Stress is a normal part of many jobs, but when it becomes overwhelming or leads to serious mental or physical health issues, it may qualify as a workplace injury under California law. If your job is affecting your well-being, it’s important to know that you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Here’s how to recognize stress-related injuries and successfully navigate the claims process.
What Is a Stress-Related Workplace Injury?
Stress-related injuries don’t always involve physical harm. They often stem from psychological or emotional strain that eventually affects your mental or physical health. These injuries can develop over time due to a high-pressure environment, unreasonable workloads, harassment, or traumatic events on the job.
Common Stress-Related Conditions Include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia or chronic fatigue
- Gastrointestinal or cardiovascular issues linked to prolonged stress
In California, mental health injuries caused by work can qualify for workers’ compensation—but they are often harder to prove and may face more scrutiny.
Recognizing the Signs of a Work-Related Stress Injury
If your job is causing mental, emotional, or physical harm, pay attention to:
- Frequent headaches or muscle tension
- Sleep problems or changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness, dread, or irritability
- Withdrawal from coworkers or family
- Recurring panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety
These symptoms can worsen over time and begin to interfere with your ability to function at work or home.
Step 1: Seek Professional Medical Help
Before filing a claim, you’ll need a medical diagnosis linking your condition to your job. Mental health claims typically require documentation from:
- A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist
- Your primary care physician
- Any therapists or specialists you’ve seen
Be open about your symptoms and provide details about your work environment. Request that your provider note the connection between your mental health and your job.
Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer
California law requires that you report a work-related injury—including psychological injuries—within 30 days of discovering it. Report the injury in writing and include:
- A description of the stress-related symptoms
- The specific job duties or experiences you believe contributed to your condition
- The date you first noticed the impact on your health
This step is critical to protect your right to file a claim.
Step 3: Complete and Submit a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Your employer must provide a DWC 1 claim form after receiving notice of your injury. Fill out this form completely and return it to begin the claims process. Mental health claims may entitle you to:
- Medical treatment for your condition
- Temporary disability benefits if you need time off work
- Permanent disability benefits if your condition does not improve
- Supplemental job displacement benefits if you cannot return to the same type of work
Step 4: Gather Strong Supporting Evidence
To strengthen your claim for a stress-related workplace injury, gather:
- Medical records linking your diagnosis to your job
- A journal documenting symptoms, triggers, and how the condition affects your life
- Witness statements from coworkers aware of your work conditions
- Documentation of any complaints made about your work environment (e.g., emails, HR reports)
The more detailed your evidence, the more likely your claim will be taken seriously.
Step 5: Contact an Employment Law Attorney
Stress-related injury claims can be complex. Insurance companies may argue that your condition is due to personal issues or pre-existing conditions rather than your job. An experienced attorney can:
- Help you gather the right documentation
- Advocate for you if your claim is denied or delayed
- Ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to
- Protect your rights if you face retaliation for filing a claim
At PLBH, we support workers facing mental and emotional injuries caused by their jobs. You don’t have to handle this process alone. Call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 today for a free, confidential consultation.