Can an Ohio Worker Make a Workers' Compensation Claim for Mental Health Issues?

Mental health can impact a person's life just as much as a physical injury or disability can. In the workplace, things like trauma, stress, or work-related events can trigger mental conditions, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

In Ohio, workers' compensation is complex and confusing. It's possible that a person may be eligible for workers' compensation, and mental health services may be covered just like any other on-the-job injury. It's important for Ohio workers to understand the situation, how stress-related conditions might be covered by workers' compensation, and how to get started. 

Larrimer & Larrimer has been working with people in Ohio with workers' compensation coverage for decades. They can counsel anyone to determine if they are entitled to workers' compensation for any injury or occupational disease. They can answer questions like Do I qualify for workers’ compensation if I was injured off-site?

Understanding Workers’ Compensation and Mental Health in Ohio - What Can Ohio Workers With Mental Health Issues Claim? 

Workers' compensation in Ohio was created to offer benefits to any individual who suffers work injuries or illnesses. Though physical injuries are more commonly covered, there are certain mental health conditions that are also eligible for benefits under Ohio law -- though it's more difficult to get a settlement, as the mental illness must relate to the job. 

Ohio worker's compensation law typically recognizes two main types of workplace-related mental health claims:

• Physical-Mental Claims - When a mental condition develops as a direct result of a physical injury or chronic condition sustained while on the job.

• Mental-Mental Claims - When a mental condition is caused by a job-related psychological event, without a physical injury happening, too.

Though it's true that physical-mental claims have a better chance of being approved, it's possible that treatment may be covered for mental-mental claims. However, working with an attorney is almost always necessary to get over the legal hurdles associated with this type of case. 

Ohio’s Legal Standards for a Mental Health Workers' Compensation Claim - What Does Workers' Compensation Law Say?

To see how the state might assess a mental health condition, it's important to look at Ohio law. In Ohio, Revised Code §4123 is used to determine if a mental health claim without a physical injury is approved. Generally, to get workers' compensation benefits for a mental health condition, the employee must prove the following: 

• That the mental health condition was caused by a compensable physical injury at work, or...

• That the mental health condition is linked to an incident that both occurred in the workplace or during the scope of work and was traumatic or unusual in nature.

For example, if a worker was severely injured on a piece of machinery and lost their hand, they may present with PTSD following that injury. In this circumstance, it's likely that the state's workers' compensation program would approve the claim. However, if a person working at the same company has deadlines to get their job done at a certain time, and it's creating a lot of stress to meet those deadlines, that would likely not be approved.

Common Work-Related Mental Health Conditions and Employee Might Experience

Employees who do end up qualifying for workers' compensation in Ohio often have the following mental health conditions: 

• PTSD - Typically linked to workplace accidents, assaults, or witnessing a fatality or severe injury when on the job

• Depression - May develop after a life-altering injury, an injury causing loss of function, or other extreme job-related trauma

• Anxiety - May be triggered by threats, stressful incidents, or trauma that occurred while working

These conditions must be diagnosed by a mental health professional, and there must be medical evidence to back up the claim for it to have a chance at being successful. 

Proving the Connection Between Employment and Mental Health

For an Ohio worker to qualify for workers' comp for a mental health condition, there must be strong documentation to support the claim. This might include: 

• Medical Records - These include psychiatric evaluations, therapy records, and records of treatment history

• Incident Reports - Documentation of a workplace event that caused or contributed to the condition, such as a terrible accident or an armed robbery, where the worker's life was threatened

• Witness Statements - Testimony from supervisors or co-workers who saw the event unfold

• Expert Opinions - Reports from psychiatrists or psychologists confirming the link between the condition and the workplace incident

Evidence is essential. Without enough documentation and evidence, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) will likely not approve the claim. 

Challenges in Ohio Mental Health Claims - The Difference Between Mental Issues and Physical Injury

Workers' compensation claims in Ohio for mental health are often challenging for a number of reasons: 

• Higher Burden of Proof - Unlike a physical injury, mental health issues require a lot more evidence to establish a direct link to a work-related cause.

• Skeptical Insurers - Since it's not a physical injury, insurance companies are often skeptical of these types of claims. They often argue that mental health issues are due to personal problems rather than an event from the workplace.

• Limited Recognition of Mental-Mental Claims - It's rare for purely psychological claims to be approved, and almost impossible without a skilled attorney.

Since these claims can be difficult to prove by themselves, many injured workers reach out to an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Columbus to ensure the best possible outcome. 

Why Legal Help Can Benefit Workers and be a Valuable Resource for Those Experiencing Psychiatric Illnesses

Becoming a client of a workers' compensation attorney can bring many benefits to cases like these. A lawyer will do the following: 

• Review the facts of the case and determine if the claim may be eligible

• Gather evidence to support the claim

• Communication with the BWC on behalf of the worker

• Represent the workers in hearings or appeals

In cases that involve mental health conditions, it's extremely important to work with a law firm that has experience and understands the complex steps to take in a workers' comp claim for mental health.

Steps to Take If You Believe You Qualify

If an employee believes their mental health condition is work-related, they should do the following:

1. Seek Medical Help Immediately – Obtain a professional diagnosis and begin treatment.

2. Report the Incident to the Employer – Document the workplace event that triggered the condition.

3. File a Claim Promptly – Ohio workers’ compensation claims must be filed within a specific time frame.

4. Gather Evidence – Collect all relevant records, statements, and medical reports.

5. Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer – Get professional guidance before speaking extensively with insurers or the BWC.

   
   

Work with the Worker's Compensation Attorneys at Larrimer & Larrimer - Contact Us for a Free Consult

Yes, it is possible to qualify for workers’ compensation for mental health issues in Ohio, but the process is far from simple. The law heavily favors claims linked to physical injuries, and purely psychological claims face significant scrutiny. However, with strong evidence and experienced legal representation, workers in Columbus and throughout Ohio may still secure the benefits they need to recover and move forward. These benefits might cover the cost of medication and treatment, lost wages, and more. 

To learn if a case is possible, workers are invited to reach out to Larrimer & Larrimer.