Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Tennessee Workers’ Compensation

PTSD is a disorder that some Chattanooga workers suffer in response to witnessing a traumatic or frightening event, or being involved in an accident. Most people who witness an attack or are who placed in fear of their safety, become afraid for a short time. People with PTSD stay afraid for long periods of time. Some victims are never the same. Victims become anxious or stressed even when they are not in any clear danger. PTSD can make it impossible or difficult for some workers to perform their job.

While many people associate PTSD with military combat, civilian workers are regularly exposed to dangerous or upsetting events that can trigger a PTSD reaction. Some job types where violence, safety concerns, and other traumatic events are common are:

• Police work and law enforcement work
• Firefighting
• Working in a hospital or as an EMT
• Construction work

Your work doesn’t have to be inherently dangerous to file a worker’s compensation claim. Any worker who suffers PTSD due to a single event while they are working has the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Being involved in a car accident can cause PTSD. Witnessing someone die can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Workers don’t need to be physically hurt to collect worker injury benefits. Just witnessing a traumatic event can justify a claim.

Work injury benefits include partial wage payments (normally 2/3 of lost wages) and medical benefits. You may also be entitled to permanent disability benefits if a physician confirms that you are not likely to ever fully recover. Chattanooga workers who suffer PTSD due to repeated dangerous exposures (as opposed to a single event) may also have a worker’s compensation claim.

Medical care for PTSD victims includes treatments by psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health counselors, therapists, and other health professionals

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

Everyone responds to stress differently. Often workers don’t appreciate they are under stress until a family member of co-worker lets them know. Indicators of PTSD include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Flashbacks to the time of the traumatic occurrence
• Being emotionally detached
• Irritability
• Fear of anything associated with the traumatic event
• Violent behavior
• Nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Ulcers
• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea

Treating the emotional and physical symptoms can often take years of therapy and counseling.

If you or someone you love was involved in a serious accident or witnessed a scary event, help is available. Our PTSD lawyers in Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN, and in North Georgia are strong advocates for employees who need mental and physical help. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, we work with experienced medical professionals who understand how to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorders. For help now please call us today at 423-756-7923 or complete our contact form to schedule a free appointment.