Do you struggle with extreme stress or anxiety related to your occupation? The reality is, we all have experienced stress in our day-to-day lives, some of us more than others. There are days where the toughest of us struggle, too. Coping mechanisms and tactics may help in stress relief, but for extreme cases, the toll one’s work or career has taken on their physical and mental health may have a lasting effect on their life. In Nevada, commuting and downtown traffic or uncertain job safety may be major components adding to the stress and anxiety of individuals. If you or someone you love has been seriously impacted by stress and anxiety related to their work, they may be eligible for compensation or additional assistance. Legal options available to you or your loved one, in regards to making a claim for work-related stress or anxiety may primarily depend on if it resulted in mental or physical injuries. 

Common Causes of Work-Related Stress

Here are some common stressors influencing stress or anxiety levels related to work and occupations:

• Hefty workload and tight deadlines
• Extended hours
• Unreasonable or unmanageable work demands
• Lack of resources or equipment in order to successfully complete a job
• Workplace pressures or expectations
• Unexpected, frequent or major changes within the workplace environment
• Changes to work duties and appointed tasks
• Financial and or occupational insecurity
• Over-supervision or lack of supervision
• Lack of support or assistance, when needed
• Discrimination – racial, gender, religious, age, etc.
• In-company conflict between boss and co-workers, or amongst co-workers
• Injury or harm on the job – workplace injuries, robberies/criminal events, etc.
• Poor company or organizational culture

Work-related stress or anxiety may result in physical illness and mental or behavioral distress, resulting in signs or symptoms affecting one’s well being. Although stress, or anxiety, may be an inevitable part of one’s work-life or occupational culture, excessive pressures, unrealistic expectations or other factors may result in ill-health and additional personal problems down the road.

Signs and Symptoms of Work-Related Stress

For many, work-related stress or anxiety may appear in many different signs or symptoms, related to physical, mental and behavioral health. Do you have extreme, work-related stress or just general stress?

• Some Physical Health Signs
  • Exhaustion
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Frequent migraines and headaches
  • Muscle tensity, aching and pain
  • Upset stomach, such as constipation or diarrhea
  • Chest tightness and pain
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat, frequent changes
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Frequent illness, colds or flu
• Some Mental Health Signs
  • Lack of interest in occupation or general life
  • Overwhelmed feeling and panic attacks
  • Focus or concentration difficulties
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Some Behavioral Health Signs
  • Diminished creativity
  • Diminished productivity
  • Poor work performance or a noticeable change in work performance
  • Communication difficulties between co-workers and/or employer
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Mood swings or attitude changes
  • Increased impatience or frustration
  • Failure to meet deadlines

Making Your Claim

Workers’ compensation encompasses the ill or negative impact of one’s job on their physical or mental health. Some instances may be actionable outside of worker’s compensation claims, but others may be eligible and right-fit for filing a personal injury lawsuit for negligent infliction of emotional distress and the effects of workplace stressors. In these cases, you will need extensive proof of the work-related stress or injuries inflicted, so it is important that this situation is not taken lightly. In order for consideration or further discussion of work-related stress, anxiety and injuries related to those, proof of discrimination, intentional or extreme workplace conflict or other issues will be needed to consider the impact of a workplace’s culture and duties on one’s physical, mental or behavioral health.

If you believe you or a loved one struggle with work-related stress or anxiety injuries as a result from your workplace environment or job, it is wise to seek advice from a legal team you can trust. By partnering with a personal injury professional, you may better understand your stress or anxiety and determine if the injuries you are faced with truly stemmed from your job or workplace culture.