Obtaining Compensation for Your Work-Related Mental or Emotional Distress
If you are injured while at work or survive some kind of trauma, you may have physical and mental injuries. While physical injuries are relatively easy to demonstrate, emotional and mental scars may be more difficult to prove. However, Pennsylvania does allow you to recover money for psychological injuries experienced at work. The best way to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation is by retaining an experienced attorney.
At Freeburn Law, we represent individuals who have been injured while at work. Whether you sustained physical harm or psychological trauma, we may be able to help. It is essential to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages due to a workplace injury. Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Filing a Claim Based on Psychological Injury
The vast majority of work-related injuries will result in a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is usually the exclusive remedy for losses related to workplace injuries and illnesses.
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act recognizes that not all work-related injuries are physical. Therefore, the Act allows workers to file a claim based on psychological or mental injuries that occur while at work.
If you have suffered a mental injury while at work, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your condition.
Types of Psychological Work Injuries
Pennsylvania divides compensable workplace psychological injuries into three distinct areas. Each category has its own burden of proof. Because of the complex nature of proving psychological or mental injuries, it is generally in your best interest to consult with an attorney before filing a claim.
Categories of potentially compensable work-related mental injuries:
- Physical/mental – Physical/mental injuries are conditions that occur as a result of a physical event.
- Mental/physical – Mental/physical injuries are mental health issues that manifest themselves in a physical way or physical conditions that result from mental stress or trauma.
- Mental/mental – Mental/mental injuries are purely psychological injuries that are not caused by a physical event and do not result in a physical condition.
Because mental/mental injuries are solely psychological without a related physical condition, they can be the most difficult to prove. To receive compensation for a mental/mental injury, you must usually show that there was either a specific traumatizing event that caused the mental health disorder or there was a prolonged “abnormal working condition” resulting in the injury.
Hiring an Experienced Attorney
Whether your psychological injury was the result of a physical injury or stressful working conditions, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free consultation. All case evaluations are confidential and without obligation to retain our firm.
At Freeburn Law, we have recovered over $100 million for our clients. Let us fight for you and your family to receive the recovery you deserve. Call now to discuss your case directly with an attorney.