The Emotional Toll of Work Injuries - Coping Strategies for Burleson Families
In addition to straining the body, work-related injuries have emotional consequences that burden relationships and diminish well-being. In many high-risk industries of the Fort Worth region, the emotional toll of work injuries on you and your family can be extreme.
Several manufacturing companies are among the top ten employers in Burleson, Texas, presenting safety hazards related to machinery, electricity, and more. The school district also provides the most jobs in this robust Fort Worth suburb. In fact, the most nonfatal work injuries occur in the education and health fields, adding another source of job-related risks for Burleson workers.
Whether you’re a warehouse driver, retail employee, or kindergarten teacher in Burleson, the Carabin Shaw work injury law firm in Texas provides expert counsel for every situation.
Understanding the Psychological Impacts of Your Work InjuryThe quality of your healthcare team strongly affects your recovery outcomes. Beyond setting short-term and long-term expectations for the treatment of your physical injuries, your doctors should assess your mental health. Then, your employer can cooperate with all medical recommendations for your return to work.
Risk Factors for Poor RecoveryFailing to follow your treatment plan can certainly result in prolonged pain and dysfunction. But according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute, several other psychosocial factors influence your ability to heal:
- Poor recovery expectations
- Distress or fear of pain
- Job dissatisfaction
- Sense of injustice
- Low community support
For each of these factors, mental health care is an integral part of healing from a work injury.
Treatment for Behavioral Health ConditionsTo support you if you’re vulnerable to psychological risk factors, your medical team might recommend treatment for the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorders
In whatever ways we can, our team at Carabin Shaw advocates for your behavioral health needs with your employer, with insurance companies, and through all legal actions.
Seeking Financial Compensation for an Occupational InjuryYour attorney can help you maximize a key resource following a workplace accident: your workers’ compensation benefit. Although the state of Texas doesn’t require employers to purchase this kind of insurance, it’s likely that you have access to workers’ compensation in Burleson, Texas. And if you do, the available financial support may relieve some stress.
Covered Costs Through Workers’ CompensationBy filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to recover the following costs:
- Past and anticipated medical expenses
- Percentage of lost wages due to time away from work
- Burial expenses for a family member in a fatal work accident
- Percentage of the weekly wage earned by a deceased family member
A legal team can help you understand the limitations and deadlines for these types of compensation in Texas
Pursuing Justice Through Work Injury LawsuitsUnfortunately, workers’ compensation covers behavioral health expenses in very few cases. Although a lawsuit isn’t always possible following a work accident, you can generally recover more damages through successful work injury claims in Burleson, TX.
How do you know whether you have a valid lawsuit? You may be able to file a claim if your employer doesn’t provide workers’ comp or if other parties (such as a product manufacturer) contributed to your injuries. Again, your lawyer can guide you toward the most favorable legal actions for your circumstances.
Finding Community Support After a Workplace AccidentTexas Health and Human Services is one institution that offers resources and support groups to help your family find ease after a devastating accident. Your Burleson workplace injury lawyer can also relieve the burdens of support that many family members experience.
To find out what’s possible for your case, call the toll-free number 800-862-1260. Our English- and Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7 to help you set up a free initial consultation and case review. Carabin Shaw’s client reviews highlight how we view legal justice as one of many facets of your healing process.
For more information:
- City of Burleson, Texas: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2022
- National Safety Council: Most Dangerous Industries
- Safety + Health Magazine: Psychosocial factors can be barriers to recovery after a work-related injury
- Texas Health and Human Services: Disability resources