Worker's Compensation: Does PTSD Count?

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a serious condition that paints countless Americans across the country. In fact, an estimated 5% of men and over 10% of women in the U.S. will suffer from PTSD in their life time. The condition can make it almost impossible for the afflicted person to live a normal life, including making enough money to live on. And a common misconception is that only military veterans get PTSD, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone who has had a traumatic experience. If you're curious about whether or not you are able to receive worker's compensation for your post traumatic stress disorder, here's what you should know:

If Your PTSD is Related to Work, You May Qualify

If you have been scolded, injured, raped, molested, abused, or been verbally assaulted, you could have PTSD. And if any of these things happened at work, then you may justly deserve compensation from your employer. Note that the PTSD must be caused by an experience that you either had while in the work environment or re-triggered by events from work.

Of course, in order to make a valid case, you must establish a link between your environment at work at your current condition. While federal laws protect federal employees, individual states carry their own laws pertaining to PTSD compensation for employees of private companies. For this reason, it is important seek the services of a personal injury attorney in order to navigate complicated state court systems, claims evaluators, and insurance agents.

If Your Claim is Denied

1. Reach out to your insurance company - Occasionally, a simple misunderstanding takes place, such as forgetting to sign a line or submit paperwork. Verify that it wasn't just a small error on your or someone else's part.

2. Ask them to re-evaluate - If you can present new evidence, you may be able to sway the decision in your favor.

3. Contact a qualified attorney and request an appeal - At this point, it is vital that you acquire a knowledgeable lawyer to guide you through the appeal process. This can include many complicated matters that vary by state such as deadlines, additional documents, and local laws. Only someone specializing in this particular kind of law can lend you clear vision in such a messy process.

If you're one of the many Americans who has been inflicted with PTSD, your livelihood could be severely dampened. If you believe that your disorder is related in any form to your work experience, you should contact personal injury lawyer like one from Tarkowsky & Piper Co. LPA immediately. Don't suffer another without getting the justice and compensation you deserve.