For example, pain from a spine injury can deprive you of sleep causing mental anguish.

 

 

Mental-Physical

 

Workers who suffer from a mental health condition such as PTSD can develop physical complications from the psychological torment. These include problems such as heart attacks, diarrhea, and ulcers.

 

 

Pursuing PTSD Workers’ Comp Claim

 

Mental health conditions arising from work-related matters, such as PTSD, are highly scrutinized in most states, including Missouri. The only states with recognized compensation plans at the moment, especially for the first respondents, include California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Texas.

 

However, that should not discourage you from pursuing compensation for work-related PTSD. Under Missouri’s workers’ comp system, there are legal provisions that allow workers to file for work-related mental disorders, depending on the extent of damage to their health and finances.

 

 

Workers’ Compensation Attorney

 

Unfortunately, winning a work-related PTSD compensation claim is not easy. First, you need evidence that will prove beyond reasonable doubt that you have work-related PTSD and demonstrate how the condition is affecting your life. And even if you have strong evidence, there’s a chance your employer or their insurer will try to challenge your claim. This can lead to delayed payment at a time when you need it the most, especially if you’re jobless.

 

Fortunately, working with an experienced workers' comp attorney can improve your chances of winning. An attorney can help you gather evidence, connect you with expert witnesses, and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.

 

 

The Law Firm of James Hoffman

Do you suffer from PTSD due to your employment? Our Missouri workers’ comp attorneys can evaluate your claim for free and help you protect your legal rights. Give us a call today at (314) 361-4300.