When we think of workplace injuries in Miami, Hollywood, and across Florida we may picture a worker injured by a fall or crushed by machinery. While these injuries do happen, in 2022 the Surgeon General announced that mental health issues, especially those caused by toxic workplaces, are among the top five most common workplace injuries and concerns.
In Florida, understanding your rights to fair compensation for any injury is crucial, which is why following your injury you’ll want to contact Flaxman Law Group. Our family-based law firm has offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood so we can serve the entire South Florida area and we’re passionate about helping injured workers and individuals across the region. Contact us today if you’ve suffered a workplace injury and we can schedule a consultation with a Hollywood workers’ compensation claims attorney to review your situation.
What We Need to Know About Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
Workplace mental health issues are in fact more common than physical injuries. The most common mental health injuries include:
- Workplace anxiety. Workplace anxiety is stress that is debilitating to the extent that it makes work difficult or impossible. Employees with workplace stress may experience irritability, mood swings, changes in eating or sleeping habits, broken relationships, and constant worry.
- Chronic stress. Chronic stress is upset that lasts weeks or months and can’t easily be managed. Chronic stress, left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can put workers at higher risk of diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.
- Burnout. When someone experiences severe stress for a long time, they may experience burnout, which is an overwhelming mental and physical exhaustion. Signs of burnout include extreme fatigue, frequent illnesses, muscle pain, and regular headaches.
- PTSD. Serious, life-threatening events at work—such as instances of workplace violence—can leave survivors with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). PTSD can result in flashbacks, uncontrollable thoughts about the triggering event, anxiety, and nightmares.
There are many situations in the workplace that can lead to mental health illness. These include:
- Bullying
- Toxic workplaces
- Overwork
- Difficult work conditions, including excessive noise or busyness
- Tight deadlines and unreasonable demands
- Physical or sexual abuse in the workplace
- Harassment
- Discrimination in the workplace
No matter what causes workplace mental harm, these conditions can make it hard to focus and can cause severe physical symptoms. Employees who suffer from these types of injuries may have a hard time completing their tasks, which can lead to disciplinary measures and more stress. These illnesses can also make it hard for employees to advance in their careers. In extreme cases, workers may quit or be unable to work.
Is My Mental Illness Covered by Florida Workers’ Compensation Law?
Under Florida workers’ compensation law, mental illness as a workplace injury is not covered unless it is caused by primarily by a physical work injury or unless the mental illness causes a physical injury requiring treatment. For example, if you suffer PTSD after being assaulted at work and getting broken bones, too, your PTSD may be covered. If your stress causes a heart attack, you may be covered. If you suffer burnout but don’t require medical treatment, you might not get workers’ compensation benefits.
There’s obviously some grey areas and nuance here, which is why it can be difficult to tell whether your medical condition is covered by Florida workers’ compensation. The way to find out is to speak with an experienced Hollywood workers’ compensation claims attorney. You can do so by contacting Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our family-based legal team is here for you.