Psychological Injury Lawyers in Perth

Who Can Make a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Mental Health?

You may be able to make a workers’ compensation claim if you’ve suffered a psychological or psychiatric injury because of your work.  

You will need to show that: 

• You’re a worker (or deemed worker) under the WA scheme, and 
• Your work was a significant contributing factor to your psychological injury. 

Psychological injuries can involve cognitive, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that affect how you feel, think, function day to day, and connect with those around you.  

It’s also important to know that some mental health claims can be excluded under WA workers’ compensation laws (for example, where a condition arises mainly from reasonable management action such as performance reviews or disciplinary action). If you’re unsure where you stand, we can talk it through and explain your options.  If you’ve been diagnosed with a psychological injury and want to understand your entitlements, contact Persich Personal Injury today for your Free, No Obligation First Consultation.

Common Causes of Psychological Injuries in the Workplace

According to Safe Work Australia’s 2024 report Psychological health and safety in the workplace, mental health conditions account for an increasing proportion of serious workers’ compensation claims. Psychological injuries are often linked to psychosocial hazards at work. These can develop from a single event or build up over time.  

Common causes include: 

• Workplace bullying, harassment or discrimination 
• Exposure to traumatic events (including threats or violence at work) 
• Unsafe or hostile work environments 
• Excessive workload or pressure and unrealistic deadlines 
• Lack of support, poor communication or role uncertainty 
• Ongoing conflict with colleagues or management 

Mental health claims are particularly common for community and personal service workers, professionals, and clerical or administrative workers.