Deadlines, bad bosses and lazy coworkers, long commutes: A job can be a stress-filled place. But what does Ohio law allow for workers’ compensation and stress?

A recent Gallup poll indicated that about 40 percent of workers in the U.S. say their job stresses them out. 

So what does Ohio law say about mental health, stress and workers’ compensation? Workers’ compensation is for employees to have a way to recover lost income and medical expenses if they are hurt or sick on the job. But mental health concerns can be a gray area – and it isn’t always easy to prove these challenges stem from someone’s job.

Ohio is one of several states that doesn’t allow workers’ compensation coverage for mental health or psychological injuries – so a claim for a purely psychological condition is not permitted.   Ohio law requires that any psychological condition arise out of a physical injury, so if there has not been a physical injury from which the psychological condition developed, Ohio law says you aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation. 

Excessive levels of stress that cause a physical injury are potentially covered in some circumstances.  However, that stress has be at a level greater than that experienced by the majority of people in their day to day lives and in their normal work lives.   

The impact of stress and the workers’ compensation system can be a complicated and situation specific matter, so a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the system and decide if your case qualifies under Ohio law.

Connor Kimmet and Hafenstein LLP

If you or someone you love needs help navigating a workers’ compensation claim, we can help. We have a qualified attorney for you. Contact us today.