The Florida workers’ compensation system allows you to file a claim of injury for physical conditions directly attributed to your job. What happens when your mental health begins to slide?
Under the law, mental health conditions may fall under workers’ compensation coverage, but only in limited terms. To see if your situation falls into this, look at some of the underpinnings of workers’ comp in the Sunshine State.
What does mental health have to do with work?
Mental health awareness is rising across the board, with medical professionals using screening tools at well-visits to try and intervene. The workplace is a prime source of stress, so you may wonder if it can contribute to the onset of mental health struggles. The quick answer to this is no. Under Florida law, a mental health condition with no associated physical injury does not fall under workers’ compensation coverage.
Does your mental health condition make you eligible for benefits?
Since Florida limits the coverage of mental health benefits under workers’ compensation, your condition may not qualify. However, if you develop difficulties due to an on-the-job injury, workers’ compensation should cover your treatment. For instance, if your doctor diagnosed you with depression or anxiety after a work injury, the employer’s insurer may need to cover your treatment and medication. Your medical records have to show that the stress of the injury and not the job brought on mental health struggles.
Getting help for your mental health condition is crucial. If you believe it coincides with a work injury, the workers’ compensation carrier may need to step in and issue appropriate benefits.