A Maryland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Discusses Mental Health Injuries and Workers’ Compensation: Are You Eligible for Benefits?
Mental health injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work, just like physical injuries. They can occur on the job as a result of stressful work environments or even stem directly from a physical injury. In Maryland, workers’ compensation benefits are available for employees who suffer from work-related mental health conditions. However, proving that these injuries are directly linked to the workplace can be challenging. Without clear evidence, claims are often denied. The support of a Maryland Workers’ Compensation lawyer can be crucial during your pursuit of benefits.
Types of Mental Health Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Maryland
Maryland workers’ compensation covers two main types of mental health injuries. Physical-Mental Injuries occur when a mental health condition, such as anxiety or PTSD, develops as a result of a physical workplace injury. It is important that these conditions are directly linked to a physical injury that occurred within the scope of your employment.
Mental-Mental Injuries involve mental health conditions caused by traumatic or stressful workplace events, without a physical injury (e.g., severe anxiety due to workplace violence). While both types may qualify for benefits, mental-mental claims are typically harder to prove, requiring substantial evidence of the work-related cause.
Challenges with Proving a Workplace Connection to Mental Injuries
Proving work-related mental health injuries can be particularly challenging because, unlike physical injuries, they aren’t immediately visible and may develop gradually over time. In Maryland, workers filing mental health claims often face skepticism from employers and insurers who may argue that the condition isn’t work-related or existed prior to employment. For example, an employee experiencing severe anxiety after a workplace altercation must prove that the incident directly caused their condition.
Mental-mental claims—those without a preceding physical injury—face the greatest hurdles. These claims require strong, credible evidence to establish that the mental health condition arose solely from a specific work-related event or an ongoing stressful environment. Key forms of evidence include medical records detailing diagnosis and treatment, psychiatric evaluations confirming the work connection, and documented incidents at the workplace, such as reports of harassment or trauma. Without this clear link, insurers may deny the claim on the grounds of insufficient proof.
Let Timothy A. Dachille and Associates, a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer, Help With Your Mental Health Injury Claim
The workers’ compensation system is designed to cover your employment-related injuries, whether they are physical or mental. However, establishing the link between your condition and an event at your workplace can be challenging. The good news is that you do not have to address this issue on your own. Timothy A. Dachille and Associates is here to help you get the maximum available compensation after your workplace injury. Reach out today to a Maryland Workers’ Compensation lawyer to learn more about how we can help with your claim.