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What are the legal implications of psychological injuries?

On Behalf of | Jan 9, 2025 | Personal Injury

Workers’ compensation cases often focus on physical injuries, but mental health problems are just as important. Emotional trauma can make it hard for someone to live their daily life or do their job. Knowing the rules about these claims is important for workers.

Emotional harm and workers’ compensation claims

Mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and emotional distress can happen after workplace accidents or other job-related events. Maryland’s workers’ compensation program covers mental health injuries, but workers need strong evidence to prove their claims.

Proving mental health claims effectively

To win a workers’ compensation claim for emotional harm, workers need medical records. This includes notes from therapists, psychiatrists, or other mental health experts. Experts can also testify to show how the mental health issue connects to a workplace event. Keeping good records helps prove the injury and how it affects the worker’s job.

Workers’ compensation benefits for emotional distress

Workers can get benefits for medical costs and lost wages. Workers’ compensation might pay for therapy, medication, and other treatments for emotional injuries. To get these benefits, workers must show that their mental health issue is related to their job.

Why proving mental health injuries can be hard

It’s often harder to prove mental health injuries than physical ones. Workers’ compensation claims for emotional harm need detailed medical records and evaluations. Courts require clear proof that follows the state’s rules to approve these claims.

The effects of job-related trauma

Workplace mental health injuries can change someone’s life and career in big ways. Understanding workers’ compensation rules helps workers get treated fairly and ensures their experience is taken seriously.