High stress jobs, such as police work, can cause workers to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, it can be caused in many other jobs as well. If you were no longer able to work because of PTSD from your job, what would you do? How would you pay your bills or support your family? In some instances, a diagnosis of PTSD may be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Common Occupations With High Instances of PTSD Although any stressful occupation could possibly cause PTSD, there are some occupations that are more likely to cause the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than others. Police officers are prone to PTSD because of the level of violence they are exposed to and the risks that they face each and every day. Firefighters are also a high risk group because of the stress and danger that they face. Paramedics and EMTs are exposed to stressful emergencies that may also result in the development of PTSD. Teachers who witness school shootings or other extremely stressful events can also develop PTSD What Are the Symptoms of PTSD? PTSD can develop days or months after being exposed to stressful situations on the job. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms because of your job, you should make an appointment with a mental health professional: Experiencing flashbacks or nightmares about the event Emotional numbness Avoiding places, people, or things that remind you of the trauma Problems with sleep and concentration Easily irritated or angered Anxiety or depression that is prolonged Development of physical reactions when you are reminded of the trauma Persistent shame Hypervigilence Those are the common signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What Is Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that is required by state law. Almost every employer is required to carry a workers’ compensation policy in place. When employees are hurt in some way on the job, they have the option to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. Common benefits of workers’ compensation include: Help with medical expenses. If you’re diagnosed with PTSD, you’re going to need psychiatric care. You may even need medication to help with depression, anxiety, mood swings, and problems with sleep. You may need to be hospitalized to get the help that you need. Payment of lost wages. If you’re unable to work either temporarily or permanently, you may qualify to receive payment of partial wages through workers’ compensation. It’s important to know that you’d need to meet the guidelines. You may qualify for job training if you’re unable to return to your previous line of work. This can help you get back into the workforce. Get Help from a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Mental health claims through workers’ compensation can be difficult to win. If you believe that you’ve developed PTSD from your job, you need to get a diagnosis from a mental health expert and then call a workers’ compensation attorney for help. PTSD is extremely serious and you need care. A workers’ compensation attorney can assist you with filing your claim and can help you get the benefits that you deserve.
