New Jersey Workers’ Compensation and Traumatic Incident Stress

While every job involves some level of stress, there are certain fields in which employees are exposed to things that are unimaginable to most people. Responding to or witnessing traumatic events can take a serious toll on one’s mental and physical health. For employees in New Jersey who have been negatively affected by traumatic incident stress while on the job, workers’ compensation benefits may be utilized in order to obtain any necessary medical and psychological care.

When one thinks about employees who are frequently exposed to traumatic events, emergency responders quickly come to mind. These individuals usually form a pretty tight-knit community and support each other through the hardships of what they go through and see on a daily basis. However, sometimes outside help is needed and that is okay.

There are numerous symptoms of traumatic incident stress, some of which may not be felt or recognized for days, weeks or even months after an event. These symptoms may be emotional, behavioral, physical or even cognitive. Commonly seen symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Forms of shock
• Intense anger
• Depression
• Exhaustion
• Anxiety

Employees in New Jersey who are either frequently dealing with traumatic incidents or who may have been exposed to such incidents while on the job may need help in coping with the physical and mental tolls the related stress can take on their bodies. The negative effects may be considered a work-related injury, and this means that workers’ compensation benefits may be utilized to seek out and obtain the help needed for recovery. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist those who are suffering from traumatic incident stress as they fight to achieve receive full benefits.

Source: cdc.gov, “Traumatic Incident Stress“, Accessed on July 30, 2016