Most workers in Maryland know that if they get injured during the course of work, then they have the option of filing a workers' compensation claim that will allow them to collect benefits that can be used to offset lost wages and medical expenses.
Most workers assume, however, that workplace injuries have to be physical in order to file a successful claim. Whether this has something to do with how our society, in general, talks about workplace injuries or how workers' compensation benefits are explained to workers, the truth of the matter is that mental health conditions that manifest out of the course of work may be covered in Maryland. Let's take a look.
Certain mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder, are eligible for workers' compensation benefits in our state provided the condition was caused by or in the course of employment. This is why, as you may have wondered, some police officers in the past have been able to collect benefits after police shootings in our state.
It's important to point out that this is not the only requirement that must be met for mental health workers' compensation claims. The condition must also be considered debilitating, preventing a worker from completing their duties as they had been able to.
Because not all work-related injuries are eligible for workers' compensation, as the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission points out, it may be necessary to talk to a lawyer about your claim and whether you have a right to compensation. An attorney can walk you through the steps you need to take, helping you avoid mistakes that could cost you access to your benefits in the future.