What to Expect at a Workers’ Comp Psychological Evaluation?

So, What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who become injured or ill because of their work. This coverage is mandated at a state level, so the benefits and compensation awarded differ depending on where you live.

Workers’ compensation covers a range of injuries, illnesses, and issues such as:

• Occupational illness or disease
• Broken bones
• Overuse injuries
• Stress-related injuries
• Mental health issues

If paid out, workers can receive benefits like lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation. These benefits also extend if and when someone dies or is permanently disabled because of their job. When an employee accepts workers’ compensation, they waive their right to sue their employer.

How Do You File for Workers’ Compensation?

If you’re injured on the job, you must immediately report your injuries to your employer. You may lose the rights to your compensation if you don’t do so within a set period of time.

After you’ve notified your employer, you’ll want to seek medical treatment for your injuries and meet with a workers’ comp doctor. This will not only help you better understand the extent of your injuries, but it will serve as a formal assessment of the damages that have occurred. If you need medical treatment, you should find a reliable workers’ comp doctor now.

Once you’ve reported your injury, your employer will provide you with forms they’ll need you to fill out before they can send them over to their insurance company and the compensation agency.  After that, the insurance company will investigate the circumstances before they decide to approve or deny your claim.

What to Expect During a Psychological Evaluation

Have you experienced emotional, mental, or psychological issues because of what happened at work? If so, you may undergo a psychological evaluation by a workers’ comp psychologist.

During this evaluation, the mental health practitioner will diagnose whether a psychiatric injury or condition has occurred because of the work incident. With this information, they’ll then determine if you should be considered for temporary or permanent disability damages as a result of the condition.

Lastly, they’ll decide if you’re eligible to return to your job and resume working.

Mental health conditions like PTSD can often be more challenging to prove in workers’ compensation cases. In cases like this, you’ll want an expert workers’ compensation lawyer on your side who can represent you and your best interests in your case.

Have You Been Injured on the Job?

If you’re experiencing any physical or mental health issues at work, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. By pursuing this course of action as soon as possible, you can get the care you need.

Do you have questions about what doctor to see after an auto accident or a work-related injury? Call 1-800-897-8440 today to see how we can help you.

NEW: Telemedicine Appointments are now available in the safety and security of your own home. Fill out the form below or call 1-800-897-8440 to schedule a virtual appointment with an experienced workers’ comp psychologist.