Does California Workers’ Compensation Cover PTSD From Work?

 Posted on August 04, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Not all job-related injuries are physical. For some California workers, the risk of emotional and mental harm can be just as serious. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one example of a mental health condition that can result from workplace trauma. 

If you are experiencing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or depression because of something that happened on the job, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help you financially as you work on recovery. A Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and what benefits may be available.

How Can You Get PTSD on the Job in California?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that often develops after a person goes through a traumatic or life-threatening experience. In the workplace, trauma can take many forms. It may come from a single shocking event, such as a robbery, violent attack, serious accident, or being threatened by a coworker or customer. For others, PTSD can build up over time through repeated stress or disturbing experiences.

For example, police officers, paramedics, and firefighters often witness injuries, deaths, or dangerous situations. Healthcare workers in emergency departments or psychiatric units may also experience traumatic events regularly. Even retail employees or office workers can suffer trauma, especially if they are harassed, bullied, or placed in dangerous situations.

Does California Law Address Workers’ Comp Claims for Mental Health Disorders?

California law allows workers to file for benefits based on psychiatric injuries, including PTSD. According to California Labor Code § 3208.3, employees can receive compensation if they can prove their job was the main cause of their mental condition. This usually requires a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional. 

The law also sets a few conditions. Most workers must have been employed for at least six months before the injury occurred. However, if the PTSD was caused by a sudden and extreme event, such as witnessing a death or being assaulted, this time limit may not apply.

In addition, some public safety workers receive extra protection under California Labor Code § 3212.15. This statute presumes that PTSD is work-related for certain first responders, making it easier for them to qualify for benefits. 

There are also limits. Mental conditions caused by regular job decisions, such as being disciplined, demoted, or fired, are not usually covered. California Labor Code § 3208.3(h) says that stress from legal, good-faith actions by the employer cannot be used to support a claim.

What Benefits Are Available for PTSD Through Workers’ Compensation?

If your PTSD is considered a work-related injury, you may be eligible for several types of workers’ compensation benefits in California, including:

• Medical care: Treatment from doctors, therapists, or psychiatrists paid for by the employer’s insurance.

• Temporary disability benefits: Wage replacement if you need time off work to recover.

• Permanent disability benefits: Ongoing payments if your PTSD permanently affects your ability to work.

• Supplemental job displacement benefits: Help with job training or retraining if you cannot return to your old job.

Contact a Gilroy, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

If you are suffering from PTSD related to your work, you do not have to handle it alone. The Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers at Cramer + Martinez have been serving the community for nearly three decades. Our team has over 20 years of combined experience with workers’ comp cases, including those involving mental health injuries caused by difficult or dangerous job conditions. Call us at 408-848-1113 to schedule your free consultation in English or Spanish. Hablamos Español.