Stress and anxiety are common complaints in daily life. We all deal with them to some degree. At times, they can be so overwhelming that they won’t stop even when you leave your job. If it gets to this point, it may begin to cause serious health issues that result in continued medical care. The key is learning how to deal with them so they don’t become major health concerns. Filing a workers’ comp claim is a possibility if you can prove your need for medical attention stems from work-related stress and anxiety. Let’s dive deeper into this.
Workers’ Compensation for Stress and Anxiety
Many states, including California and Oregon, recognize stress and anxiety as verifiable concerns. These types of conditions are closely looked at on an individual basis. In order to successfully file a workers’ comp claim for stress and anxiety, you will need to provide verifiable proof that your health issue is directly caused by work and is not brought on by outside life experiences that involve family or other activities.
Mental Health Coverage and Workers’ Compensation
Mental health issues are not as easy to prove as physical injuries. If you can prove that your issues are job-related, you may be able to get compensation for several different mental health issues, including:
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can have many causes, including unsafe work conditions or constant pressure to meet unrealistic demands when it comes to performance. Sexual harassment and violence in the workplace are common causes of PTSD.
FAQs About Stress and Workers’ Compensation
Is stress leave covered by workers’ compensation?
Most states will cover both physical stress and mental stress-related injuries. You will need to have proper documentation to prove your case.
Is work-related stress a disability?
If a worker can no longer function in their previous position due to work-related stress, it then becomes a disability that may qualify them for workers’ comp benefits.
How do you prove work-related stress?
Stress and anxiety are hard to prove, but consistent documentation and witness accounts will be considered during a case-by-case review. Encourage employees to document instances where they may witness a stress-related incident. Get eyewitness statements, if possible.
Does workers’ comp include stress?
Yes, as long as the employee can provide sufficient evidence about their stress-related injuries and health issues. Each case will be considered on an individual basis. Talk to witnesses and have each one make a statement.
Can you get workers’ comp for anxiety?
Anxiety can lead to many health concerns. If an employee is able to prove their anxiety issues are a direct result of their job, they may qualify for workers’ compensation. It’s important to keep accurate notes and seek medical attention immediately.
Cover Your Work-Related Stress and Anxiety with J Archer Insurance
If you have questions about how workers’ comp insurance deals with stress and anxiety claims, contact the professionals at J Archer Insurance Group. Our agents can help you determine what your next steps should be if you have work-related stress or anxiety claims. While these injuries may not be easy to prove, an individual case review and accurate documentation may help. Contact our agents today to learn more and get the claims process started.
