Personal Injury Claims
Work-Related Injury
If you are experiencing mental health disturbances (such as PTSD, depression, or adjustment disorders) as a result of a work-related event or circumstance, don’t suffer in silence. Personal Injury Claims are not uncommon, and you may be eligible for assistance through Worksafe BC (Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia). Compensation protocol is typically structured according to DSM-IV definitions of Acute Stress Reaction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, and Adjustment Disorders. These conditions arise as a consequence of acute severe stress, or prolonged psychological trauma.
If approved for coverage, benefits include compensation for lost wages, the cost of mental health treatment, and support for returning to work. Though certain professions are at an increased risk (first responders, firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, journalists, etc.), workplace injuries related to mental health can occur in any profession.
You are required to report the incident to your employer before filing a claim with Worksafe BC. Additional information regarding eligibility, the following steps for completing a mental health claim, and frequently asked questions are available on their website (here).
Obtaining counselling support after a work-related injury is very important as you make your way through the Return-to-Work process. Often times we are so focused on our physical injury that we do not pay attention to the psychological impacts of the incident. I combine effective counselling methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Lifestyle Modification and more to create an effective psychological rehabilitation plan.
I am registered with the Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia to provide Mental Health Services in the Kootenay and Okanagan area.