Workplace Stress Can Lead to Mental Illness, Physical Injuries

March 01, 2012

Workplace Stress Can Lead to Mental Illness, Physical Injuries

For those employed in the construction industry, the idea of a work-related injury likely brings to mind heavy-equipment accidents or falls from great heights. Employees who work in offices or cubicles might think of ergonomics and aches and pains from improper posture or repetitive motions. Workers' compensation covers both types of injuries.

Work-Related Injuries

In addition to these common sources of injuries, another set of health issues can arise in the employment context; stress-related injuries that occur on their own or as a result of physical harm in the workplace. Stress-related injuries can be just as serious and debilitating as physical injuries, and workers should know their options for obtaining compensation for the costs of their employment-related injuries.

Injured workers should not hesitate to seek medical evaluation and legal advice about whether their mental or physical ailments are symptomatic of a stress-related work injury. Stress-related symptoms can appear after physical accidents, but any number of incidents, such as workplace conflicts, can result in work-related stress. Some stress-related injures are caused by preexisting or permanent conditions, but some are purely work-related and can serve as the basis of a workers' compensation claim.

Examples of Stress-Related Injuries

Certain fields are known for high-stress work environments, but that fact does not diminish injured workers' right to compensation for work-related injuries - including those caused by too much stress at work. For example, a recent study by Prof. Alexandra Michel of the University of Southern California revealed the following stress-related illness symptoms in entry-level investment bankers:
-Insomnia
-Alcoholism
-Heart palpitations
-Eating disorders
-Violent temper

Prof. Michel found that every banker she observed suffered stress-related physical or emotional injuries within several years on the job, according to MSNBC.com.

That does not mean that every worker can bring a workers' compensation claim or lawsuit, but it does highlight the problem of stress in the workplace -- especially for employees who work long hours or have fast-paced jobs.

Employees who have suffered injuries from stress in the workplace should seek legal representation by an experienced employment law attorney to find out what claims are available to them.

Article provided by Law Offices of Thomas Hoegh
Visit us at http://www.hoeghlaw.com