At Teplinsky Law Group, we understand that an injury can affect a person in many different ways. Often times, people suffer with the psychological aftermath of prolonged pain and/or the loss of a job. We’ve tried and won many cases in which psychological benefits were previously denied.
Psychological Impact of a Work Injury
If you’re wondering if the law provides coverage for treatment for the psychological effects of your workplace injury, the short answer is: yes. What are the details you should know if you need to pursue such a claim? We’ve got the answers right here.
- What do I need to know? Workers’ Compensation law in Minnesota has a standard of proof that something is compensable if the work injury is a substantial contributing factor – not necessarily an exclusive cause. This means, your psychological symptoms can be multifactored, as long as your work injury is one of those factors.
- You can receive psychological treatment if: your mental health symptoms are a consequence of your work injury. Yes, that includes if your psychological symptoms are caused by persistent pain and/or the effects of not being able to return to work. In any case, if your mental health issues are tied to pain from your work injury and/or loss of work, then they are compensable.
- What if I had a prior psychological condition? You are still covered under Minnesota work comp benefits, as long as your work injury is a substantial contributing factor to your mental health. In fact, this is generally the case for all types of prior conditions – both physical and mental.
- There’s one more important rule you need to know: There has to be some element of a physical injury. You cannot bring a work comp claim for overstress at work alone . . . your mental health issues must arise as a result of some sort of physical work injury.
- What type of treatment am I entitled to? Workers’ compensation psychological benefits include therapy, counseling, medication, and both in-patient and out-patient psychological, psychiatric treatment.
Twin Cities Workplace Injury Lawyers
At Teplinsky Law Group, we encourage you to speak openly and candidly with your doctors regarding ALL health symptoms or concerns. There is no shame in addressing mental health issues. If you’re interested in speaking with one of our Twin Cities work comp attorneys, call us at 612-465-0320 to schedule a free consultation. Even if you are unsure of hiring legal help for your injury, it never hurts to call.
