Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can result from circumstances in almost any work environment, but is more commonplace is certain jobs, including rescue or public safety roles, emergency medical situations, and similar high-stress occupations. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and ambulance personnel are typically among those most frequently experiencing some form of PTSD related to their jobs. Fortunately, under the right circumstances, a worker who develops PTSD because of a work-related event (or events) may successfully pursue workers’ compensation benefits.
The first requirement to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder is that you must show that the event you witnessed occurred while you were acting within the scope and ordinary course of your employment. You must also typically obtain a formal diagnosis of post -traumatic stress disorder from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist.
Work comp claims alleging PTSD are not, however, limited to persons for whom stress is an ordinary part of the job. If you witnessed the death of a co-worker in an industrial accident, or were present to observe incidents of workplace gun violence, you may also seek workers’ compensation benefits. Typically, the types of conditions that demonstrate the existence of PTSD include headaches, nausea and fatigue, but may also manifest in nightmares, the inability to sleep, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and flashbacks.
A challenge that often arises with a PTSD-related claim–the symptoms may not become noticeable for days, weeks or even months. Accordingly, it’s important to document that you witnesses some event at work that may have had a psychological impact. The sooner you do, the less likely the risk that your employer will try to attribute your condition to a non-work-related event.
Contact Personal Injury Lawyers in New Jersey at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr
We have fought for the rights of personal injury victims in central New Jersey for more than 40 years. We carefully select the cases we handle, so that we can provide the highest levels of service and personal attention to each client. We are also happy to take over your case, if your first lawyer does not seem to have your best interests in mind.
For an appointment, send us an e-mail or call our office at 732-537-8570. There is no charge for your first consultation.
