Is Work Stress Considered a Work Injury?

Is Work Stress Considered a Work Injury? Image

Looking for an exceptional Tulsa workers compensation attorney to help and advise you regarding work stress issues? Well, look no more! At Burton Law Group we are dedicated to helping people, not huge corporations or insurance companies.

Consultations with one of our Tulsa workers comp attorneys are free. We’re truly here to help!

Have you been wronged by an employer who has denied benefits due to severe work-related stress? Be assured that The Burton Law Group is here for you, and we will put our full experience and resources to use for you.  Workers compensation in Oklahoma is our predominant area of practice!

Burton Law Group – Your Tulsa Workers Comp Attorneys!

So, what exactly is work stress?

Although workplace stress is truly genuine and can be serious for some employees,  mental health conditions caused by stress alone are generally not eligible for workers’ compensation in Oklahoma.

There do exist some exceptions, though. Contact a highly experienced Oklahoma workers compensation attorney in our firm to see how we can help you. 

Typically, mental health conditions that arise out of a worker’s ordinary course of employment are not eligible for compensation unless accompanied by a physical injury.  Essentially, the law takes the approach that stress is just a normal byproduct of some types of employment. In other words, if your job stress causes you depression, severe anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you cannot obtain benefits unless you also suffered some kind of physical harm.

Work Stress is Wreaking Havoc on Your Mind and Body

Stress induces many effects on the body, such as  

  • constant tension and muscle pain
  • troublesome headaches and migraines
  • chest pain
  • elevated blood pressure
  • a weaker immune system
  • chronic fatigue 
  • stomach and digestive problems

Stress is also proven to alter mood and thought processes, which induces forgetfulness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, anger, self-medication issues…and the list continues.

Oklahoma Mental Injuries Covered by Worker’s Comp

Benefits administered by the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission are specifically defined.  If you happen to be suffering from one or more non-physical, job-related conditions, including

  • depression
  • severe anxiety
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

or any other type of mental injury, you will not be covered by Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation law unless the stress related condition resulted from a physical on-the-job physical injury.

Yes, you are only entitled to comp benefits for mental hardships that stem from a physical injury. For example:

  • a physical injury that brings on continuous depression
  • being a rape or crime victim within the scope of your work

The burden of proof is a difficult one without proper representation. That’s why you need The Burton Law Group to guide you through the process of obtaining treatment and benefits that you deserve. Your attorney will be by your side from beginning to end.

How a Tulsa Workers Comp Attorney Can Help With Any Oklahoma Workers Compensation Needs

 If you are in need of obtaining workers’ compensation for any job-related condition, it can be a long and frustrating road.  Our Tulsa workers’ comp attorneys can help you get around some of Oklahoma’s unfair comp laws. Reach out to us. We’re Here to Help!