Mental health conditions can be just as serious as physical conditions, but proving their work-related cause can be harder. If your job has affected your emotional or mental health, you might wonder if workers’ compensation in New Jersey can help.
What qualifies as a mental health condition under workers’ compensation?
New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system acknowledges that work-related events can cause mental health problems. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and other stress-related conditions may qualify for compensation. However, to qualify, your condition must result from or be worsened by something that happened at work, such as harassment, a traumatic event, or extreme job stress.
Proving a mental health condition for workers’ compensation
Proving a mental health condition for workers’ compensation can be more difficult than proving physical injuries. You’ll need a doctor’s proof linking your condition to your work. Your doctor might need to explain how your job caused or worsened the condition. This can include gathering medical records, statements from coworkers, and evidence of the event at work that triggered the condition.
The role of a mental health professional in workers’ compensation claims
Mental health professionals play a key role in supporting workers’ compensation claims for mental health conditions. They provide diagnoses and explain how your job led to or worsened your condition. Their input can help establish the connection between your condition and your work environment, which is essential for getting your claim approved.
Getting workers’ compensation for mental health conditions can be challenging, but it is possible. With the right evidence and support, you can receive compensation to manage your condition and cover your medical expenses.
New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system helps people dealing with both physical and mental health issues. If your mental health has suffered because of your job, you have the right to explore compensation options.