Mental Health Workers Compensation Claims Have Risen

A new study reveals that mental health claims for workers compensation increased by 47% over the last decade.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Mental Health

Isometric editorial illustration of a solitary office chair in a minimalist room, representing the rising trend in occupational mental health claims. — The Workers Compensation Research Institute reports a 47 percent surge in mental health claims for work-related injuries across 31 states over the last decade. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Workers Compensation Research Institute has reported a significant surge in mental health claims among employees across 31 states. Between 2015 and 2024, the share of paid claims for mental health conditions rose by 47 percent.

Why it matters

This data highlights a broader shift in occupational injury reporting as more states move to recognize mental health conditions as primary work-related injuries. Roughly 40 states now permit such claims even in the absence of a physical injury.

Mental health claim frequency grew from 0.23 to 0.34 per 100 paid claims, with healthcare sector claims climbing from 0.19 to 0.42. California recorded the highest rate at 1.1 claims per 100 paid claims.

The players

Workers Compensation Research Institute

This is a private, non-profit research organization based in Waltham, Massachusetts, that provides information on workers compensation systems.

The details

The report examined claims for injuries occurring between October 2014 and September 2024, focusing on cases where a mental health issue was the primary occupational injury. Indemnity payments for these claims averaged $21,206 at 24 months, while medical payments averaged $13,316.

The study period for injury claims spanned from October 2014 through September 2024.
The share of mental health claims increased from 2015 through 2024.
Nine states had statutory rebuttable PTSD presumptions in effect on January 1, 2025.
The Workers Compensation Research Institute published the report on September 29, 2026.

The Big Picture

The rise in mental health claims reflects the implementation of statutory rebuttable PTSD presumptions in nine states, which makes it easier for employees to access benefits. The study quantifies the impact of these evolving legislative environments on overall claim frequency.

Employees in the healthcare sector should be aware that their risk of filing mental health-related workers compensation claims is statistically higher than in other fields. Claimants should also note that coverage eligibility varies significantly, as nearly 40 states now allow claims without physical injuries.

The takeaway

As mental health becomes a standard component of occupational health, the financial costs associated with these claims are becoming a larger part of the workers compensation system. Workers and employers should familiarize themselves with state-specific statutes regarding non-physical injury claims.