Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Suffering from a case of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is not something most people understand. However, according to the United States government, approximately six percent of the population will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. Those who develop PTSD as a result of their job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, PTSD workers’ comp claims are challenging to prove, and those considering filing a claim should work with an experienced attorney. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our veteran team of North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive experience navigating some of the most challenging claims and can help connect you with the benefits you need and deserve.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Usually, the symptoms of PTSD start within a month of the triggering event but sometimes take much longer to appear. Some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:

• Recurring memories of the triggering event;
• Reliving the traumatic event;
• Nightmares;
• Severe emotional reactions to things that remind you of the triggering event;
• Avoiding places that remind you of the triggering event;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Overwhelming guilt or shame;
• Being easily startled;
• Angry outbursts;
• Trouble concentrating;
• Having negative feelings about yourself or others; and
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships.

The symptoms of PTSD can be severe; however, with the appropriate medical treatment, they will often improve.

Employees who develop a case of PTSD as a result of their work may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, to successfully bring a workers’ comp claim for PTSD, you must be able to connect your diagnosis to your employment. For example, the following situations are those that may result in a workers’ comp settlement for PTSD:

• A construction worker who witnesses a colleague’s death after falling from several stories up;
• A bank teller who is robbed at gunpoint;
• A factory worker who survives an explosion that claimed several other workers’ lives;
• A first responder who is called to the scene of a particularly horrific emergency.

Of course, these are just a few of the possible situations that may result in a work-related case of PTSD; there are many others.

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for a case of PTSD, a worker must meet three elements. First, the triggering event must be one that is characteristic of the worker’s job. Second, by performing the duties of their job, the worker must be at a greater risk of developing PTSD than the general public. And third, there must be a connection between the worker’s job and their case of PTSD.

Thus, while workers’ compensation benefits are available for a condition like PTSD, these cases are typically much harder to prove. Those who believe they are experiencing PTSD because of something that happened to them or that they witnessed while at work should consult with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.

If you recently were diagnosed with PTSD and you believe that it was due to something that occurred at your work, reach out to the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, for immediate assistance. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our compassionate team of workers’ compensation lawyers commands in-depth knowledge of the state’s workers’ compensation laws and has a successful track record of connecting workers with the benefits they need and deserve. We can help you understand all of your options and develop a compelling case for benefits. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach one of our Concord workers’ compensation lawyers at 704-918-4747.