Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a mental health condition that develops when you witness a severe or traumatic event. If the traumatic event happened while you are working your PTSD may be covered by workers’ compensation. If you suspect that you are suffering from this condition, you need to seek out medical treatment immediately. Waiting can increase your symptoms of anxiety and jeopardize your right to file a workers’ comp claim. 

How PTSD May Develop While on the Job

Police officers, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and other professionals are particularly susceptible to traumatic events. Employees who are exposed to a high stress or dangerous environment are prone to developing PTSD. PTSD may also be experienced by an employee who witnessed a colleague die in an accident or suffer serious injury. If you suffer from this condition, you may not be able to return to work because of the severe mental and physical symptoms of the disorder. And even if you can work, you may need to get years of regular medical treatment.  You can file a workers’ comp claim for your PTSD with the help of an experienced tucson workers compensation attorney to have a good chance of securing benefits.  

Notifying Your Employer About the Incident

You must notify your employer about the work-related incident and your injuries as soon as possible. Once your employer is notified, they have 10 days to notify the workers’ comp carrier. After the carrier has received the claim notice, it has 21 days to accept or deny it. Right after your injury, you must file a claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

To be eligible for workers’ comp, you must be an employee of a company, not outside contractors. Also, your injury or illness should have been caused by work-related activity. 

Seeking Immediate Medical Treatment

PTSD is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Its symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, fatigue, withdrawal, mood swings, and others. Consult a doctor and let them know of the emotions or experiences you have been suffering. Make sure to keep track of your medical history, including the date you visited a doctor and where you got your treatment. 

Using the Assistance of a Lawyer

Workers’ comp claims for PTSD can be difficult to win. A workers’ comp insurance carrier may be reluctant to offer a settlement without physical evidence of an injury. The insurance claims adjuster may argue that your PTSD originated from events in your personal life instead of at work. You must have an attorney representing your best interest during your claim. Your lawyer will strengthen your claim, collect PTSD-related evidence, and negotiate with the carrier for you.