Workplace injuries aren’t always visible. While physical wounds may heal, the emotional and psychological effects of a traumatic event at work can linger far longer, sometimes for a lifetime.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are increasingly recognized as legitimate consequences of job-related experiences. But when it comes to financial and medical support, many workers are left wondering: Does workers’ compensation in Minnesota cover mental health conditions like PTSD?
The answer depends on where you work, what happened, and how the law applies to your specific circumstances. In Minnesota, there are clear protections for some workers, but the rules can be complex.
Here’s what you need to know about mental health claims under Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system and how a work-related injury lawyer in Minnesota can help.
Understanding PTSD in the Workplace
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can result from a single critical incident, such as a violent attack, serious injury, or death on the job, or from repeated exposure to traumatic experiences over time.
Common symptoms of PTSD include the following.
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Anxiety, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance of certain situations or people
In high-stress professions, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, healthcare workers, and correctional officers, PTSD is unfortunately not uncommon. But it can also affect employees in a wide range of roles following traumatic workplace events like robberies, serious accidents, or violence.
Can You File a Workers’ Compensation Minnesota Claim for PTSD?
Yes, under Minnesota law, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for PTSD, but there are specific requirements. The biggest is that your PTSD diagnosis must meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and it must come from a licensed mental health professional.
Minnesota has taken a national lead in recognizing the legitimacy of mental health claims in the workplace. In 2013, the state passed a law explicitly allowing PTSD to be considered a compensable occupational disease, provided certain criteria are met.
However, unlike physical injuries, mental health claims are often met with skepticism by employers or insurers. That’s why engaging with a work-related injury lawyer in Minnesota from the start is so critical.
Special Protections for First Responders
If you are a first responder, Minnesota law gives you added protection when filing a PTSD claim. This includes the following professions.
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- EMTs and paramedics
- Corrections officers
- 911 dispatchers and public safety telecommunicators
For these occupations, PTSD is presumed to be a work-related injury under the law. That means if you are diagnosed with PTSD, the burden is on the employer or insurer to prove it wasn’t caused by your job, not the other way around.
This legal presumption makes it significantly easier for first responders to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits related to PTSD, including these.
- Medical treatment
- Wage loss compensation
- Vocational rehabilitation if you’re unable to return to your previous job
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
What About Other Workers?
Even if you’re not a first responder, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for PTSD or other mental health conditions. However, the legal standards are stricter.
Minnesota law typically does not allow workers to claim compensation for mental injuries stemming from workplace stress alone (sometimes called “mental-mental” injuries), unless it rises to the level of PTSD and meets specific diagnostic criteria.
Here’s what you’ll need to successfully file a mental health claim as a non-first responder:
- A formal PTSD diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist
- A documented traumatic workplace event that caused the condition
- Evidence linking your condition directly to your job
It’s important to note that claims based on general stress, burnout, or depression, without a triggering traumatic incident, are generally not compensable under current Minnesota law. However, every case is unique, and legal advice can help clarify your options.
How Osterbauer Law Firm Can Help
At Osterbauer, we’ve represented countless injured workers across Minnesota who are struggling with PTSD and other work-related mental health conditions.
We know how traumatic these experiences can be, and how frustrating it is to navigate a legal system that wasn’t always built to recognize invisible injuries. Our workplace attorney in Minnesota team can help you with the following steps.
- Gather medical evidence and expert opinions
- Ensure your diagnosis meets state requirements
- File your claim properly and on time
- Appeal denied claims or disputes underpaid benefits
Workplace Attorney Minnesota: Start Your Comeback Journey
PTSD and other mental health conditions are real, and they deserve real support. If you or a loved one is suffering from a job-related psychological injury, don’t wait for your situation to worsen or for your claim to be denied.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.