Georgia workers who suffer certain psychological workplace injuries may be entitled to compensation. Most people think of physical injuries when they hear the phrase “workplace injuries,” but a job-related accidents can cause psychological injuries. Georgia worker’s compensation law covers injuries that “arise out of” and occur “in the course of” their employment duties. In other words, not all psychological injuries are entitled to compensation.
There are a variety of different psychological injuries that a worker could suffer as a result of his or her job-related duties. A psychological injury can significantly interfere with a worker’s ability to perform his or her job. Below are a few examples of the most common types of psychological injuries:
· Depression. Workers who suffer extreme sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness lack motivation, energy and the ability to focus.
· Insomnia. A worker who cannot fall asleep or who has disrupted sleep will suffer from fatigue and experience a decreased ability to function.
· Anxiety. Workers who suffer from anxiety often experience panic attacks and incapacitating feelings of dread.
· Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A person who has experienced a trauma may experience PTSD, which can include flashback, panic attacks, nightmares, withdrawal and other symptoms.
There are three classifications for psychological injuries under Georgia law. Physical-mental injuries occur when a physical injury causes a psychological injury. Mental-physical injuries occur when mental harm causes a physical injury. Mental-mental injuries are psychological injuries that result from mental harm (such as insomnia resulting from a worker being harassed on the job). In short, a worker cannot typically recover for a psychological injury without there also being a physical injury. Thus, physical-mental injuries are the most commonly compensated.
A workplace injury can involve a complex array of legal options. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help guide you through this tricky process. The attorneys of Murphy & Garner, LLC, have over 32 years of experience serving clients in western Georgia and the surrounding area. We will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 866-942-0552 or 678-563-1584.
