Can You Get Workers Comp for Emotional Distress?

After a serious work injury, you may suffer more than physical injuries. Your mental and emotional state may be impacted too, leaving you struggling to get the benefits you’re due for your injuries. 

Fortunately, our lawyers at Kooi Law are here to help. We understand how difficult it can be to overcome emotional distress. We can help you maximize your benefits to get the help you need for your suffering. 

Your Workers Comp Benefits 

When you’re hurt in a serious work accident, you may be unsure if you qualify for workers comp and you certainly need the benefits while you’re unable to work. These benefits should cover the costs of your losses no matter what type of work accident or work-related illness you suffered. Below are just a few of the workers comp benefits you may be due after a serious injury: 

• Medical Benefits – When you’re hurt in an accident, you may need coverage for your injuries. These benefits should cover all medical costs you’ve suffered in your on-the-job injury. 
• Wage Replacement – After a work accident, you may be unable to work for some time. In these situations, you may need benefits that cover a portion of your wages, depending on whether you’re able to work at all. 
• Death Benefits – Families who have lost a source of income may need further assistance. If you lost a loved one to a work accident, your death benefits may include funeral or burial costs, as well as wage replacement benefits until you remarry or for life. 

Determining When You Can Work 

The key step you’ll need to take to get workers comp for emotional distress is proving you can’t work. Emotional distress and mental health concerns, like post-traumatic stress disorder, can make it difficult or impossible to return to work in the same capacity you once worked. 

If you’re unable to work because of the emotional distress you suffered, you may have grounds for wage replacement benefits. But that doesn’t mean your benefits will already pay for this time off work. You may need your workers comp lawyer to help you appeal a denial of benefits. Your lawyer can help you seek benefits by taking your claim to the Indiana Workers Compensation Board for appeal. 

Talk to Your Lawyer about Your Workers Compensation 

When you’re hurt on the job, your workers compensation should cover you for as long as your suffering lasts. But when your suffering is emotional, not physical, it can be difficult to get the benefits you’re due when you’re unable to work. 

At Kooi Law, we know how tough it can be to prove emotional and mental suffering. That’s why we’re here to help. If you’ve been injured in a work accident, reach out for a free consultation about your next step above. We’re here to guide you to success when you call 317-569-1335 or fill out the online contact form below.