The modern workplace has become an increasingly dangerous place for physical, psychological, and emotional injuries. California law provides coverage for all types of injuries sustained on the job including mental illness but only if your work injury is truly related to your job and not related to your personal life, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
Psychiatric injuries can be caused by a number of factors, including job stress, workplace violence, a hostile environment, and long hours. The effects of these injuries can be severe and long-lasting and can contribute to the development of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
What should I expect when filing a claim?
You should know that when you file a claim, insurance companies and independent medical evaluators will be looking at your private life to find out what factors have contributed to your illness.
What benefits can I get?
The benefits available to those who have been injured in psychiatric care vary depending on the type of injury sustained and the circumstances surrounding it.
Medical assistance and even temporary disability may be available. However, as outlined in the California Labor Code, you can only claim a disability when
- You have been the victim of a violent act while performing your duties
- The physical injury caused occurred had “catastrophic” consequences
- The injured worker has been on the job for at least six months
Medical support
A worker claiming a psychological injury must have detailed testimony from a doctor supporting their workers’ compensation claim. The diagnosis must be supported by the medical record and by interviews with family, friends, and co-workers.
Get legal help
One of the most important things you can do if you have been injured or experienced a work-related mental illness is to find a workers’ compensation attorney. Although it may seem like a daunting task, our team at Julie O Legal can make the difference between winning or losing your case. Contact Us.