As of January 1, 2025, the New York State Workers Compensation Law was amended to allow all workers who suffer mental injuries due to extraordinary work-related stress provided that they can prove that their mental injury is related to the work related stress even if it is not greater than the normal stress of their work environment.
Previously this standard was reserved for first responders who were responding to a work related emergency. The change in this law expands the pool of workers who may bring a claim for mental injuries to all workers who are exposed to extraordinary stressors.
It is not clear how the WC Board will interpret this change in the long run but this is a good sign that New York State is taking steps to further support the treatment of mental health injuries that occur at work.