How these injuries happen at work
Some of the hardest work injuries are not visible. A nurse is hit by a patient. A cashier is robbed at gunpoint. A delivery driver is attacked by a dog. A teacher is hurt by a student. A worker survives a fire or explosion, or sees a coworker badly hurt. Afterward, people may replay the event, avoid the place where it happened, startle easily, have trouble sleeping, or feel numb, angry or hopeless.
Mental health struggles can also follow a physical injury. Long recovery, pain, money worries and losing a sense of purpose at work can lead to anxiety or depression. These reactions are human. They are not a sign of weakness, and they are worth telling a clinician about.
How states treat mental health claims varies a great deal. Some cover mental injuries that follow a physical injury differently from those caused by a frightening event alone. Because of that, it helps to report early, describe what happened clearly and keep records of how you have been affected.
Common situations
- Injured in an explosion or fire at work
- Assaulted at work
- Workplace violence
- Nurse or aide assaulted by a patient
- Robbed while working
- Delivery driver bitten by a dog
- Teacher injured by a student
- Attacked by a customer
- PTSD after a workplace accident
- Anxiety and depression after a work injury
- First responder PTSD
- Witnessed a coworker get badly hurt
- Fired or punished after reporting a work injury
Getting medical care
Behavioral health providers, such as counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists, often help people after workplace trauma. Tell the provider the event happened at work. A licensed clinician decides what care fits after an evaluation.
Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see first, and mental health care may need approval. Ask your employer or the adjuster how this works. Your primary care clinician can also be a starting point.
If you are prescribed medication, ask the pharmacy or claims adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Many prescriptions can be filled locally or delivered to your home, which can help if leaving the house feels hard right now.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery and medications often used after work injuries.
Reporting it and the claim process
Report the event in writing even if you were not physically hurt, and mention how it is affecting you now. A written report made soon after can matter if symptoms appear or grow later, which is common after traumatic events.
Deadlines to report and to file a claim vary by state, and rules for mental health claims can be stricter than for physical injuries. Check with your state's workers' compensation agency, your employer or the insurer as soon as possible.
Keep a simple journal of symptoms such as sleep problems, nightmares, missed shifts or trouble returning to the place where it happened. Note appointments and who you spoke with. If writing is hard, a trusted family member can help keep the records.
When people often talk to an attorney
- Your mental health claim is denied or you are told it does not qualify in your state.
- You were assaulted or robbed at work and someone other than your employer may be responsible.
- You feel pressured not to report, or you are treated differently after reporting.
- Anxiety or trauma keeps you from returning to the same job or location.
- Counseling or other care you need is delayed or not approved.
- You are offered a settlement and want to understand it.
Recovery and going back to work
Recovery from trauma often takes time and support. Keep appointments, follow the plan you work out with your provider, and be patient with yourself on hard days. Many people find that sleep, routine and contact with trusted people help.
Returning to work can bring up strong feelings, especially going back to the same place or task. Ask whether a gradual return, a different location or a different shift is possible. Get any changes in writing and share them with your provider.
Stay in touch with your employer and the adjuster, and keep copies of work notes. If you notice symptoms getting worse, tell your provider. If thoughts of self-harm come up at any time, call or text 988.
Questions to ask
- Does my employer have an assistance program or counseling resources?
- How does my state handle mental health claims after a work event?
- Do I need approval before seeing a counselor or psychiatrist?
- Can I return gradually or work in a different location or shift?
- Can a family member help me with calls and paperwork?
- How are prescriptions handled for this kind of claim?
- What is my claim number and who is my adjuster?
If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 now. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- 2If you were attacked or physically hurt, call 911 and get medical care. Ask for police to be called if a crime happened.
- 3Get to a safe place and, if you can, reach out to someone you trust.
- 4Tell your supervisor what happened and report it in writing. Keep a copy.
- 5When you are ready, write down what happened, when, where and who saw it. It is okay if the details feel jumbled.
- 6Keep copies of any incident reports, police reports and messages about the event.
- 7Ask your employer whether support resources are available, such as an assistance program.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Other body parts & industries
Frequently asked questions
Is PTSD and mental health at work covered by workers' comp?
It may be, depending on your state and your situation. States handle mental health claims very differently, and some have stricter rules than for physical injuries. Report the event in writing and check with your state's workers' compensation agency.
What should I do if I am thinking about hurting myself?
Call or text 988 now to reach crisis support, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. You do not have to face this alone.
Can I file a claim for anxiety after being assaulted at work?
Many people do, depending on the state. Report the assault and its effects in writing, get care from a licensed clinician and keep records of your symptoms. A workers' compensation attorney can explain your state's rules.
Do I have to go back to the place where it happened?
Talk with your provider and your employer about what feels safe and workable. Some employers can offer a different location, shift or a gradual return. Get any changes in writing.
What if I was not physically hurt?
Mental health effects can follow a frightening event even with no physical injury. Report it in writing and seek care. Whether a claim may be accepted depends on your state's rules.
Will my employer find out what I tell my counselor?
Privacy rules for workers' comp records vary. Ask your provider and the adjuster who can see your records before you begin, so you know what to expect.
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).