The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Work Injuries
Posted on Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
People generally understand the physical and financial toll of workplace injuries in Ohio and Kentucky. But until you experience a severe work injury yourself, it can be hard to grasp the emotional and psychological impact. A major injury can severely disrupt your quality of life and may cause permanent disabilities, causing considerable emotional distress. Additionally, the cost of treating a work-related injury can lead to intense financial stress, adding more psychological pressure at an already difficult moment.
If you’re having trouble recovering compensation for the emotional distress of a work injury, the Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyers of Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC can help. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and our deep knowledge of the Kentucky and Ohio legal systems shows in our results. Let’s dig into the psychological impact of work injuries and explore how we can help in these situations.
Examples of Emotional Distress from Work Injuries
There are many ways that a work injury can cause emotional or psychological distress. Some examples include:
- Anxiety: Anxiety is a common issue after a work injury. You might worry about your health, ability to work again, and financial future. This constant worry can make it hard to focus and enjoy everyday activities.
- Depression: Depression can set in when you’re dealing with the pain and limitations of an injury. You might feel sad, hopeless, or lose interest in things you once enjoyed. Depression can make it tough to stay motivated and connected with others.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): If your work injury resulted from a traumatic event, you might develop PTSD. Symptoms of this condition may include traumatic flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. PTSD can make it hard to feel safe or relax, even when you’re away from work.
- Chronic Stress: Chronic stress happens when you’re under constant pressure. After a work injury, you might stress about medical bills, job security, and how to support your family. This ongoing stress can also affect your physical health, leading to headaches, high blood pressure, and other problems.
- Loss of Identity and Self-Worth: For many people, their job is a big part of their identity. If your injury keeps you from working, you might feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.
Coping with Mental Health Issues After a Work Injury
Dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of a work injury can be tough. It’s important to find ways to cope and take care of your mental health in your path to recovery. Here are some tips to help you manage the psychological toll of a work injury:
Seek Professional Help
Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies. Don’t be afraid to seek professional support.
Stay Connected
Keep in touch with family and friends. Their support can provide comfort and help you feel less isolated.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. Try to incorporate these practices into your daily routine.
Set Realistic Goals
Set small, achievable goals for your recovery. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to stay motivated.
Stay Active
If your doctor approves, engage in light physical activity. Exercise can boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
Join Support Groups
Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide valuable support and advice. Look for support groups online or in your community.
Focus on What You Can Control
Instead of dwelling on what you can’t do, focus on what you can control. This can help you maintain a positive outlook and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Potential Compensation for Psychological Distress from a Work Injury
Getting your employer to cover the cost of mental health treatments for a work injury is difficult in Ohio or Kentucky. A workers’ comp claim usually won’t provide any direct compensation for the mental health effects of an injury.
It’s a different story with personal injury claims, though. If someone other than your employer contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them. Personal injury claims require you to prove that someone else was at fault for your injuries, but if you win your case, you can recover compensation for a broader range of losses than workers’ comp claims allow. In addition to medical expenses and total lost wages, compensation for psychological distress in a personal injury claim may include money for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (the injury’s impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner)
Deadline to Take Legal Action After a Work Injury
Remember several important deadlines if you sustain a work-related injury in Ohio or Kentucky. Those key deadlines are the deadline for reporting an injury to your employer, the deadline for submitting a workers’ comp claim, and the statutory period for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Here are the relevant deadlines for both states:
Ohio:
- Deadline to report a work-related injury – As soon as possible (no specific deadline).
- Deadline to submit a workers’ comp claim – One year from the date you sustained your injury.
- Deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit – Two years from the date you sustained your injury.
Kentucky:
- Deadline to report a work-related injury – One week from when the injury occurred.
- Deadline to submit a workers’ comp claim – Two years from the date you sustained your injury.
- Deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit – One year from the date you sustained your injury.
Get Help from a Seasoned Workers’ Comp Lawyer
It’s crucial to act quickly if you want to recover compensation for the emotional distress stemming from a work-related injury. The team at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC can handle all the legal work in your case while you focus on healing. We’ll investigate the accident, identify the liable parties, take care of all the paperwork, negotiate on your behalf for the benefits or compensation you deserve, and represent you in court if necessary. We’re committed to protecting your rights and helping you get the support you need after a work injury. Call (513) 351-5997 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Ask us anything about your case.
Related Posts:
What You Should Expect from an Ohio Workers’ Compensation Claim
What Is a Permanent Partial Disability in Ohio Workers Comp?
