I have been bullied at work and now I have depression. I have quit my job but my mental health and confidence have been shattered and I am finding it really hard to find another job. Can I seek compensation?
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Answer by Shamaila Khan, Kingsville 3012 VIC
- If the bullying was severe enough to induce a psychiatric injury then you are entitled to seek compensation. Psychiatric injuries come within the definition of ‘workplace injury’ and can include depression, anxiety and other recognised mental health disorders.
- To be eligible for compensation you will need to demonstrate that:
- the bullying occurred at your place of work;
- the bullying occurred on more than one occasion or involved a series of events over a period of time; and
- the incident involved actual bullying rather than reasonable management action.
- Examples of bullying include:
- offensive language or comments;
- unjustified criticism;
- deliberate exclusion; or
- the withholding of information required to complete tasks effectively.
- It should be noted that while ‘injury’ does extend to psychological injuries mere stress is not enough for a workers compensation claim.