How to Recognize PTSD after a Work Accident
You may know to be on the lookout for delayed signs of physical injury after a serious on-the-job accident. Have you been similarly advised to safeguard your mental and emotional wellbeing? Accident victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can take weeks, months or even years to manifest.
A traumatic event – such as a trench collapse, crane accident or machinery failure – can result in serious physical injury. A victim may also relive the frightening experience again and again, while experiencing other emotional and psychological ramifications. A claim should take PTSD treatment into account if it arose after an accident that caused physical injury.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many people associate PTSD with military service and combat zones, but anyone who has experienced a traumatic event – such as an accident and injury – may be susceptible.
If you recently experienced a serious work injury, it may help to recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD, including:
- Re-living or re-experiencing the event: You may have periods where you feel the same way you did when the accident occurred, including the same feelings of fear, anxiety and grief. You may find you have certain “triggers” for the memories, such as driving past a construction site or hearing certain mechanical sounds. Flashbacks and terrible nightmares are another possible complication of PTSD.
- Repressing feelings: You may feel emotionally “numb” as a means to protect yourself and avoid painful memories. This can impact your relationships with family members and friends and may make it difficult to engage in activities that previously brought you pleasure and joy.
- Avoidance: You may find yourself going out of your way to avoid “triggers.” This may include not wanting to talk to people who remind you of the event, such as former co-workers.
- Anxiety: You may feel like you are always on alert and worried about suffering another accident or injury. This may make it difficult to sleep or concentrate and may negatively impact your mood.
Speak to a doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms after suffering serious injury in a work-related accident.
Addressing PTSD after a Serious Work Accidents
PTSD is closely linked to numerous other mental health conditions, including depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, according to the Mayo Clinic. Early detection and treatment may help lessen the long-term effects and associated mental health concerns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is available to accident victims to help restore a feeling of calm and control in a survivor’s life. Treatment may include a combination of regularly scheduled therapy sessions (talk therapy, exposure therapy and other options) and prescription medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and sleeping aids). A comprehensive work accident claim should include the cost of treating PTSD.
Have you recently suffered serious injury in an on-the-job accident? Are you experiencing symptoms of PTSD? The personal injury attorneys at Chalik & Chalik can help you understand your rights to compensation. Call (954) 476-1000 or complete our evaluation form.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269
Common Occupational Diseases and Illnesses Most know workers’ compensation is available to those who suffer an injury at work. But did you also know that developing a work-related illness or disease may also entitle you to workers’ comp benefits? For a look into some of the most common occupational diseases and illnesses, read on. Lung Diseases and Conditions Lung diseases...
Preventing Deadly Scaffolding Accidents An estimated 65 percent of construction workers work on scaffolds frequently, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Scaffolding may involve some common types of construction site injuries – each year, 4,500 workers are injured, and 50 workers die in scaffolding accidents. Not only do scaffolding accidents affect workers and families, but they...
Gives 5 Workplace Safety Tips Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Lawyers Give Advice Some people go to work never thinking that today could be the day that they could be involved in a slip and fall accident at work. However, there are thousands of fall accidents that occur at the workplace each year, and no one ever knows if he...
What Your Fort Myers Work Injury Means to Your Employer Following your Florida construction work accident and injury, you may assume that your employer will be there for you. After all, you have been a loyal employee and worker for years, and you know that your direct boss values the work you do. Although this may be true, you need to understand one thing –...
What Should A Worker Do After Getting Injured On The Job In Florida? After getting injured on the job in Florida, it is important to let your supervisor or employer know right away. According to the Florida Division of Worker’s Compensation, you do not do so within 30 days of the accident, you may jeopardize your claim and lose your ability to recover compensation for damages you sustained....
When Should I Hire A Workers’ Compensation Attorney In Florida? You should hire a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer from the beginning of your incident to protect your legal rights. Florida law lets you seek compensation and other benefits if you get hurt at work, but you can lose your right to workers’ compensation if you miss the deadlines for the program. In addition, a workers’...
How to File a Construction Incident Report A construction incident report is a tool companies use to track injuries, illnesses, and near-misses. Documenting incidents helps injured workers access care and improves overall safety at a construction site. These reports also serve as evidence in workplace injury cases, establishing the facts of an accident. A Fort Lauderdale work injury lawyer can explain how an...
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida If you’ve been injured on the job, you may have medical bills and lost wages. FL § 440.02 provides you benefits you need in order to receive medical care or replace lost income. Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (855) 529-0269 today to find out what types of workers’ compensation benefits in Florida you...