April 24, 2013
The Indiana Court of Appeals issued a ruling recently that found a woman was not entitled to Indiana Workers’ Compensation Benefits for injuries sustained in an on-the-job accident.
An article from Risk & Insurance explained the plaintiff had several disputes with coworkers and management during her time as an employee of a retail store in Indiana. When a clothing rack injured her, she was put on light duty in another section of the store.
During an overnight stocking shift, the employee approached her supervisor complaining of chest pains. The supervisor and employee exchanged words and the employee left work to go to the emergency room. She was later diagnosed with having had a panic attack complicated by anemia.
The employee never returned to her job, and she was later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She filed for workers’ compensation benefits claiming her condition was caused by altercations with her co-workers and management.
The court disagreed, saying they were unable to conclude the woman’s condition was caused by her time as an employee at the store. The court went on to explain that just because an injury occurs on-the-job does not necessarily qualify an employee for workers compensation benefits.
The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys recognize the complexities involved with workers’ compensation claims. The firm urges anyone applying for benefits to discuss their legal options with an attorney first.