Is PTSD covered under workers’ compensation?
There are many people who see some truly awful things while on the job. Emergency responders, law enforcement and medical staff see such things daily. There are also other Illinois residents who are subjected to violence in their places of work, which may leave them psychologically scarred. Psychological damage can affect one’s life personally and professionally. Is such trauma covered under workers’ compensation?
Many people end up with post-traumatic stress disorder because of things that they have witnessed at their place of work. This disorder can make it impossible for them to go about their days as they normally would. PTSD causes a person to experience these symptoms — among others:
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
According to a recently published article, it is believed that between 10% and 30% of individuals who are witness to traumatic events in the workplace will end up with PTSD. The care needed to overcome it may be covered under workers’ compensation benefits. Getting one’s claim approved, however, may prove a challenging task.
For a PTSD claim to be approved, certain criteria have to be met. For example, symptoms generally must be experienced for a minimum of 30 days, and the disorder has to be officially diagnosed. Workers’ compensation providers often deny claims if they believe people are exaggerating their symptoms. Illinois residents who find themselves struggling to access workers’ compensation benefits for PTSD may seek assistance fighting for coverage. Under the right circumstances, relief may be achieved and help to overcome this disorder received.