Sustaining a serious physical injury on the job can be life-changing, and when that injury is compounded by a psychological condition, such as severe depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the effects can be even more devastating for the injured worker and his or her family. Fortunately, under workers’ compensation laws in Georgia, many psychological injuries are covered by workers’ comp, as long as they arose following a physical injury caused by an on-the-job accident. If you suffered bodily harm on the job in Georgia, and you have since experienced symptoms of clinical depression, PTSD or anxiety, contact our reputable workers' compensation attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak to discuss your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
Physical Harm May Lead to Psychological Injury
In many cases, a Georgia worker who suffers a back injury, neck injury, or any other physical harm at work may also experience psychological symptoms related to the bodily injury, including depression or anxiety. The stress of dealing with chronic pain following a workplace accident may even lead to the need for mental health counseling for some employees in the state. In fact, this type of psychological reaction is common when an individual suffers physical harm serious enough to affect their ability to work, care for their family, earn a living, or even complete everyday tasks like climbing the stairs.
Seeking Compensation for Psychological Symptoms
Despite the fact that depression is not an uncommon occurrence in the workplace, psychological injuries that lead to compensable workers’ compensation claims are rather rare. This is due in part to the considerable burden of proof that lies with the worker, which typically requires conclusive evidence that the individual’s job is the “predominant cause” of the depression or anxiety. Unlike a broken bone or a serious laceration requiring stitches – injuries that can be physically seen and quantified – it may be difficult for workers in Georgia not only to provide proof that a psychological injury exists, but that it resulted from an on-the-job injury. This is where our workers’ compensation attorneys come in.
Consult Our Knowledgeable Attorneys Today
In Georgia, it is required by law that workers first have a physical injury before they are eligible to receive benefits for a psychological injury, as psychological symptoms without bodily injury are not compensable under Georgia workers’ compensation laws. However, if you have experienced bodily harm related to a roofing accident, construction accident or another type of on-the-job accident in GA, and this experience has led to debilitating psychological symptoms, contact our knowledgeable lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak today. Our team of skilled attorneys can help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits for your physical injury and any depression, PTSD, anxiety or other psychological conditions resulting from the bodily harm.