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PTSD Illinois Workers Comp Lawyer
We are experienced Illinois attorneys who have helped thousands of injured Illinois workers. Contact us any time at 312-346-5320 for a free consultation.
Some Illinois workers have dangerous jobs where they are potentially exposed to bad things happening. Think of a police officer or EMT who might have to respond to the scene of a horrific accident. Others work in jobs where they might be exposed to violent situations like a cashier or bank teller.
When you are in these or other jobs and experience something awful at work, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. General stress from a job does not entitle a worker to compensation. The employees who do qualify meet the following criteria:
- They have witnessed and/or suffered from a one-time sudden and shocking event. They may have been robbed at gunpoint. They may have witnessed a coworker or a customer being killed or severely injured.
- They are experiencing panic attacks, having trouble sleeping, experiencing anxiety, and/or exhibiting other symptoms.
- They have sought out and received medical care. It isn’t enough to report your symptoms to your employer. Like any other injury, you need to get medical care through a psychiatrist or psychologist. You have to prove that you have PTSD or some other injury. This proof is based off a doctor’s statements.
If your employer takes you off of work, you will get temporary total disability payments (pay for time off work), and your medical bills will be paid. You will also eventually be entitled to a settlement when you are better. There is no limit to how long you can be off work for or how long you can treat. In some cases, if you can’t get back to the old work, you might get retraining for a new job.
If you were under the care of a psychologist or psychiatrist before the traumatic event, this can be used against you. However, if you express new symptoms, you could still have a case. And if this is the first time you’re seeing a mental health professional, your case will likely be very strong.
Every worker and their stressful situation is different. If you have questions about if you meet the criteria for a workers compensation claim or want representation, contact us. We will discuss your case for free and in confidence and treat you like a family member or friend. Our goal is to get you with the best attorney possible for your case.