When a workplace incident results in serious trauma, the impact extends far beyond the physical event itself. For employees directly involved, the emotional and psychological effects can be significant, often creating barriers to recovery, treatment, and return to work. In these situations, timely support and coordinated disability management can make a meaningful difference. 

This case highlights how early intervention, advocacy, and ongoing support helped an employee navigate a traumatic workplace event and successfully return to work. 

The Situation 

A Canadian trucking company partnered with Disability Management Institute (DMI) to support the management of its occupational injury claims. 

Following a tragic workplace accident that resulted in a fatality, the employer contacted DMI after one of its employees became unable to work due to the psychological impact of the event. 

Once notified, DMI immediately initiated the claims process, coordinated with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB), and began identifying the supports needed to help the employee access care as quickly as possible. 

Removing Barriers to Care 

One of the first priorities was ensuring the employee had access to appropriate mental health support. 

Because English was not the employee's first language, DMI engaged a team member fluent in the employee's native language. This helped create a more comfortable experience, reduced communication barriers, and ensured important information was not lost during the process. 

DMI also worked closely with the WCB to advocate for counselling services in the employee's preferred language, helping improve access to care and support recovery from the outset.  By tailoring support to this employee's individual needs, DMI was able to remove barriers to care and create an environment that supported a more effective, supportive, and employee-centred recovery. 

Accelerating Access to Treatment 

Access to mental health assessments can often be one of the biggest challenges in psychological injury claims. In many cases, Canadians seeking psychiatric evaluation and care, face wait times of nearly six months, ultimately delaying treatment and prolonging time away from work.  

Through ongoing advocacy and collaboration with the Board, DMI helped secure a psychiatric evaluation in less than one month. The claim was approved just ten days after the assessment was completed, significantly reducing delays and allowing treatment to begin sooner. 

Planning for a Safe Return to Work 

As the employee progressed through treatment, DMI's Return-to-Work team became involved to begin planning for a successful transition back to the workplace. 

Working alongside treatment providers, DMI's Return-to-Work Specialist identified the employee's restrictions and limitations and developed a gradual return-to-work plan designed to rebuild confidence and resilience over time. 

The plan was closely monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure it remained safe, sustainable, and aligned with the employee's recovery. Approximately one month after beginning the graduated return-to-work program, the employee successfully returned to their regular duties. 

The Outcome 

From injury to full return to work, the claim was resolved in approximately four months. 

This included: 

  • Access to trauma counselling 
  • A psychiatric evaluation and claim approval 
  • Ongoing treatment support 
  • Development and implementation of a graduated return-to-work plan 
  • Successful return to regular duties 

For the employee, this meant receiving timely care, appropriate support, and a clear path forward during a difficult period. 

For the employer, it meant reduced claim duration, lower claim costs, and confidence that their employee was receiving the support needed to recover successfully. 

The Difference Early Intervention Can Make 

Mental health claims are often complex, and delays in treatment can prolong recovery and increase claim costs. 

Early intervention, strong advocacy, and coordinated disability management can help remove barriers to care, improve recovery outcomes, and support a safer, more sustainable return to work. 

At DMI, the goal is to help employees access the support they need while helping employers navigate complex claims with confidence. Connect with one of our experts today!