CA Workers Compensation: Depression
When most people think of workers’ compensation claims, they picture broken bones, sprains, or other physical injuries. But did you know that California workers’ compensation can also cover psychiatric injuries like depression? Whether caused by a physical injury or a stressful work environment, depression is a serious condition that can affect your whole life.
At Dixon Law, APC, our LA, County workers’ comp attorney helps injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system. If you’re struggling with depression following a work-related incident, we can help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Depression as a Psychiatric Work Injury
Psychiatric injuries, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are compensable under California workers’ compensation laws. These injuries hold equal importance to their physical counterparts but can be more challenging to prove.
The link between one’s job and depression is undeniable. While some jobs carry inherent risks for psychological harm (think first responders), even seemingly standard work environments can become breeding grounds for debilitating mental health conditions. The effects can be insidious; stressful work environments, high demands, lack of support, and traumatic events are common triggers.
For some, the daily pressures of meeting deadlines and managing workplace relationships can gradually wear down their resilience, leading to burnout and depression. Others might experience a sudden shift, where witnessing or experiencing workplace accidents can directly trigger acute distress, potentially developing into PTSD.
Regardless of how they manifest, the impact of work-related psychiatric injuries is significant and should be treated with seriousness and compassion.
Types of Depression Claims
There are two primary ways a workplace injury can lead to a diagnosis of depression:
- Depression Caused by Physical Injuries: The disability, and lifestyle changes resulting from a serious physical injury can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression. You might feel hopeless about the future or experience grief over what you’ve lost.
- Work-Induced Depression (Mental-Mental Claim): A “mental-mental claim” arises when the primary cause of your depression is stress or other psychological factors directly related to your job, even if no physical injury occurred. For example, a stressful work environment, harassment, or a traumatic incident could lead to depression
Whether the depression stems from the physical work injury itself or is a direct result of workplace stressors, you might be entitled to compensation.
Requirements for Depression as a Work Injury
California workers’ compensation law has particular requirements for psychological injury claims. To receive benefits, a qualified medical professional must diagnose your depression. Further, you need to prove these conditions in a claim:
- You were employed (at least 6 months) at the time of the injury
- The work injury/conditions were the predominant cause (50% at least) of your depression
This requirement exists because depression is a complex mental health issue with various potential causes. Workers’ compensation aims to compensate for injuries directly linked to your employment.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Depression
While workers’ compensation for psychiatric injuries like depression is available, it is often limited compared to physical injury claims. Benefits might include medical treatment, temporary disability payments, and sometimes permanent disability compensation. However, proving the extent of depression and its impact on an individual’s ability to work can be particularly challenging.
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Depression related to a workplace injury can be complicated, both medically and legally. A skilled LA County, CA workers’ compensation lawyer, can protect your rights. At Dixon Law, APC, we’re experienced in helping workers navigate workers’ compensation claims. We can assist with handling workers’ compensation claim procedures, appealing denials, etc.
Schedule your free consultation today. We’re here to advocate for you, ensuring you understand your rights, get the medical care you need, and receive the benefits you deserve.
