Types of injuries
Stress, anxiety and PTSD: psychiatric injury claims
California workers' comp covers psychiatric injuries such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, but the rules are stricter than for physical injuries. Generally the condition must be diagnosed under accepted criteria and actual events of employment must be the predominant cause (more than 50%) of it. You usually must have worked for the employer for at least six months, unless the injury came from a sudden and extraordinary event. A psychiatric injury caused by a violent act at work needs only to be a substantial cause (Labor Code §3208.3).
Two kinds of psych claims
- Psychiatric injury caused directly by work events: harassment, a robbery or assault at work, a traumatic incident, extreme workload or hostile conditions.
- Psychiatric injury caused by a physical work injury (a "compensable consequence"): for example depression after a disabling back injury and chronic pain.
The legal requirements (LC §3208.3)
- Diagnosis: a mental disorder diagnosed using accepted criteria (such as the DSM).
- Predominant cause: actual events of employment caused more than 50% of the injury. For injuries from a violent act or direct exposure to one, the threshold is "substantial cause" (35–40%).
- Six months of employment: required unless the injury was caused by a sudden and extraordinary employment condition.
- Good-faith personnel actions: there's no recovery if a lawful, nondiscriminatory, good-faith personnel action (like a fair performance review or layoff) was a substantial cause.
- After termination: psych claims filed after notice of termination or layoff face added limits.
How these claims are evaluated
Psych claims almost always go to a psychiatrist or psychologist QME. The evaluator interviews you, reviews records and often uses psychological testing. Be honest and specific about events at work (dates, people, what happened) and about other stresses in your life; the doctor must weigh all causes. See the QME process.
Permanent disability for psych injuries
For injuries since 2013, increases in permanent disability for psychiatric problems arising from a physical injury are limited, with exceptions for violent acts and catastrophic injuries (LC §4660.1). Treatment for the psychiatric condition is still covered.
If you're in crisis
If you're thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) right now. Your health comes first; the claim can wait.
What to do next
- Write a dated list of the work events involved.
- Get treatment and tell the provider it relates to work.
- Report to your employer in writing and file a DWC-1.
- Psych claims are often disputed; consider talking to an attorney.
Sources
- California Labor Code §3208.3 (psychiatric injury)
- California Labor Code §4660.1 (permanent disability rating)
- DWC fact sheet: QMEs and AMEs (PDF)
- DWC Guidebook for Injured Workers
Official sources checked November 2026. Laws and rates change; check the source for the latest version.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.