Mental health: the emerging frontier in workers’ compensation

As of January 2024, 31 US states and the District of Columbia permit workers to file claims for mental health conditions resulting from work-related factors. This legislative shift was initially propelled by the recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. States such as Florida, Missouri, Washington, and Idaho have acknowledged the occupational nature of PTSD, paving the way for broader acceptance of mental health claims across various sectors. Subsequently, New York and Connecticut have enacted laws enabling claims for extraordinary workplace stress, irrespective of occupation.