Addiction: Is It A Job Injury?
Workers' compensation is meant to cover injuries caused by employment issues. However, many people develop a drug addiction because of their jobs. Read on and find out under what circumstances addiction treatment would be covered by workers' compensation insurance.
What Are Job Injuries?
Worker's compensation covers accidents and illnesses if they are connected to the job. Drug addiction is considered a legitimate illness and some workers have been successful in being covered for addiction treatment. However, it's the connection to the job that can cause many claimants a problem.
Addiction Caused by a Job
The scenarios under which drug treatment is covered by workers' compensation exist but it can be challenging to gain benefits. The worker must be prepared to prove the below:
- That they were not already being treated or suffering from addiction before the incident.
- That an on-the-job situation created more than the usual amount of job stress. For example, a traumatic job situation like workplace violence, a robbery, witnessing a horrific accident, etc., could bring on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That, in turn, could cause drug addiction.
- That a physical injury treated using pain medication brought on the drug addiction. Pain medication is well-known for being addictive. If the original injury was covered by workers' compensation, the worker may be able to show a link between the injury treatment and the addiction.
How to Deal with a Workers' Compensation Denial
Many hurt workers get turned down for the benefits they need even when they have a legitimate illness or injury. Don't be surprised if you are turned down for drug addiction treatment coverage. When that happens, you have options and it's important to look into them. Drug treatment can be expensive, and making your employer and the workers' compensation insurer responsible for the cost can help preserve your job, your financial status, and your health.
A worker's compensation denial is followed by an appeal process. For certain types of injuries and claims, you must follow the process as far as it goes. Many workers find success using a workers' compensation lawyer for support with the appeal process.
A workers' compensation lawyer understands how appeals work and can prepare you for things like hearings, depositions, mediation meetings, and more. The lawyer will obtain your medical and other records to show the direct link between your addiction and the job. They will also secure the testimony of experts to support your assertions. Speak to a workers' compensation lawyer today to find out more.