It’s possible for them to argue your mental health deteriorated because of some other event in your life, and therefore is not a work-related injury.
Many workers who’ve suffered an injury on the job may be looking at an extended rehabilitation period, during which they’ll most likely not be able to work.
When that happens, workers compensation insurance can help you cover the medical costs and account for lost wages. However, even so, a work injury can take a toll on employees’ mental health, and some can even begin experiencing symptoms of depression.
The Signs of Depression Following a Work Injury
Depression can affect people differently, but there are some general symptoms to recognize it:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Hopelessness and pessimism
- Loss of interest in activities that before the accident brought pleasure
- Difficulty sleeping
- Suicidal thoughts
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Not connecting with family and loved ones
And depression doesn’t have to show symptoms right after the accident took place. It can be some time until injured workers start to feel this way, but it’s vital that when they do, they seek professional medical attention.
What Can You Do?
If you or a loved one are experiencing depression after a work injury, you should discuss it with the doctor that’s treating you. Under Missouri law, mental disorders are also covered by workers compensation, though the data available shows that only 0.3.% of all claims in Missouri include mental disorders.
But if you talk to your doctor about any emotional or mental issues you may have, they can refer you to a trained mental professional who can help. Also, contact your employer and insurance company that carries the claim and notify them of your problem. It’s best not to look for someone by yourself, especially if you’re already on workers compensation. They have the right to choose the doctors who will treat you, so if you choose a physician yourself you risk paying for the therapy yourself.
Your Claim Got Denied – What Now?
Legally speaking, your employer and insurance company cannot deny covering the cost of your treatment for depression or mental disorder. However, it’s possible for them to argue your mental health deteriorated because of some other event in your life, and therefore is not a work-related injury.
You should be receiving treatment for ALL of your injuries, not just the ones the insurance company wants to accept. Do not let the carrier deny you benefits. Our attorney, James M. Hoffmann, works with employees from a wide range of industries to pursue the right benefits or to appeal a denial of your injury claim.