Physical injuries can seem cut-and-dry for employees in California. If you slip on a wet floor in the office and get a concussion and fractured arm, it may be a simple matter to get workers’ compensation for these injuries. However, work-related injuries and illnesses that are not easily seen by others and frequently missed or misdiagnosed by doctors can be more challenging.
For example, you could experience numerous adverse effects long after your physical injuries have healed, explains Everyday Health. Brain injuries can take months to fully recover. You might have difficulty concentrating, memory problems and fatigue related to your concussion, but your employer might not believe you are experiencing these challenges because you “look fine.” Also, you might have developed post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety following the incident if the floors at your workplace are frequently wet or other situations constantly remind you of your accident. These problems and other conditions related to workplace accidents may be challenging and frustrating if you are trying to get workers’ compensation, but nobody believes you.
You might even have difficulty getting your doctor to take you seriously. Some physicians are less aware of the significance and impact of invisible illnesses, while others might diagnose you with the wrong disorder, possibly affecting your workers’ compensation claim.
Invisible conditions, whether they stem from a physical or psychological cause, come with a unique set of challenges. However, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation for a work-related condition that is making it hard to work and impacting your life. Since this is a complex topic, the information presented here should not replace the advice of a lawyer.
