Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation to Cover My Mental Health?
Workers’ compensation is often only associated with physical injuries that occur at a place of work. However, if you’ve sustained a mental illness or symptoms during your employment, you could also be eligible for benefits from workers’ comp.
Your claim can allow you to get compensation for lost income, medical bills, disability, and more.
Will I Get Workers’ Comp Benefits for Mental Health?
You most likely won’t receive compensation if you suffer from mental distress due to “normal” work conditions, including transfers or demotions. However, if your mental distress results from a traumatic event, like losing a limb or sexual assault in the workplace, you are eligible for benefits from workers’ comp.
Am I Excluded from Benefits if I Have a Pre-Existing Mental Condition?
To get compensation, you must connect your mental condition to your workplace. If you have a pre-existing mental illness or condition, a doctor must show that your symptoms worsened due to your job and not because of other factors.
Final Thoughts
The workers’ comp system can be confusing and exhausting, especially if you are trying to heal from serious injuries. Getting the help of an experienced workers’ comp attorney will ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to, whether you sustained injuries that impacted you physically or mentally.