Can You Get Workers’ Compensation for Stress or Mental Health Issues in Maryland?

Mental health issues, such as chronic anxiety, severe depression, and post-traumatic stress, are common and can have just as much impact as physical injuries, sometimes even more. They are common among people in a variety of occupations.

In Maryland, you can qualify for workers’ comp for mental health issues in limited circumstances, but these claims are generally more complex than those involving physical injuries. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney represents clients in these cases and explains your rights, the requirements, and how to protect yourself in a claim.

Mental Health and Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits: What The Law Allows

People who work in healthcare, the hospitality industry, construction, public safety, and social services are all at high risk for work-related mental health issues. The National Institutes of Health warns that problems such as depression, anxiety, and burnout also impact air traffic controllers and other transportation workers, Fortune 500 CEOs and executives, people in the hospitality industry, and anyone exposed to high levels of stress and pressure on the job.

Under the Maryland statutes, mental health claims can  be covered under workers’ compensation, but these cases are fact dependent and generally harder to prove than claims for physical injuries. To qualify, you must be able to prove your condition is directly tied to your job duties or a specific work-related event. Common situations where workers may be eligible for benefits include:

• They witness traumatic events on the job;
• They experience intense pressure in performing their work, such as public safety workers.
• They are assaulted while performing their job resulting in both physical and mental injuries or conditions.

To get workers’ compensation in Maryland for mental health disorders, you will need a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional and evidence clearly connecting your condition to your job.

Common Challenges In Maryland Mental Health Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers in a variety of fields are at risk for mental health issues. When filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim for mental health issues, proving your condition is work-related is often the biggest hurdle. Common ways insurers often try to deny mental health workers’ compensation claims include:

• Arguing your condition stems from personal or pre-existing issues rather than work;
• Claiming no specific work event caused your symptoms;
• Disputing your diagnosis or the qualifications of the medical provider;
• Using surveillance or social media to suggest your symptoms are due to other causes or not severe.

To Request a Consultation, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Mental health injuries can be just as disabling as physical ones, but they are unfortunately harder to prove in Maryland workers’ compensation claims.

Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP represents clients in these cases. We protect your rights and fight to get you the maximum amount of benefits you deserve. For caring support and professional legal representation, call or contact our office. Request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.

Sources:

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11826355/

casetext.com/statute/code-of-maryland/article-labor-and-employment/title-9-workers-compensation/subtitle-5-entitlement-to-and-liability-for-compensation