Workers’ Compensation for Stress

Has work-related stress left you unable to do your job in Pennsylvania? You could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but getting those benefits is not always easy. Pennsylvania sets strict standards for these claims, and many workers give up before they even file. A lawyer can step in to handle all the paperwork for you, line up experts to support your claim, and fight back if you face a denial. With the right strategy, you can improve your chances of securing wage loss benefits and coverage for treatment.

Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation for Stress?

Yes. Pennsylvania allows you to claim workers’ compensation benefits for mental health conditions tied to your work, though not every type of job-related stress counts. The stress must cause a psychological injury like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to qualify. Every day stress due to pressure from supervisors or deadlines is not enough. 

The law also requires proof that “abnormal working conditions” caused the stress. An abnormal working condition is something that goes beyond the ordinary challenges of your job. Courts have recognized stress-related claims after sudden, extraordinary events like workplace violence or traumatic incidents. 

However, as of October 2025, first responders in Pennsylvania will no longer need to prove that “abnormal working conditions” caused a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) when seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Instead, the PA legislation established certain criteria that must be met by a first responder since they are often exposed to traumatic events on a regular basis.  However, benefits for such psychological injuries will now have a cap of two years.

How Can I File a Mental Stress Claim in PA?

You must act quickly if you believe work-related stress has caused you to develop a mental health condition. First, you must report the injury to your employer within 21 days, and no later than 120 days from when you knew the condition was linked to your job. Your employer must then file a First Report of Injury with its insurance carrier. If you don’t start receiving benefits from the insurer, you have three years from the date of injury to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. 

How Do You Prove Work-Related Stress?

Pennsylvania sets a high standard for stress-related workers’ comp claims. You must show that unusual work conditions directly caused your psychological injury, not personal issues from outside of your job. Medical records and expert testimony are essential, but they aren’t always enough by themselves. Judges look for clear evidence that the stress came from an extraordinary event, not routine job strain. 

This is where a workers’ comp lawyer can make all the difference. Your attorney can gather the right evidence, question medical experts effectively, and demonstrate how your case meets the relevant standards. Without legal support, it’s difficult to prove a work-related stress claim.

Potential Compensation for Work-Related Stress

If you bring a successful claim, you could receive several types of workers’ compensation for work-related stress. For instance, you might qualify for partial wage-loss benefits if you can only work at a reduced capacity, earning less than before. If the stress completely prevents you from working, you could be entitled to wage-loss benefits that cover up to two-thirds of your usual income. Additionally, medical benefits may cover treatments such as therapy, prescriptions, and hospitalization. The scope of the benefits available to you will depend on the strength of the evidence and the extent of your disability.

FAQs About Stress and Workers’ Compensation

Many workers experience stress related to their jobs, but not every case qualifies for workers’ compensation. Below are answers to common questions workers have about whether stress at work could entitle them to benefits under Pennsylvania law.

Is stress leave covered by workers’ compensation?

Not all stress leave qualifies for workers’ compensation. If you take time off due to ordinary work stress, you will not receive benefits. Pennsylvania requires proof that your stress produced a diagnosable mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, depression, or PTSD. You must also show that the condition resulted from abnormal work events, not just everyday deadlines or heavy workloads. A sudden traumatic incident, such as a violent event at work, could meet this standard. You will need strong medical evidence and a clear connection between your job and your condition to succeed.

Is work-related stress considered a disability?

Stress, by itself, is not a disability. However, if stress leads to a recognized mental health disorder, it could qualify as a disability under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law. The key is whether the condition prevents you from working or limits your ability to earn income. Courts have granted benefits for stress-related conditions that have left workers unable to return to their jobs. That said, a diagnosis will not automatically lead to compensation. The law still requires proof that your condition stems from extraordinary job-related events. If your stress rises to the level of a disabling condition and meets the legal standards, benefits might be a possibility.

Does workers’ comp include stress?

Workers’ comp might cover job-related stress if it results from unusual job conditions and produces a diagnosed mental health injury. Everyday stress from personality conflicts or tight deadlines usually will not qualify. State law only recognizes claims involving something out of the ordinary at work that causes a lasting psychological condition. For example, an employee who develops PTSD after a violent altercation at work might qualify. The burden falls on the worker to prove the claim with medical records and credible testimony. An attorney can help you obtain benefits by establishing that your stress came from an abnormal work event and caused a diagnosable condition.

Do you need to sustain a physical injury to receive benefits for stress?

No, you do not need a physical injury to receive workers’ comp benefits for stress. Pennsylvania allows claims for purely mental injuries, but these cases are subject to strict scrutiny. For example, a worker who develops a panic disorder after a shocking incident at work might qualify, even if they did not suffer a physical injury. However, the courts will carefully evaluate whether the incident was truly abnormal for the job. Because the requirements are so difficult to meet, many employees choose to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can present strong medical and factual evidence in support of their mental health claims.

Contact the Workers’ Comp Lawyers at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. For Help

If you believe work stress has left you with mental health issues, do not wait for answers from your employer or insurer. The sooner you act, the better chance you have to protect your rights and build a strong case. Contact Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. now for help with your stress-related workers’ compensation claim. We offer free initial consultations to review your situation and explain your options.