Does Workers’ Comp Cover Mental Health Injuries in Illinois?

 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Workplace injuries are not always visible. While broken bones, repetitive stress injuries, and other forms of physical harm are commonly accepted under workers’ compensation, mental health injuries may also qualify. If your job has caused severe emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), workers’ compensation benefits might be available to help you recover.

As of July 2025, Illinois workers’ compensation law continues to recognize certain psychological injuries, but qualifying for benefits is not always straightforward. A knowledgeable Decatur, IL workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.

Do Mental Health Conditions Qualify for Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

Illinois law allows mental health injuries to be covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, but qualifying often involves more scrutiny than a claim following a physical injury. You must show that the mental health condition was directly caused by your job and that it arose out of and in the course of your employment.

The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled in multiple cases that emotional distress alone is not enough. The mental condition must be medically diagnosed and must be tied to a specific event or a series of events at work. For example, emergency responders who witness traumatic events may qualify, as may workers who are victims of workplace violence.

What Types of Mental Health Conditions Might Qualify for Illinois Workers’ Comp?

Mental and emotional conditions may qualify for compensation if they meet the legal standard. Some examples include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety or panic disorders

• Depression related to a workplace injury or traumatic event

• Mental health conditions resulting from repeated exposure to traumatic experiences in the workplace

A mental health claim can be based on a psychological condition alone or can be secondary to a physical injury. For example, if a worker develops depression after a disabling back injury, that emotional condition might be considered part of the overall claim.

How Do You Prove a Workers’ Comp Claim for a Mental Condition?

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission generally requires a higher standard of proof for mental health claims. You need to demonstrate that there is a clear connection between your job and the mental health condition. 

A diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, medical records documenting your symptoms and treatment, or other evidence that the condition significantly impairs your job performance or prevents you from working can all be useful in proving your claim. Unlike physical injuries, mental health issues are invisible and often questioned by employers and insurers. That is why strong documentation and timely filing are critical.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Decatur, IL Workers’ Comp Attorney

If you are struggling with a work-related mental health condition, you do not have to face it on your own. A skilled Bloomington, IL workers’ comp lawyer at Kanoski Bresney can help you build a strong case with proper medical evidence, handle insurance company disputes, and guide you through the claims process to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Call us today at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.