Can You Get Workers’ Comp for PTSD?

When you sustain a physical injury in the workplace, workers’ compensation can replace your lost wages while you are unable to work. The same can apply for mental injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While the laws surrounding workers’ comp for mental health conditions are more nuanced than those for slip and fall injuries, you may be able to get workers’ comp for PTSD.

When is PTSD a Work-Related Injury?

It can be challenging to prove that workplace conditions or events caused a mental health condition.Therefore, if you seek workers’ compensation for PTSD, you must prepare evidence to show that your condition is related to your work environment.

For example, if you witness the death of a coworker on the job, you may experience PTSD. Because this condition was not present before the incident, it qualifies for workers’ compensation.

Additionally, if your PTSD arises from or worsens due to your work setting, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. However, you must prove that your psychological injury resulted from a specific incident that triggered your condition or a series of events that created an above-average level of stress.

 

What Restrictions Apply to Workers’ Comp for PTSD in New York?

If your PTSD is a pre-existing condition, you may not be entitled to workers’ comp, since your PTSD did not result from your workplace environment. To determine whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation for PTSD in New York, you must be evaluated by a licensed psychiatrist.

If you experience PTSD as a result of workplace actions like a demotion, disciplinary action, job transfer, or termination, these circumstances may prevent you from receiving workers’ comp.

HNG Law Can Help

If you believe you qualify for workers’ comp for PTSD, the Staten Island workers’ compensation attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso, & Poznansky, LLP can help. Call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online to request a consultation.compensation. A personal injury lawsuit also applies if harmful substances are involved or if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees.