What if my physical injury at work is causing anxiety and depression?

Workers’ comp may cover depression after a physical workplace injury. Suffering a physical injury at work can be life-changing and can sometimes be accompanied by depression or anxiety. You may find yourself losing interest in activities you used to enjoy or sleeping twice as many hours as you used to need to feel rested. You may feel anxious or hopeless.

If that’s you, here’s some good news:  a physically injured worker can ask their doctor for a psychiatric referral, too. Under Georgia workers’ compensation case law, if a psychiatric injury is preceded by a physical one, psychiatric care can also be part of the workers’ compensation claim, and it often should be. 

Does workers’ comp cover depression?

If your depression was caused by a workplace injury, rather than personal issues, and you have since experienced symptoms of clinical depression, PTSD or anxiety you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. This claim will typically require you to provide conclusive evidence that your workplace injury is the predominant cause of your depression or anxiety.  You will need to make sure to get a referral from your authorized treating physician for the mental health treatment. 

Mental injuries that can be caused by physical injuries

Dealing with chronic pain following an on-the-job injury could lead to the need for mental health counseling for some injured workers. This is common when a person suffers a physical injury serious enough to affect their ability to work, care for their family, earn a living, or even complete everyday tasks.

Some psychological injuries that can occur after an on-the-job physical injury may include: anxiety, depression, insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stress, panic attacks and addiction to drugs and/or alcohol

Questions about major depression and workers’ comp

If you’re hurt at work physically and are finding yourself with major depression, please contact our law offices to speak to a knowledgeable Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer at 404-354-5432 and learn what your options may be for psychological or psychiatric care.