Tampa PTSD Lawyer
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health disorder triggered by a traumatic event, often involving a physical injury. PTSD affects millions of Americans to varying degrees. Once termed “shell shock” following World War I when only soldiers were given primitive diagnosis of it, it is now understood that survivors in all walks of life can develop PTSD. In fact, many workers develop PTSD following work injuries, or witnessing a traumatic injury or death occur to another co-worker. If you are suffering from PTSD or believe that you may have it, an experienced Tampa PTSD lawyer can help you determine where to go from here.
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Symptoms of PTSD vary widely depending on what the traumatic event was that caused the PTSD in the first place. For instance, if someone was hidden under a pink tablecloth during a hostage situation, that color pink may be a trigger for them. Meanwhile, if someone was violently hit on the right side of their body, motions coming from that direction may startle them. Other symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Flashbacks;
- Depression;
- Suicidal thoughts;
- Attempts of suicide;
- Irritability, anger, anxiety, or emotional detachment;
- Self-destructive behaviors;
- Concentration problems;
- Headaches;
- Fatigue;
- Nightmares;
- Stress ulcers;
- High blood pressure; and
- Nausea or vomiting.
Is PTSD Covered by a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
WLRN Public Radio and Television reported on the Florida legislation that passed in 2018, which expanded worker’s compensation to include PTSD for all firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police, and other first responders whose line of work requires them to experience trauma. Even if you are not a first responder, workers’ compensation may cover your PTSD. According to Florida Statute 440.093, the PTSD must be recorded by a licensed psychiatrist. The PTSD must also be caused by a physical injury that occurred at work and the physical condition must be at least 50 percent the cause of the mental condition. For instance, if a worker suffers from PTSD associated with an amputation that was caused by a machinery accident at work, the workers’ compensation claim could potentially include PTSD. However, a worker who is depressed because they can no longer return to their job would not meet the minimum requirements as laid out by Florida law. PTSD is not an easy condition to prove in a workers’ compensation claim, which is why it helps to have the support of an experienced Tampa attorney on your case.
Reach Out to an Experienced Tampa Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today for Help
Here at the law offices of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, our experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers can help you file for workers’ compensation benefits relating to your PTSD, which should not be taken lightly by your employer or their insurance carrier. If necessary, we can also help you file a personal injury lawsuit against any liable parties that caused your physical injuries and mental trauma. Call us today at 813-279-2686 to schedule a free consultation at your earliest convenience.
