If you’re like most people, you probably experience some degree of stress at work. But what do you do when that stress starts to affect your health? You may be entitled to compensation through a stress claim.
Of course, making a stress claim is not a decision to be made lightly. There are several factors to consider, such as the credibility of your claim and the potential impact on your career.
This article will give you an overview of what you need to know about making a stress claim at work. We’ll cover the different types of stress claims, the evidence you’ll need to support your claim, and the potential risks involved.
What is a stress claim?
A stress claim is a type of insurance claim made by policyholders who have suffered from a traumatic event or prolonged stress. This can include natural disasters, work accidents, or personal tragedies. Policyholders diagnosed with stress-related conditions, such as anxiety or PTSD can also make stress claims.
While stress claims are not as common as other insurance claims, they can still be costly for insurers. This is because stress claims can often be difficult to assess and investigate. Policyholders may also need long-term treatment or counseling, which can add to the costs of a stress claim.
What are the eligibility requirements for making a stress claim?
To make a workplace stress claim, you must first establish that you are suffering from a psychological injury resulting from your work environment. Providing medical evidence from a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can do this.
You may need to provide information from your employer, such as your job description, performance reviews, and attendance records. You will also need to show how your workplace stress has caused your psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia. You will also need to show that your workplace stress is severe enough to impact your ability to work.
Suppose you can establish that your workplace stress is severe and is causing you psychological injury. In that case, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation or other financial assistance.
What evidence do you need to substantiate a stress claim at work?
When submitting a workers’ compensation claim for stress, it is important to have the proper evidence to substantiate your case. Five main factors are considered when assessing a stress claim at work:
- The Nature of Your Job: The nature of your job can be one of the strongest indicators of whether or not you are experiencing workplace stress. If your job involves a lot of pressure and deadlines, for example, it is more likely that you will experience stress on the job.
- Length of Time at Current Job: Another factor considered when assessing a stress claim at work is how long you have worked at your current job. If you have only been working in your current position for a short period, it is less likely that the court will accept your claim as legitimate.
- History of Mental Illness: If you have a history of mental illness, this will work against you when trying to prove that your current condition is due to workplace stress. Courts often assume that people with mental health issues are more susceptible to being stressed out in their jobs than those without mental health problems.
- Previous Workers’ Compensation Claims: If you have previously filed workers’ compensation claims for other reasons, courts may be less likely to believe that your current condition is due to stress on the job. This is because they may think you are simply looking for an easy way out and are not injured.
- Medical Evidence: The best evidence supporting a stress-related workers’ compensation claim is medical evidence from a qualified doctor or therapist. This document should state that your current condition was caused by stress at work.
If you are experiencing stress at work, you may be entitled to make a claim. Stress claims can be complex, so it is important to seek professional legal advice. At Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law, we have experienced solicitors who can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (562) 561-2669 to book a free initial consultation.
