The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) reported a 47% rise in the share of paid workers compensation claims connected to mental health from 2015 to 2024. The rate of these claims more than doubled specifically in the healthcare sector. Despite this increase, mental health claims remain relatively uncommon, with the frequency rising from approximately 0.23 to 0.34 per 100 paid claims during the study period. Among claims with more than seven days away from work, mental health claim frequency saw a 40% increase.
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The report analyzed data from 31 states for injuries occurring between October 2014 and September 2024, focusing on cases where a mental health condition was the primary occupational injury, excluding those where mental health issues developed as a consequence of primary physical injuries.
This study was released in the context of expanding state coverage for work-related mental health conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for first responders. Approximately 40 states allow mental health claims without an accompanying physical injury, and WCRI identified statutory rebuttable PTSD presumptions in nine states as of January 1, 2025. These states—California, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington—primarily cover first responders and public safety occupations, with eligibility differing across states.
In the healthcare industry, mental health claim frequency increased from 0.19 to 0.42 per 100 paid claims. Significant increases in rates were also noted in the public safety and transportation sectors, while clerical and professional workers had the highest claim rates but saw little overall change.
California recorded the highest frequency of mental health claims among the states studied, at approximately 1.1 per 100 paid claims. The data showed that women, higher-wage workers, and employees with longer job tenures had higher claim rates.
About 40% of paid mental health claims were associated with more than seven days of lost time. For this group, average indemnity payments after 24 months were $21,206, compared to $16,013 for all workers' compensation claims with similar lost time. Conversely, average medical payments were lower for mental health claims at $13,316 versus $16,814 for overall comparable claims.
Common diagnoses included PTSD, adjustment disorders, other stress reactions, and anxiety, with treatments generally encompassing psychological evaluations, psychotherapy, prescription medications, and general medical care.
Researchers noted that the increase in claim frequency does not necessarily indicate a rise in actual mental health injuries. Factors such as changes in reporting, awareness, coverage policies, and claim composition might also play a role. The study did not specifically isolate the impacts of expanded coverage or PTSD presumptions.