As a public safety figure, you endure a great deal of stress day in and day out. If you find yourself having a difficult time coping, you may want to consider getting medical attention.
Under California law, you may have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim for work-related stress and mental health issues. Discover more about what you may need and how filing a claim may provide you with the tools to reclaim your mental health.
How is stress job-related?
As a public servant, the pressure and danger associated with your position keep your stress level elevated. Over time, the constant state of turmoil may diminish your ability to concentrate, sleep, eat and function. Your performance at work and home may start to slide. Mental and emotional stress are qualifying precursors to a workers’ comp claim.
What do you need to provide for a claim?
If you believe your job is causing your mental state to diminish, you should file a claim with your employer. To do this, you will first need a doctor’s report of injury or illness. After conducting a thorough exam, the doctor will write a report that both attributes the condition to your job and recommends treatment.
How can benefits help?
Once you file a claim, benefits may start to issue. These typically pay for your treatment, including therapy, follow-up doctor appointments and medication. You may need to take some time off work to reap the full benefits of treatment. In this instance, a workers’ comp carrier may also pay a portion of your paycheck while you undergo off-the-job treatment.
Getting yourself back into a better mental and emotional state should take priority. Absent a sound mind, you may make a critical error on the job that may injure yourself or someone else.